REI Flash 2 (Top Rated)

The new shiny top of the line 2 person backpacking tent for REI is their Flash 2.  If you count ounces this is the top of the line lightweight FREESTANDING 2 person tent for you. Weighing only 2 lbs 12 oz for minimum trail weight, splitting this between your backpacking partner will be a breeze. It is a 2 person tent with two doors and enough space to comfortably sit up and not have to sleep on your partner all night. Comparable brands cost 30-50% more than this baby. 

REI Trailmade 2 Tent (Budget)

This REI Trailmade 2 has a lot going for it. Starting with the easy to put up X pole design and the two doors and two staked vestibules give you extra room for all of your gear. This is a really big and roomy two person tent but based on the low price and extra size you have to pay for that somehow... The weight of this guy is well over 4 lbs without the rainfly. This is a great tent for starting out backpacking or just for occasional backpacking. 

REI Half Dome SL 2+ (Most Space)

The REI Half Dome SL 2+ offers the most floor area and peak height in comparison to the rest in this category. They sacrifice some of the hardiness by using the SL (Super Lightweight) materials such as the 40 denier taffeta nylon for the floor and the 30 denier for the rainfly. This is the new and updated 2 pers on REI Half Dome SL 2+, gone is the days of the heavier Half Dome and replaced with this super lightweight 3 lb 15 oz minimum trail weight SL 2+. It is also possible that this tent has been discontinued and replaced with the Flash or Flash Air. It still shows up on their website but is unavailable at the time of this update (6/23). 

See our - REI Half Dome 2 Plus Review

REI Trail Hut 2 Tent (Economical)

The REI Trail Hut 2 Tent is a great starter two-person backpacking tent that even includes the footprint. Most tents you have to purchase the footprint separately for an additional $30-$60. It is making this already budget-friendly REI 2 person tent an even bigger bargain. It is comparable to all the other tents in this category except that it is 2 plus pounds heavier. Still, two people dividing up this almost five-pound tent isn’t too much of a shared weight for nearly half the cost of your other options. 

REI Flash Air 2 (*Lightest)

First off, this is a *non-freestanding tent which means that you MUST stake it out each time or it will not stand-up. Sometimes I'm lazy and don't stake out my tent, there I said it, if you are like me, this is not a tent for you. Unless you are a backpacker or cycler and are looking for a super lightweight tent that you will have to stake out each time. Then this gal is for you! She has two doors which eliminates the need for one of you to try and awkwardly crawl over the other like in the one door 2 person tents. This tent is mostly mesh with the fairly standard tapered down footprint at your feet making you and your tent mate some cozy fellows. You can save additional weight by leaving the vertical poles at home and use your trekking poles instead which gets the tent down to an astounding 1 lbs 15 oz.  

REI Quarter Dome SL 2 (Discontinued 3/23)

Update 3/23 - REI has discontinued the Quarter Dome and Half Dome Tents and have replaced the Quarter Dome's with the Flash and the half domes with the Flash Air. The Flash is basically an old Quarter Dome with some upgrades. The Flash Air is a lighter cheaper version of the old Quarter Dome and similar to the half dome. However, they have not released a 1 person Flash Air or Flash, as of this update, only 2 person and 4 person options. 

The REI Quarter Dome SL 2 tent is very similar to the smaller one-person version. It is incredibly lightweight, only 2 lbs 8 oz, and offers just enough room for two women or a couple. You can save another 8 ounces by leaving the tent at home and pitching it with the poles, rainfly, and footprint. This tent is semi freestanding, so you will have to stake it out each time you use it, but this feature saves you from having to carry an additional 13 ounces with the not so lighter version, REI Quarter Dome 2. 

REI Quarter Dome 2 (Discontinued 3/23)

Update 3/23 - REI has discontinued the Quarter Dome and Half Dome Tents and have replaced the Quarter Dome's with the Flash and the half domes with the Flash Air. The Flash is basically an old Quarter Dome with some upgrades. The Flash Air is a lighter cheaper version of the old Quarter Dome and similar to the half dome. However, they have not released a 1 person Flash Air or Flash, as of this update, only 2 person and 4 person options. 

The REI Quarter Dome 2 offers the same floor area as the lighter SL 2 model but gives you an additional 4” of inside peak height at 42”. Unless you are a taller woman or just like having an extra room, I would recommend the SL version as it is almost a pound lighter and cheaper. This is a great REI 2 person tent, especially if you find it discounted on the REI Outlet or at an REI Garage sale. 

REI Half Dome 2 (Discontinued 3/23)

Update 3/23 - REI has discontinued the Quarter Dome and Half Dome Tents and have replaced the Quarter Dome's with the Flash and the half domes with the Flash Air. The Flash is basically an old Quarter Dome with some upgrades. The Flash Air is a lighter cheaper version of the old Quarter Dome and similar to the half dome. However, they have not released a 1 person Flash Air or Flash, as of this update, only 2 person and 4 person options. 

It is not uncommon for REI to improve on their tent designs, which is just what they did with the REI Half Dome 2 when they discontinued it. While it is no longer available, this was a great starter tent for backpackers on a budget. Today you can get the same great tent in the REI Half Dome 2 Plus, which offers more floor area and peak height. 

REI Half Dome 2 Plus (Discontinued 3/23)

Update 3/23 - REI has discontinued the Quarter Dome and Half Dome Tents and have replaced the Quarter Dome's with the Flash and the half domes with the Flash Air. The Flash is basically an old Quarter Dome with some upgrades. The Flash Air is a lighter cheaper version of the old Quarter Dome and similar to the half dome. However, they have not released a 1 person Flash Air or Flash, as of this update, only 2 person and 4 person options. 

The REI Half Dome 2 Plus offers the most floor area and peak height in comparison to the rest in this category. It also is probably the hardiest of all of these REI 2 person tent using a heavier 70 denier taffeta nylon for the floor. They were able to keep the weight down without sacrificing durability by choosing a 40 denier ripstop nylon for the canopy and rainfly. While the REI Co-op half dome 2 plus tent may be a bit on the heavier side, it should last you for several years. 

See our - REI Half Dome 2 Plus Review

REI Camp Dome 2 (Discontinued 3/23)

Update 6/23 - REI has discontinued the Camp Dome 2 tent. I can not find a lot of information on this but they appear to not have replaced their 2 person camp tent and are now recommending larger 4 person camp tents. It makes sense, if you are buying a camping tent for drive up camping, why not have some extra space? The weight really isn't much of an issue if you are hauling an 8 pound tent over a 10 pound tent 25 feet. 

The REI Camp Dome 2 is a simple basic-bitch tent that will last you many seasons. This tent would be perfectly fine to use on a weekend backpacking adventure with your girlfriends. The overall size and weight are comparable to many on this list. It lacks many of the extras that the more expensive REI dome tents come standard with. The floor and rainfly are made from polyester and the canopy from nylon. These less expensive materials are not ideal or as durable as the more preferred ripstop nylon. This tent would be great for the occasional weekend backpacking or drive up camping trip. 

REI Arete ASL 2 Tent (Discontinued 6/23)

Update 6/23 - I can not find the reason why the REI Arete ASL 2 person tent is no longer available on their website. It was a really nicely priced 4 - season tent but I'm guessing that there is not a huge market for 2 person 4 season tents. Most people are comfortable with a Flash or Flash Air and don't want the extra weight that comes with a 4 season - 2 person backpacking tent. Presently, if you are looking for a 4 season 2 person tent REI is recommending the MSR and the Mountain Hardware options. 

If you are looking for a two-person four-season tent on a budget, you must consider the REI Arete ASL 2 Tent. This one door beauty is almost 6 pounds but boasts over 32 square feet of floor space and a manageable 43” peak height. As far as four-season tents go, the Arete offers quite a bit for the price. Comparable four-season two-person tents will cost you almost twice as much as the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 tent. 

REI Passage 2 (Discontinued 6/23)

Update 6/23 -The REI Passage 2 Tent was discontinued at the same time as the REI Half Dome 2. If you are looking for an economical 2 person backpacking tent, the REI Trail Hut is the recommended tent for you. 

The REI co-op passage 2 was a polyester lover's dream ripped straight out of the ’70s with orange and cream vibes. If you are looking for something similar, you have two choices, the modern polyester basic bitch, REI Camp Dome 2, or the much larger version and more expensive REI Half Dome SL 2. 

REI Groundbreaker 2 (Discontinued 6/23)

Update 6/23 -The REI Groundbreaker 2 person Tent was discontinued. If you are looking for a budget friendly no frills 2 person backpacking tent, the REI Trailmade 2 person tent replaced the REI Groundbreaker.  

Even at a robust 4 lbs 13 oz this tent could easily be used for a weekend backpacking trip with a compatriot. The floor space is plenty big for two 20" sleeping pads at 52" x 88". It has a big D side door which is nice to get in and out but can cause a little bit of a problem for the gal who isn't next to it. Most of the potential ingress - egress issues will be determined by your backpacking partners agility and nimbleness. Pro tip: Always put the clumsy one by the door. The best part about this tent is that it is really really really inexpensive.

REI Flash 3 (Best Overall)

The new shiny top of the line 3 person backpacking tent for REI is their Flash 3.  If you count ounces this is the top of the line lightweight FREESTANDING 2 person tent for you. Weighing only 3 lbs 7 oz for minimum trail weight, splitting this between your backpacking partner will be a breeze. It is a 3 person tent with two doors and enough space to comfortably sit up and not have to sleep on your partner all night. Comparable brands cost 30-50% more than this baby. 

REI Half Dome SL 3+ Plus Tent (Best Space)

The REI Half Dome SL 3+ Tent is light enough at 5 lbs 11 oz to divide up and take backpacking. My husband and I backpack together with a MSR 3 person tent because we like the extra space. Keep in mind that the floor dimensions are 90” x 78” which means that if three of you bring a 20” sleeping mat, there is still 18” to spare between the sides of the tent. We sleep comfortably on 25" sleeping pads in our much smaller 3 person backpacking tent. There wouldn't be any additional room if 3 of you each brought a 25" sleeping mat. Also, keep in mind the floor and canopy are 40-denier nylon, which is more susceptible to tearing but lighter weight and standard with backpacking tents. 

REI Base Camp 4 Tent (Four Season)

I own an REI Base Camp 4 Tent and refuse to stop using it for drive-up camping even though the rainfly windows have holes in them. I’ve had this tent for probably ten years, and I can attest that it is an excellent choice for all-weather camping. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been caught in massive rainstorms, and all of our friend's stuff is wet while we sit in our REI Co-op base camp 4 tent nice and dry. It also has two vestibules, and one of them even is extended by an extra pole. It isn’t quite as roomy as the REI Kingdom 4, but if you plan on camping anywhere with a lot of rain or snow, this is the better choice. Both the queen sized REI Co-op insulated air bed and Kingdom insulated sleep system 40 mattresses will fit in this tent. Once fully blown up you will still a have about two feet of space for moving around and storing gear. Queen sized air mattresses fit in all the other REI 4-person tents, too. 

REI Trail Hut 4 Tent (Backpacking)

The REI Trail Hut 4 Tent is a great starter two-person backpacking tent that even includes the footprint. Most tents you have to purchase the footprint separately for an additional $30-$60. It is making this already budget-friendly REI 4 person tent an even bigger bargain. It is comparable to all the other tents in this category except that it a few pounds heavier (7 pounds). Still, four people dividing up this almost seven-pound tent isn’t too much of a shared weight for nearly half the cost of your other options. 

REI Wonderland 4 Tent (High Clearance)

The REI Wonderland 4 Tent is spacious and livable, featuring a tunnel-like shape, large doors, and a high peak (75"), making it comfortable for 4 adults and great for families. It boasts excellent ventilation, beneficial in warm and humid conditions, though the exposed mesh can let in dirt. The tent is well-built and durable, with quality poles, fabric, and zippers, and a sturdy fly and floor. However, it lacks in areas like included vestibules and efficient storage, and the high-positioned pockets are less accessible. In inclement weather, the Wonderland falls short due to less overall rainfly coverage and poor performance in heavy winds. Additionally, it's one of the heaviest four-person tents, which may pose issues for longer distances from the vehicle.

REI Wonderland X Tent (Family)

The REI Wonderland X is a spacious and livable tent, suitable for family outings and group camping. Its tunnel-like design, large size, and four doors offer excellent accessibility. Its substantial vestibule provides additional shade and storage space, which addresses one of the shortcomings of its predecessor, the Wonderland 4. However, while it boasts high-quality materials and construction, the Wonderland X might underperform in heavy winds due to its tall design. Ventilation is a strength, thanks to the mesh design and the ability to unzip portions of the doors for more airflow, which is useful in warm and humid conditions. On the downside, the tent is quite heavy, which could be a concern if you need to carry it a significant distance from your vehicle. Despite its heft, the Wonderland X's build quality and durability are impressive, featuring substantial aluminum poles, quality seam taping, and fabric resistant to tears and abrasion.

REI Half Dome 4 Plus Tent (Discontinued 6/23)

The REI Half Dome 4 Plus Tent is light enough at 7 lbs 10 oz to divide up and take backpacking. Keep in mind that the floor dimensions are 92” x 92” which means that if each of you brings a 20” sleeping mat, there is only 12” to spare between the sides of the tent and each other. If you are like me and sleep on a 25” mat, you can literally line up sleeping pads wall to wall with two 25” and two 20” pads. So, yes, it would be tight to sleep four but doable. Also, keep in mind the canopy and rainfly are 40-denier nylon, which is more susceptible to tearing but lighter weight. 

REI Kingdom 4 Tent (Discontinued 6/23)

The REI Kingdom 4 Tent offers the largest floor area square footage compared to the rest of the REI tents in the four-person category. While the REI Co-op Kingdom 4 does offer 10 square feet more than its competitors, the vestibule is a bit smaller and functional than the REI Grand Hut 4. The Kingdom is easily set up by a single woman with it 1 hubbed poleset and two doorway poles. It is very durably made with 150-denier coated polyester floor fabric and a 75-denier polyester rain fly. Obviously, with them using this heavy fabric, the weight of this tent is much higher and should only be considered for drive-up camping. 

REI Grand Hut 4 Tent (Discontinued 6/23)

The REI Grand Hut 4 Tent offers the same footprint and square footage as all the other tents in this category, except the larger REI Kingdom 4. What this tent offers ‘over’ it’s competitors is a 75” peak height that allows you to hang a large lantern without having to worry about hitting your head. The REI Co-op grand hut 4 is also built to last, just like the REI Kingdom 4, it was made with 150-denier coated polyester floor fabric and a 75-denier polyester rain fly. The vestibule is a bit larger than the Kingdom’s, but the Kingdom offers 10 more square feet inside away from the bugs. 

REI Camp Dome 4 Tent (Discontinued 6/23)

The REI Camp Dome 4 tent is a lightweight, quickly set up dome tent. Stick the poles it the four corners diagonally and one in the rain fly at the front door, and you are ready to go. It is made of polyester fabrics and is an excellent choice for the occasional weekend-camper. 

REI Wonderland 6 Tent (High Clearance)

The REI Wonderland 6 Tent is spacious and livable, featuring a tunnel-like shape, large doors, and a high peak (75"), making it comfortable for 4 adults and great for families. It boasts excellent ventilation, beneficial in warm and humid conditions, though the exposed mesh can let in dirt. The tent is well-built and durable, with quality poles, fabric, and zippers, and a sturdy fly and floor. However, it lacks in areas like included vestibules and efficient storage, and the high-positioned pockets are less accessible. In inclement weather, the Wonderland falls short due to less overall rainfly coverage and poor performance in heavy winds. Additionally, it's one of the heaviest four-person tents, which may pose issues for longer distances from the vehicle.

REI Base Camp 6 Tent (Four Season)

The REI Base Camp 6 Tent is a top four-season tent due to the history of its incredible durability and functionality. I own an REI Base Camp 4 and know this model of the tent very well. There have been many times we have been caught in substantial rainstorms and we're the only dry tent in the campground. If you want to purchase one tent that will last you many more years than you expect, buy the REI Base Camp 6. It is easy to setup with the standard two pole dome design. The rain fly comes with a small pole that creates a small awning over the entrance.  This picture does not show it but the rain fly actually completely zips up the entrance creating a small covered vestibule that you can leave your shoes under while still staying dry. This tent does not have the space and height of the Kingdom or Grand Hut but if you are camping anywhere with the possibility of weather, this is the tent you want to be in. 

REI Kingdom 6 Tent (Discontinued 6/23)

The REI Kingdom 6 Tent is a massive structure offering over 83 square feet and a peak height of 75 inches. The question you are probably asking yourself is if you should get this Kingdom 6 or the REI Grand Hut 6, as they are similar in size and construction. The real difference between these two tents is the rainflys and vestibules. Kingdom 6’s rainfly is better made to keep the tent dry in big rains. It also has more pockets and a tent privacy divider that is nice if you have an early sleeper or some kids. If you need the space and are on a budget, the Grand Hut is a good choice, too. 

REI Grand Hut 6 Tent (Discontinued 6/23)

The REI Grand Hut 6 Tent is probably the nicest of all of the REI Grand Hut series. It is the tallest of the three tents in the REI six-person category and had the largest vestibule. This tent is built to pack in a bunch of women and still have room for your outdoor hiking gear. This is a great tent choice for its overall durability and size. 

REI Kingdom 8 Tent (Discontinued 6/23)

The REI Kingdom 8 tent arguably should have been named the REI Behemoth! This big gal lets you spread out over 104 square feet (twice the size of my bathroom) and boasts another 33 square foot vestibule out front for lounging. It is easy to set up with a hubbed pole set, two crossover poles, and doorway poles for the vestibule. The same high denier count fabric that is used on the other Kingdom series tents, which is again used here. If you are wild enough to put 8 people in a tent and are looking for durability to withstand it… the REI Co-op Kingdom 8 tent is a good choice for a friends and family tent.