The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is a premium, two-person backpacking shelter that has been designed to deliver exceptional comfort and performance in a wide range of outdoor conditions. As part of REI’s esteemed Co-op brand, this tent embodies the company’s commitment to creating high-quality gear at affordable prices.

Design and Features

The Half Dome 2 Plus Tent boasts a cleverly designed floor plan that provides ample interior space for two campers, along with generous headroom and comfortable stand-up height. The freestanding design allows for easy setup on uneven terrain, while the color-coded clips make it simple to connect the pole sleeves.

One of the standout features of this tent is its impressive weather resistance. The waterproof and breathable fabric (70D nylon ripstop) is paired with a robust rainfly that provides excellent protection from heavy downpours. Additionally, the tent’s floor is reinforced with a sturdy 150D polyester bottom for added durability.

Setup and Ease of Use

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is relatively lightweight, weighing in at just 4 pounds 12 ounces (2.1 kg). However, its setup process can be a bit more involved than some other backpacking tents on the market. The color-coded clips are easy to use, but the pole sleeves require a bit of effort to connect.

Once set up, the tent is remarkably stable and secure in windy conditions. The sturdy hub-and-pole design provides excellent structural integrity, while the rainfly’s adjustable tensioning system helps keep the fabric tight and taut.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Half Dome 2 Plus Tent offers an impressive amount of interior space for a two-person shelter, with a floor area of 28 square feet (2.6 square meters). The ceiling height is also generous, standing at 39 inches (99 cm) above the floor. This allows campers to easily stand up and move around inside the tent.

The tent’s interior features a spacious vestibule area for storing gear, along with two large pockets for stashing small items like headlamps or snacks. The walls are made from breathable mesh panels that provide excellent ventilation and visibility.

Weather Resistance and Durability

As mentioned earlier, the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is built to withstand harsh weather conditions. The waterproof fabric and robust rainfly ensure that campers stay dry in heavy rain or snow, while the reinforced floor provides added durability against abrasion and punctures.

Conclusion

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is an exceptional backpacking shelter that delivers high-performance features and comfort at a competitive price point. While its setup process may require some effort, the tent’s impressive weather resistance, spacious interior, and durable construction make it an excellent choice for adventure-seekers.

Technical Specifications:

• Weight: 4 pounds 12 ounces (2.1 kg)
• Floor Area: 28 square feet (2.6 square meters)
• Ceiling Height: 39 inches (99 cm)
• Waterproof Rating: 1500mm water column pressure
• Fabric: 70D nylon ripstop with 150D polyester bottom
• Poles: Aluminum, color-coded for easy setup
• Vestibule Area: Spacious area for storing gear and boots
• Features: Color-coded clips, rainfly with adjustable tensioning system, breathable mesh panels

Comparison to Competitors:

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is a top-tier backpacking shelter that competes directly with other high-end models like the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 and the MSR Elixir 2. While these tents offer impressive features and performance, they also come at a higher price point.

In comparison to the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent, the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 is slightly lighter and more compact, but offers less interior space and weather resistance. The MSR Elixir 2, on the other hand, boasts an impressive weight-to-space ratio, but its setup process can be more involved.

Ultimately, the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is a versatile and reliable shelter that delivers exceptional performance in a wide range of outdoor conditions. Its spacious interior, robust construction, and competitive price point make it an excellent choice for backpackers and adventure-seekers looking for a high-quality tent.