REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent with Footprint

What We Think

For backpackers who want to start logging trail miles without emptying their savings account, the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 delivers a compelling package at $199.

This tent scored a 8.0 overall, earning that mark through smart design choices that prioritize ease of use and included accessories over shaving every ounce.

The bundled footprint alone sets it apart from competitors that charge extra for ground protection.

Features & Extras

The Trailmade 2 earned its highest mark here, scoring a 9.0 in Features & Extras, and the reason is simple: REI includes what other brands sell separately.

REI's inclusion of the footprint at this price point is the headline feature, and since similar footprints will run you between $30-50. That is no marketing fluff!

Twin vestibules provide 19 square feet of covered gear storage, which means muddy boots and a wet pack stay outside your sleeping space.

The X-pole configuration creates vertical walls at the tent's ends, a design touch that adds usable volume without adding weight.

Ease of Use

The symmetrical design scored a 8.0 in Ease of Use, and owner feedback backs up the two-minute setup claim.

Multiple reviewers mention pitching it solo in fading light on their first attempt, which is exactly what you want from a tent aimed at newer backpackers.

If you're working through our Overnight Backpacking Checklist for the first time, a tent that doesn't fight you is worth its weight.

Quality & Durability

The 75D polyester fly is notably thicker than the 20D or 30D fabrics common on ultralight tents, and owners praise its resistance to snags and abrasion.

Aluminum poles and REI's lifetime warranty add confidence for a tent at this price point, earning a 8.0 in Quality & Durability.

The ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2 comes in slightly cheaper at $165, but its build quality doesn't match the Trailmade's materials.

Space & Comfort

With 31 square feet of floor area and two doors, the Trailmade 2 scored a 8.0 in Space & Comfort for two average-sized adults.

The 40-inch peak height is where this tent shows its budget roots, and owners consistently flag it as a limitation.

If you're over six feet tall, you'll feel the ceiling when sitting up, and changing clothes requires some creative maneuvering.

The Klymit Maxfield 2 at $294 offers more livable headroom at 43 inches while saving over a pound of pack weight.

Weather Resistance

This is the Trailmade 2's most honest limitation, scoring a 7.0 in Weather Resistance.

The tent handles typical three-season conditions, but it's built for fair-weather backpacking rather than storm riding.

For trips where you're checking the forecast and picking your window, that's perfectly adequate.

Value for Money

At $199 with footprint included, the Trailmade 2 scored a 8.0 in Value for Money.

Compare that to the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 at $550, which sheds nearly two pounds but costs almost three times as much.

For backpackers building their kit on a budget, those savings fund a lot of other gear.

User Reviews

Owner feedback runs strongly positive, with the tent scoring a 8.6 in User Reviews.

The most common praise centers on the included footprint and genuinely easy setup.

A recurring theme in critical reviews is the 5-pound-10-ounce weight, which experienced backpackers find heavy for anything beyond weekend trips.

Who It's For

The Trailmade 2 fits backpackers making the jump from car camping to trail camping, especially those who prioritize value and simplicity over ultralight specs.

It's ideal for weekend warriors logging shorter trips where a few extra ounces matter less than a few hundred extra dollars.

Taller hikers or those planning longer thru-hikes should look elsewhere.

The Bottom Line

The REI Co-op Trailmade 2 earns its 8.0 score by delivering genuine value where it counts: a bundled footprint, dead-simple setup, and durable materials at a price that won't derail your gear budget.

The low ceiling and moderate weight are real tradeoffs, but for the backpacker who wants reliability without the premium price tag, this tent makes a strong case for itself.