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.

TLDR: Trekking pole, double wall tent. (I own 2 Durston tent and 1 Nemo tent and have owned/gifted 2 REI tents) Here are is none complete list of all tents that will 'survive' the AT. (Semi)Free standing tent * Durston X Dome 2 * Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 * REI quarter dome 2 * Nemo Hornet/Dragonfly 2 Trekking pole tent * Durston x Mid 2 * Tarp Tents\* Info Dump * Most tents can be learned to setup Fly First for rain but Durston tents are designed with that in mind * I love Nemo and Big Agnes for their years of making good tents * Nemo advertises itself as more environmentally concerned and takes actions on it but please do your own research if this is important to you * REI has cheaper versions on Nemo/Big Agnes tents * REI Garage Sales are a great way to get slightly used tents for cheaper then new * Avoid Dynima for your first backpacking tent as its expensive and takes more care * Free Standing tents will feel safer and easier to put up and don't require trekking poles so in the rare chance your trekking pole breaks during the day you wont be SOL * Trekking pole tents can be more storm worthy then Free standing tents if pitched correctly, Weigh Less, no ridged poles in your bag, and simpler once learned. My Generic Recommendation * If you plan to backpack/Camp with this tent more then 5 trips a year or 10 nights go for a trekking pole tent (Durston X Mid 2) as you will learn the trekking pole tent skill and benefit from what makes them good * If you are planning to mostly do car camping trips or base camping then i would recommend Free Standing tent as you won't benefit as much from the trekking pole benefits and will still have access to your poles even if your tent is pitched (No specific recs) *There are likely spelling/grammar issues but i feel like i spent enough time on this post*

All these "3p or you'll regret it" people are blowing things out of proportion in my opinion. 2p is totally fine as long as the tent has sufficient vestibule space for your gear. You only need to go to a 3p tent for two people if you want to keep your packs in the tent. My wife and I have always used a 2 person tent when backpacking (Cabela's XPG2 IIRC, followed by an REI Quarter Some T2). I have used the same tents with various friends, plus a 2 person North Face Lenticular in winter. The only one that has ever presented a challenge was the North Face because it narrows significantly at the foot end and I brought a long wide NeoAir Trekker pad, so our air pads overlapped at that end. Even then, it was fine. In snow you can get bonus vestibule space by digging a hole underneath the vestibule. Then you can store an 80L pack *vertically*.

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

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.

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.

Most people don't need a 4 season IMO. My REI quarter dome has handled -10°F and 50 MPH winds/blizzard conditions well enough (winter storm on Shasta), though it needs regular tending to in those situations (like making sure your pitch and anchoring is solid and knocking off snow), as well as rain days and 100°F+ days. 4 season tents are really 1 season tents IME and suck for the other 3 seasons, on top of weighing 2x as much. Your sleep system and clothing are much more important in true 4th season situations and the money save on a tent is better spent there. If you truly need to regularly deal with extreme cold, wind, and high altitudes (14,000'+), then get a 4 season plus a cheaper/lighter option for the other stuff.

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.