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.

IMO this is based totally on personal preference for comfort/tolerance for discomfort both with sleeping comfort and pack weight. My personal experience (myself and other couples we've backpacked with), plan to share a tent. My spouse and I have done both 3p and 2p. The 3p tent wasn't particularly light (as in split up between our packs), but was comfy for sleeping on the trail, and we've had a couple different ultralight 2p backpacking tents. We had a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 tent for a long time with only one door that was a pain in the ass and so tight for 2 people, and both being around 5' 9" we were literally head to toe crammed in the tent, but we were so exhausted most nights backpacking that we didn't really care, and at the time, the total packed weight of under 2lbs was a big deal for us. Then we "upgraded" to an REI Quarter Dome SL2 that has a bit more space and 2 doors, for a little more weight (just under 3lbs I think?), and have been super pleased. We have our own sleeping pads & bags. So... ultimately my advice is to try with the tent you've got, maybe for a shorter trip and see how comfortable it is for you before making any new gear purchases, but definitely plan to share a tent! They also have "2+" tents out there designed for 2 with a little more space, without going up to 3p. Have fun!!!

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).

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

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.

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. :)