Quarter Dome SL 1

I'm a frequent tent user for both work and play. I probably have averaged between 100 and 150 nights/year in my tent over the past ten years. My old reliables are out of production and I'm struggling to find anything that suits my needs. I just got the MSR Hubba hubba LT 2 and it's design is wonderful but the fabric choice is way too lightweight for practicality and just won't last past this fall. 9 nights and it is full of holes and covered in duct tape already. So, I'm looking for another! My needs are lightweight and packable for backcountry backpacking expeditions. 1 or 2 person. Freestanding to diversify set-up options. Durable. Earth tone colors for stealth camping. Minimum 88 inches long. And I appreciate the little touches that don't have me fixing every poorly designed gimmick all the time. Fewer stakes is more better too. Does a tent like this exist anymore? The last good one I had was the 2017 REI SL 1. My last two REI SL tents were poorly made with zipper issues, bad fly design that forced puddles, and seam tape constantly falling off. And they just keep needing fussier setup and more stakes for no benefit. Also their waterproofing seems pretty bad in the newer tents. Also don't get me started on six-moon designs. Never again.

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?

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.