REI Co-op - Quarter Dome 2

The Quarter Dome was great for this (it’s what I use, actually, about to head out on nights 100-104 on that tent), but it’s out of production. They have a similar tent that’s a Copper Spur knockoff that seems decent.

We’ve done a good 50 nights in my REI Quarter Dome 2. It’s got room for two people inside, and very little else. It is… cozy. Luckily the vestibules are pretty large. We usually split it, one person with poles and stakes, the other with the rest.

REI tents only punch above their price point until they don't. I had a Quarter Dome 2 completely fail after maybe 10 nights, and REI DID NOT stand up for their supposed warranty. They told me that I needed to send my tent to a third party repair company at my own expense. WHY TF DID I BUY AN REI PRODUCT BECAUSE OF THE REI WARRANTY IF THE WARRANTY DIDN'T ACTUALLY EXIST? Meanwhile, I have a Marmot Ajax 3p that's still going strong after 10 years. Fuck REI. They ceased to be about the co-op a long time ago. Now they're all about DEI hipster lifestyle salespersons who have never spent a single night in the woods and ripping off stupid newbies who think they're buying a decent product. Don't be that stupid newbie like me.

REI’s halfdome and quarterdome are great affordable, durable starter tents. 

Not at that price and weight. I like the fly creek UL 2 as a light option, but it’s more expensive. On the cheaper side is the half dome or quarter dome but they are heavy and prices vary. A good tent will last you many years, so factor that into your decision.

REI Quarter done is a good compromise. 2 pounds and double walled. I’m selling mine if you’re interested.

This. However, I don’t think they sell the Quarter Domes anymore. I’ve been on many trips and a handful in high winds and torrential downpours. Stayed bone dry. Tight for 2 people, but my younger son and I manage fine.

That's what I use up there. I have a little REI quarterdome that made it the whole JMT, for 2 weeks in Patagonia, and all over the Cascades / Tetons / Rockies. Still use that tent all the time and it is 15.

if you want to go to extremes smallest tent I know of is the zpacks hexamid, but it's a very, very minimal tent, not for everyone. also not "budget". i have the duplex and love that, but again, anything but "budget". A more reasonable one is the rei quarter dome for years and absolutely loved it. definitely fits in a backpack easily, is more durable than the zpacks, roomier, more featured but also bulkier and heavier. looks like they have replaced it with the flash 2 tent, and about same price as zpacks. please remember that over the years they have kind of changed what a "1 man" or "2 man" tent means, and now it means basically air pads touching each other. I have always used a "2 person" tent just for myself, as it provides reasonable room for just one person. With 2 people it would be unreasonably tight imo.

My REI dome tent has done great in the rain

Depending what you’re using it for! Do you go camping with your car? Or do you do backcountry hiking? If you’re gonna be carrying your tent you want to go for as lightweight as possible. Ounces really add up. I have an rei brand two person tent that’s super light and still spacious enough for two. If you won’t be carrying it on your back, you can go for more space, maybe a more heavy duty rain cover depending on your most common terrain. I would also find a tent that has its own footprint that can attach to the bottom. Saves on time and space when setting up. :)