Best value, most livable, best crossover tent for backpacking & camping

The REI Half Dome SL 2+ Tent is a best-seller thanks to it’s incredible performance and livability relative to price. Half Dome’s value is simply best-in-class. And no matter where and how you choose to camp in the front or backcountry, this tent will keep you comfortably protected.

• Price: $329
• Weight: 3.9 lbs
• Material: Sil-Nylon, 40D floor, 30D fly
• Area: 33.8 ft² | Vestibule: 22.5 ft² | Area/Pound: 14.4 ft²
• Pros: Affordable. Freestanding. Spacious. Great headroom. Easy setup. Fully-featured. Comes with footprint.
• Cons: Somewhat heavy.

Features

For starters, we must call out the floor plan. With 33.8 ft², it is the largest of any small 2 person tent. What’s more, it has massive vestibules for external storage. And all that with an above-average height of 42″, plus a ceiling spreader to distribute all of that headroom in areas where people site up.

The x-bar pole structure with spreader is storm-worthy and classic for a reason, it just works. What’s more, these poles are pre-bent to create even more verticality on the side walls, adding to the perception of livability.

REI Half Dome has a solid set of features including an array of internal mesh pockets and hang loops create excellent internal storage. We love the rainfly vents, and also rolling up both sides of the vestibule for maximum airflow on warm days.

And it even comes with its own footprint to protect against abrasive surfaces. Oh yeah, and REI’s warranty!

While at 3.9 pounds it’s definitely not the lightest backpacking tent, it’s certainly not the heaviest. We feel it falls fairly middle of the pack and roughly in line with it’s price. But it’s Area/weight ratio is actually really good!

REI Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review Verdict

If you want a quiver-of-one tent that is spacious and comfy for car camping while also being compact and mid-weight for backpacking, then REI Half Dome is for you. And at $329, you won’t have to break the bank on it either. This tent has so much to offer in terms of value and livability that there’s no doubt as to why it’s such a best seller.

Read about more great tents in our complete guides to the best tents for backpacking, and the best small 2 person crossover tents.