REI Co-op - Quarter Dome SL 2

The REI Quarter Dome SL 2 has served me well as a 1 person tent. It would be tight for 2 people but that’s how tents go I suppose.

I didn't love it and I couldn't exactly tell you why. Despite the size, something about it felt...claustrophobic, but I can't put my finger on it since it is technically roomy. It might have just been a consequence of the single wall double wall hybrid design, and maybe the darker color I had kept too much light out, not sure. I used it one weekend and then sold it and went back to using my QD SL2, and then eventually was approached by Dan Durston in an alley where he zip tied me to a broken solid wood chair and spent three hours explaining the exact reason why his tents are technically superior to all other tents if one is willing to be honest with themselves. Due to the traumatic nature of being accosted, I wasn't willing to be honest with myself however. But over the next year he would show up on every camping and backpacking trip to point out the flaws of my equipment in real time. He would always show up right as I was unpacking my tent and then have his set up in a fraction of the time it took me. He followed me on every hike and virtually gave me a degree in materials science, all the while laughing at me like an over exaggerated cartoon character every time I had to open my bag to get something and my tent peaked out. I called a ranger the first time and said I was being stalked, but when I told her who was stalking me she just said, "he's not wrong, is he?" That's when I first started to feel truly helpless and at the mercy of that monster, Durston. Not even when I was tied to that chair did I feel so helpless.  I didn't give in though until...one day he just stopped. He didn't show up on my hikes, I was unsubscribed from his email list, I never saw his car at the trailhead as I pulled up, knowing what I was in for. And one day suddenly I felt the most profound loneliness that I can only describe as being a black hole at the nadir of the heat death of the universe. I was consumed by a deafening silence.  So I gave in. I ordered it. And the second I hit the "submit" button I heard a knock on my door. When I opened it, there was Dan's big smiling face, shining brighter than all the stars in the universe, laughing like a father comforting a child who thought he was lost in their own backyard. And behind him stood the entire Durston family, all dressed in sage, smiling just as bright, and welcoming me into the fold. As they all converged on me for a group hug with Dan leading the way, I knew peace for the first time in my life and felt so foolish for resisting for so long. Since then I've purchased all of Dan's products, and even though he doesn't hand deliver them anymore, I know it's not because he doesn't love me, but because there are other lost souls like me (and maybe you?) who need him more. Now, I am whole. I am found. At some point I may even use some of this equipment for backpacking.

I paid $200 for my REI Quarter Dome SL 2 back in 2020. It's a quality free standing tent that's been with me all over the country. Assuming you just want a general use single-person backpacking tent, you're looking at $150 - $250 as an entry point for a well-known brand (likely with decent sales), and $400 and up for high quality ultra-light tents from name brands/cottage brands. The ultralight community is probably going to throw up but my tent weighs just under 3 whole entire pounds (god have mercy).

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.

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. :)