REI tents make some of the most high-quality camping gear. They are made in Vietnam or China and are durable. They are also quite affordable. They are available for rental or purchase in a variety styles including one-person to two-person and three-person.
The REI Flash Air tent is lightest for two. It has a single-wall tent and mesh roof vents. It is slightly lighter than the REI Quarter Dome SL at five pounds but offers a smaller floor area.
Although the REI Flash Air is a great product, it cannot compete with other options like Zpacks Duplex. Both shelters utilize Dyneema fabrics. This material is both durable and affordable. These shelters also come with a fully-featured rain fly and an integrated footprint which increase the shelter's weight.
The Quarter Dome SL 2 has a lower price than the Flash Air but is not as light. It weighs just over nine ounces compared to the Flash Air’s nine and a quarter ounces. The floor area is identical, but the quarter dome's pole structure gives it a semi-freestanding design that's different from the Flash Air. Nevertheless, it's still an excellent choice for ultralight backpackers on a budget.
The REI Co-op Half Dome SL2+ tent features a large sleeping area and a spacious floor. It has a large interior, an extra-wide width, and high quality components. It is a great choice to go three-season camping. The tent is slightly heavier than the competition, but it's much more durable. It will last for many years.
The Coleman Instant Tent might be a bit more costly, but it's easy to set up. It's easy to match the four poles because they are all the same colour. It comes with matching sleeves and colored shock cords to make it even simpler. It is easy and quick to pack. It's not as strong as the REI tents. It's not suitable for stormy conditions.
The REI Trail Hut 2 is a bit heavier than the other tents in the category, but it's a good value. It can accommodate six people. Although it doesn't have window zip-outs, it comes with a footprint and lots of pockets. You can also use the extra stakes. The REI Base Camp 6 is a bit cheaty, since it doesn't have a window zip out, but it's well-made and offers plenty of space for six people.
The REI Co-op Kingdom 4 is a similar, but not as roomy, tent. It is also durable with a 150-denier polyester floor fabric coated in polyester and a 75 denier polyester rain fly. It will fit REI’s Kingdom insulated sleep system that can hold 40 mattresses. It has a height of 75 inches at the peak, making it perfect for hanging lanterns and not hitting your head. It comes with more pockets and a privacy partition.