REI Co-op - Quarter Dome SL 2

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 would go with a 3-person tent even if you mostly camp solo because it gives you room to breathe and lets you bring gear without feeling cramped. I tested the 2026 REI Quarter Dome SL 2 last season and it held up great in a downpour, no leaks, and the setup was super fast with the color-coded poles. It's not the lightest but it's durable and worth the extra weight for weekend trips. If you're into backpacking later, you might want to look into the MSR Hubba Hubba NX but for now, the REI tent is solid and has good ventilation.

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.

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.

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.