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In my opinion, the REI Flash Air 2 tent is an excellent choice for backpackers who are looking for a lightweight and comfortable tent that is easy to carry around. The tent has several features that make it stand out, such as the hubbed roof poles that give extra headroom, a fly/vestibule for protection in bad weather, and the ability to pitch with most trekking poles. The two large doors and internal mesh pockets also add to the convenience of the tent.
However, it is essential to note that this tent may not be suitable for car campers, tall backpackers, those who camp in wet climates, users who require a lot of interior space, or winter campers. The hybrid single-wall design does make it more prone to condensation buildup, which can be a problem in wet climates.
Overall, if you are a backpacker who prioritizes lightweight design and comfort, the REI Flash Air 2 tent is an excellent option to consider. It is spacious for its weight and easy to set up, but it may not be the best choice for everyone.
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REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent Review: Who is it for?
I think that the REI Flash Air 2 tent is perfect for backpackers who are looking for a lightweight and sturdy tent that is easy to carry around. It is a great option for those who want a spacious tent for two people, but don’t want to carry around a heavy and bulky tent.
One of the best features of this tent is the hubbed roof poles that give extra headroom and a foot pole that increases volume at the other end. This gives you plenty of room to move around and stretch out, even if you are a tall person. The tent also has a fly/vestibule that protects your gear in bad weather, but can be rolled up for stargazing or pitched out to create a large awning in friendlier weather. This feature is perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without being stuck inside their tent all day.
The tent is also designed to pitch with most trekking poles, which means that you can leave the vertical poles at home to save weight. This is a great feature for those who want to carry as little weight as possible on their backpacking trips. The hybrid single-wall construction also optimizes weight and livability, making it a great choice for those who want a lightweight tent that is also comfortable to sleep in.
Another great feature of the tent is the two large, easy-entry canopy-style doors. This makes it easy to get in and out of the tent, even if you are sharing it with another person. The internal mesh pockets and gear loops also allow for simple organization, so you can keep your gear organized and within easy reach.
The tent packs down to 16 inches long, which makes it an easy fit in bike panniers or a backpack. It also comes with a stuff sack, stakes, guylines and tensioners, 2 long poles, 2 pole hubs and 1 foot pole. The weight-saving design of this non-freestanding tent requires you to stake it out during setup, which is a minor inconvenience but worth it for the weight savings.
However, it is important to note that the hybrid single-wall design, as with any single-wall tent, exposes the tent interior more directly to condensation. To mitigate this, it is important to choose a proper tent site (away from water, under trees and exposed to breezes), vent when possible and not bring wet gear into the tent or vestibule.
Overall, I think that the REI Flash Air 2 tent is a great choice for backpackers who are looking for a lightweight and comfortable tent that is easy to carry around. It is perfect for those who want plenty of room to move around and stretch out, but don’t want to carry around a heavy and bulky tent. If you are looking for a tent that is both lightweight and comfortable, the REI Flash Air 2 tent is definitely worth considering.
REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent Review: Who isn’t it for?
While the REI Flash Air 2 tent is a great choice for many backpackers, there are some user profiles that may not find it suitable for their needs. Here are some reasons why the REI Flash Air 2 tent may not be the best option for certain users:
1. Car campers: If you are planning on camping in a car or at a campsite where you don’t have to carry your gear far, the REI Flash Air 2 tent may not be the best option. Its lightweight design is optimized for backpacking, but it may not be as durable as heavier tents designed for car camping.
2. Tall backpackers: While the tent has extra headroom and a foot pole that increases volume at the other end, it may not be enough for taller backpackers. If you are over 6 feet tall, you may find the tent too cramped and uncomfortable to sleep in.
3. Those who camp in wet climates: The single-wall design of the REI Flash Air 2 tent makes it more prone to condensation buildup, which can be a problem in wet climates. If you frequently camp in areas with high humidity or precipitation, you may want to consider a tent with a double-wall design to prevent moisture buildup.
4. Users who require a lot of interior space: While the tent is spacious for its weight, it may not be enough for users who require a lot of interior space. If you prefer to have plenty of room to move around or store your gear, you may want to consider a larger tent with a freestanding design.
5. Winter campers: The REI Flash Air 2 tent is only rated for 3-season use, which means it may not be suitable for winter camping. If you plan on camping in colder temperatures or snow, you will need a tent that is specifically designed for winter use.
In conclusion, the REI Flash Air 2 tent is a great option for backpackers who prioritize lightweight design and comfort. However, it may not be the best option for car campers, tall backpackers, those who camp in wet climates, users who require a lot of interior space, or winter campers. If none of these apply to you, the REI Flash Air 2 tent is definitely worth considering for your next backpacking trip.
REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent Review: Conclusion
In my opinion, the REI Flash Air 2 tent is an excellent choice for backpackers who are looking for a lightweight and comfortable tent that is easy to carry around. The tent has several features that make it stand out, such as the hubbed roof poles that give extra headroom, a fly/vestibule for protection in bad weather, and the ability to pitch with most trekking poles. The two large doors and internal mesh pockets also add to the convenience of the tent.
However, it is essential to note that this tent may not be suitable for car campers, tall backpackers, those who camp in wet climates, users who require a lot of interior space, or winter campers. The hybrid single-wall design does make it more prone to condensation buildup, which can be a problem in wet climates.
Overall, if you are a backpacker who prioritizes lightweight design and comfort, the REI Flash Air 2 tent is an excellent option to consider. It is spacious for its weight and easy to set up, but it may not be the best choice for everyone.