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REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent with Footprint Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3

Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict

REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent with Footprint

REI Co-op

REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent with Footprint

★ 8.1 Backpacking
Sleeps 2 Seasons 3-season Weight 7.1 lbs Est. Price $399

Best for: Spacious, durable car or canoe camping.

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3

★ 8.2 Dome
Sleeps 2 Seasons 3-season Weight 6 lbs. 14 oz. Est. Price $400

Best for: Backpacking and camping with extra gear.

Our Take

Worth flagging before you compare: the REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent with Footprint is a backpacking and the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 is a dome, so these two sit in different shelter categories.

It also adds a included footprint — a meaningful structural difference.

The Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 also offers significantly more vestibule space — 28 sq ft versus 9 sq ft.

Both score 8.1 overall, though the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 wins more individual scoring categories.

The main tradeoff: the REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent with Footprint leads on space and comfort despite trailing overall.

Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.

🏆 Our pick: The Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 scores higher overall.

Score Comparison

REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent with Footprint
Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3
Overall Score
8.1
8.2
Space & Comfort
8.9
8.0
Quality & Durability
7.5
8.0
Weather Resistance
7.2
8.0
Value for Money
8.0
8.0
Ease of Use
8.1
8.0
Intangibles
8.1
9.0

Pros & Cons

REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent with Footprint

  • Spacious interior fits three comfortably
  • Included footprint adds great durability
  • Vertical walls maximize living space
  • Below average space weight ratio
  • Lacks packability for your backpack

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3

  • Massive gear-storage vestibule
  • Simple freestanding setup
  • Durable recycled polyester materials
  • Heavy for backpacking
  • Long tent poles

Full Specs

SpecREI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent with FootprintBig Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3
Tent Type Backpacking, Dome Dome, Motorcycle, Backpacking
Capacity 2 people 2 people
Seasons 3 Season 3 Season
Est. Price $399 $400
Weight 7.1 Lbs 6 Lbs. 14 Oz.
Min Trail Weight 6 Lbs. 5 Oz.
Floor Area 43.7 ft² 44.0 ft²
Vestibule Area 9.4 + 9.4 Sq Ft 28 + 9 Sq Ft
Peak Height 44 44
Doors 2 2
Floor Dimensions 90 X 70 In 90 X 70 Inches
Pole Material Aluminum Aluminum Pressfit
Floor Fabric 2.5 Layer Ripstop Nylon Polyester With 1,500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating
Rainfly Fabric 40 Denier Ripstop Nylon With Polyethylene Coating Polyester With 1,500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating
Setup Time 6 Mins 10 Mins
Warranty None Lifetime Limited Warranty
Made In Imported USA

Ready to Buy?

REI Co-op

REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Tent with Footprint

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3

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