Quarter Dome 1

Does anyone have any thoughts on the REI Quarter Dome (1 person)? I currently own this tent and can't find a good reason to replace it for my 2026 hike... but it seems like no one is using it on the trail. Does anyone have any experience with it for a PCT thru?

Have a few and have learned a little from each. As mentioned, you’re generally paying for ounces, materials, packability, and weather resistance. I have the previous gen REI Quarter Dome. It has been good and have already replaced the shock cord on poles, a common issue for REI tents. But I’m always jealous when looking at my friends MSR Hubba Hubba. I also have a Durston Xmid 2. An amazing tent and design, but requires a little more work to learn how to pitch and takes up a little more space. Also needs good ground to secure to. They also have a freestanding option that looks real nice. And then I have an old 3P Mountain Hardware. Not something I use other than for car camping. Materials are thicker and more resistant to having a kid and dog inside. More space for all our stuff, traditional air mattress, etc. dumb vinyl windows on the fly failed years ago and I’ve been running with it taped ever since.

Where are you based? If you're in the US, REI's house brand has a couple of options - Trail Made and Trail Hut 2P tents that go for under USD $250. Sounds like your usage is pretty low, so I would also consider exploring your local FB Marketplace for 2P tents. You might get a higher end version or older models of REI tents for far cheaper. Lots of people who are new to camping go buy new gear only to find out that perhaps it's not for them. I found a used Half Dome 2 on Craigslist 5 years ago for $30. The Half Dome goes on car camping trips, or trips where it'll sit out in the sun for day. I've also had a REI Quarter Dome and a Passage before - they are decent tents. If you're buying used, just inspect the waterproofing layer for signs of wear and delamination. Good luck!

I'd recommend the Dan Durston X-Mid 1P if you can find one used, they hit most of your requirements and are a lot lighter than the Tadpole. I switched to the Quarter Dome a couple years ago and haven’t looked back. There’s a ton of good budget ultralight options popping up these days too if you shop the used market.

The REI half dome 2 (and the smaller quarter dome) for years was basically the classic PNW tent. Great in the rain and wind, good ventilation, not too heavy (5lbs or so) and large vestibules for gear storage. You can pick up lightly used models for a good deal. Another option if you are not opposed to used if buying one of the REI rental tents. The pop up in the used gear sections from time to time. Allegedly they are built slightly stronger. I also really like Big Agnes tents. Very light and their customer service is great if you have any issues.