The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is a highly acclaimed and sought-after shelter for outdoor enthusiasts. This tent has been a favorite among campers, backpackers, and thru-hikers for decades, and its latest iteration is no exception. With its impressive design, robust construction, and numerous features, the Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and comfortable camping experience.

Design and Construction

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent boasts a classic two-person design with a freestanding structure, allowing for easy setup on various terrain types. The tent’s hub-and-pole design features color-coded clips and poles that simplify the assembly process, even in windy conditions. The fabric used is a durable 68-denier nylon ripstop, which provides excellent water resistance and durability.

One of the most notable features of the Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is its spacious interior. With a floor area of 28 square feet, this tent offers ample room for two adults to sleep comfortably, along with their gear. The vertical walls and high ceiling provide a sense of openness, making it feel less claustrophobic compared to other two-person tents.

Weather Resistance

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is built to withstand harsh weather conditions. The fly features a waterproof and UV-resistant coating, while the seams are taped for added protection against rain and snow. The tent’s footprint is also designed with a unique “bathtub” shape, which helps keep water out in wet conditions.

Ventilation and Visibility

The Half Dome 2 Plus Tent features excellent ventilation systems, including two large mesh panels on the sides and a spacious D-shaped door with a built-in rainfly. These design elements allow for ample airflow, reducing condensation and keeping the interior dry. The tent also boasts four windows, providing an unobstructed view of the surroundings.

Packed Weight and Pitches

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent weighs in at 3 pounds 13 ounces (1.73 kg) for the base model and 4 pounds 7 ounces (2 kg) for the upgraded version with a rainfly. The tent’s packed size is compact, measuring 21 x 6 inches (53 x 15 cm), making it easy to carry on backpacking trips.

Ease of Setup

The Half Dome 2 Plus Tent features a color-coded clip system and pole design that simplifies setup. With two people, the tent can be assembled in under 20 minutes, even in windy conditions. The stakes and guy lines are also designed for ease of use, reducing setup time.

Other Features

• Freestanding structure
• Hub-and-pole design with color-coded clips and poles
• D-shaped door with built-in rainfly
• Two large mesh panels on the sides
• Four windows for unobstructed views
• Rainfly features a waterproof and UV-resistant coating
• Seams are taped for added protection against water and snow

Technical Specifications:

• Floor area: 28 square feet (2.6 sq m)
• Peak height: 40 inches (102 cm)
• Minimum weight: 3 pounds 13 ounces (1.73 kg) (base model), 4 pounds 7 ounces (2 kg) (upgraded version with rainfly)
• Packed size: 21 x 6 inches (53 x 15 cm)
• Waterproof rating: 20,000 mm
• Floor material: 68-denier nylon ripstop

Comparison to Competitors

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is a top contender in the two-person backpacking tent market. Compared to similar models from other manufacturers, such as the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 or the MSR Elixir 2, the Half Dome 2 Plus Tent offers a more spacious interior, improved weather resistance, and a user-friendly design.

Overall, the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, comfortable, and feature-rich shelter for camping trips. Its impressive design, robust construction, and numerous features make it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts.