REI Co-op Trailmade 1 Tent with Footprint

What We Think

REI's Trailmade 1 is the tent equivalent of a reliable used Honda: not flashy, not the lightest, but genuinely hard to mess up.

It scored a 7.8 overall, landing squarely in "solid first backpacking tent" territory.

At $179 with an included footprint, this is REI's pitch to solo hikers who want to start backpacking without dropping $400 or obsessing over gram counts.

Ease of Use

The simple X-pole freestanding design scored a 9.0 in Ease of Use, and owners consistently back this up.

The most common praise centers on how forgiving the setup is: multiple reviewers mention pitching it solo in fading light on their first attempt.

The symmetrical rectangular floor means there's no guessing which end is which, and the freestanding structure lets you reposition the tent after pitching if you picked a bad spot.

For someone working through our overnight backpacking checklist for the first time, that simplicity matters more than saving two pounds.

Space & Comfort

With 22 square feet of floor area and a 40-inch peak height, this tent scored an 8.5 in Space & Comfort, which is generous for a solo shelter.

The 9.5-square-foot vestibule is the real standout here: owners repeatedly mention it actually swallows a full pack, not just a pair of boots.

The single door is a minor inconvenience for middle-of-the-night exits, but for solo use, it's a reasonable tradeoff.

Value for Money

At $179 with a footprint included, the Trailmade 1 scored an 8.0 in Value for Money.

That bundled footprint is a genuine differentiator: most competitors at this price sell it separately for $30 to $50, and it meaningfully extends floor life on rocky ground.

The Kelty Late Start 2 comes in slightly cheaper at $160 and shaves nearly a pound, but you'll pay extra for a footprint and give up some vestibule space.

Quality & Durability

The 75-denier polyester floor and fly are standard for this price tier, not premium but not flimsy either.

Aluminum poles are a step up from the fiberglass you'll find on budget competitors like the Moon Lence 2-Person, which weighs more and uses poles that can splinter under stress.

The Trailmade 1 scored a 7.5 in Quality & Durability, reflecting materials that will hold up for several seasons of moderate use.

Weather Resistance

Here's the honest limitation: the Trailmade 1 scored a 7.0 in Weather Resistance, and a recurring theme in negative reviews is the difficulty achieving a taut pitch.

A saggy rainfly means pooling water and reduced airflow, both problems in sustained rain.

This tent handles typical three-season showers fine, but if you're planning trips where serious weather is likely, you'll want something with a more dialed-in tensioning system.

User Reviews

Owner feedback is notably positive, with the tent scoring an 8.4 in User Reviews.

The pattern is clear: beginners love the simplicity and value, while experienced hikers consistently flag the weight as the main drawback.

At 5.25 pounds, this is heavy for backpacking, and owners planning longer trips or steeper terrain mention wishing they'd gone lighter.

Who It's For

This tent fits the solo backpacker who's more concerned with getting out there than optimizing every ounce.

If you're doing weekend overnights, section hikes, or just graduating from car camping, the Trailmade 1 removes barriers without removing your budget.

If you want REI's engineering with serious weight savings, the REI Co-op Flash Air 1 drops to ultralight territory for $329.

The Bottom Line

The REI Co-op Trailmade 1 scored a 7.8 and earns it honestly: easy setup, real vestibule space, and a bundled footprint at a fair price.

The weight will matter if you're counting ounces, but for newer backpackers focused on getting miles under their boots, this tent does exactly what it promises.