REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent With Footprint

What We Think

REI's Half Dome line has long been the co-op's workhorse for campers who want genuine livability without ultralight compromises, and the SL 2+ continues that tradition with a few smart refinements.

This tent scored a 7.6 overall, landing it squarely in the "solid choice for most people" category rather than the "best in class" tier.

The "+2" designation signals REI's intent here: this is a two-person tent built for two actual adults who want to sleep comfortably, not two hikers willing to spoon for the sake of shaved ounces.

Ease of Use

The Half Dome SL 2+ scored an 8.0 in Ease of Use, and owner feedback backs this up consistently.

REI's symmetrical, color-coded clip system means you're not squinting at pole sleeves in fading light, and multiple owners specifically mention successful first-time pitches in the dark.

The five-minute setup time is realistic for someone who's done it once or twice.

That said, the hubbed pole design that creates those steep, livable walls is also the tent's handling weakness: owners repeatedly flag the poles as unwieldy to pack and awkward to manage solo in wind.

Features & Extras

The included custom-fit footprint is a genuine value-add that owners consistently praise, saving you $50-70 versus buying one separately.

Two large D-shaped doors with 22.5 square feet of combined vestibule space mean neither sleeper has to crawl over the other at 2 AM, and there's real gear storage outside the tent body.

This dimension scored an 8.0.

Space & Comfort

At 33.8 square feet of floor area and 42 inches of peak height, the Half Dome SL 2+ delivers the livability that justifies its weight.

The pre-bent pole architecture creates notably vertical walls, and owners consistently call out the improved headroom as the tent's standout feature.

You can sit up, change clothes, and wait out a rainy afternoon without feeling like you're in a coffin.

This dimension scored a 7.0, which reflects that it's spacious for a backpacking tent but not palatial.

Quality & Durability

The 40-denier taffeta nylon floor is robust enough for regular use on variable terrain, and the aluminum pole construction inspires confidence.

At 4 pounds 11.5 ounces, this tent splits the weight with a partner reasonably well for weekend trips, though dedicated backpackers chasing lighter loads might look at the MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person, which shaves nearly a pound at $550.

Quality & Durability scored an 8.0.

Weather Resistance

The 30-denier rainfly handles typical three-season conditions competently, though REI doesn't publish a hydrostatic head rating for this tent.

Weather Resistance scored a 7.0, which is fair: this tent will keep you dry in standard campground rain but isn't engineered for genuinely foul conditions.

Value for Money

At $399, the Half Dome SL 2+ sits in a competitive middle ground.

The REI Co-op Trailmade 2 offers similar livability at $199 but adds nearly a pound of weight, while the Klymit Maxfield 2-Person at $294 undercuts the price with a lighter carry weight, though with less interior volume.

Value scored a 7.0, reflecting that you're paying a premium for the REI name and that included footprint.

User Reviews

Owner satisfaction runs high at 8.4, with the vertical wall design and included footprint earning the most consistent praise.

The most common complaint is packed size: this tent does not compress into a tidy cylinder, and owners planning to strap it to a backpack or motorcycle should measure their available space carefully.

If you're planning your first overnight trip, our overnight backpacking checklist can help you sort out what else needs to go in that pack.

Who It's For

The Half Dome SL 2+ is ideal for couples or camping partners who split weekends between car camping and short backpacking trips and prioritize comfort over minimalism.

If you want a tent you can actually live in during a rainy morning, this delivers.

Weight-obsessed thru-hikers and gram-counters should look elsewhere, but for the camper who values headroom and hates feeling cramped, this is the right tool.

The Bottom Line

The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ scored a 7.6, earning its place as a reliable crossover tent for campers who refuse to choose between livability and portability.

The included footprint and genuinely usable interior space justify the price, but that bulky packed size is a real consideration if packability matters to you.

For weekend warriors who want one tent that handles both the campground and the trail, this is a smart buy.