- REI is currently 50% off clothing & footwear: https://www.rei.com/s/clothing-and-footwear-deals
If you’re short on time and just want the highlights of this article, here it is:
I recently discovered the REI Quarter Dome SL 2 tent and was impressed with its features and specifications. This lightweight tent is designed for backpackers who need a reliable shelter for 3-season use. The trapezoidal floor plan and vertical sidewalls provide spacious elbow room, while the large door on the fly vestibule and tent body adds convenience to entry and exit. The roof vent improves airflow and controls condensation.
However, this tent may not be suitable for those who frequently camp in extreme weather conditions, solo campers, or those on a tight budget. The Quarter Dome SL 2 is primarily designed for 3-season use and may not hold up well in harsher conditions, while the sleeping capacity of 2 people may feel spacious for one person and take up unnecessary space in your backpack. Additionally, if you prioritize a high peak height in your tent or if you are looking for a more affordable option, this tent may not be the best fit for you.
Overall, the REI Quarter Dome SL 2 tent is a great option for backpackers who need a lightweight and reliable shelter for 3-season use. Its spacious design and convenient features make it a great choice for those on the go. However, it may not be the best fit for those who frequently camp in extreme weather, solo campers, those who prioritize a high peak height, or those on a tight budget.
Quick links:
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent Review: Who is it for?
I recently came across the REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 tent and was impressed by its features and specs. This tent is designed for backpackers who prioritize lightweight gear and need a reliable shelter for 3-season use.
One of the standout features of the Quarter Dome SL 2 is its vertical sidewalls which create spacious elbow room and provide a no-drip entryway. The trapezoidal floor plan also maximizes space where you need it, making it easier to move around and store your gear.
Setup is made simple with the hubbed and shockcorded pole assembly, which is color-coded for ease of use. The large door on the fly vestibule and tent body adds convenience to entry and exit, and can be hung out of the way when unzipped. The 2 doors and 2 stake-out vestibules provide easy access and ample gear storage.
The roof vent is a great addition to improve airflow and control condensation. The exterior guyout loops and rainfly rollback loops also provide setup options for any type of weather.
The Quarter Dome SL 2 also comes with a variety of pockets and hang loops to help organize the interior. Reflective stake loops and guylines help minimize nighttime trip hazards.
For those looking to go even lighter, the fly/footprint minimalist pitch option lets you leave the tent at home and use the fly, poles and footprint (sold separately) as a lightweight shelter. The Quarter Dome SL 2 comes with a stuff sack, stakes, guylines and tighteners, as well as a pole-repair tube, a pole bag and a stake bag.
In terms of technical specs, the Quarter Dome SL 2 has a sleeping capacity of 2 people and a minimum trail weight of 2 lbs. 8 oz. The fly/footprint pitch weight is 2 pounds and the packed weight is 2 lbs. 14 oz. The packed size is 7 x 20 inches, making it easy to fit in a backpack. The floor dimensions are 88 x 52/42 (L x W head/foot) inches, with a floor area of 28.7 square feet and a vestibule area of 21.5 square feet. The peak height is 38 inches and there are 2 doors with a single hubbed poleset made of DAC NFL aluminum.
Overall, the Quarter Dome SL 2 is a great option for backpackers who need a lightweight and reliable shelter for 3-season use. Its spacious design and convenient features make it a great choice for those on the go.
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent Review: Who isn’t it for?
As much as the REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 tent is a great option for some users, there are certain user profiles that may not find it as suitable for their needs.
Firstly, if you are someone who frequently camps in extreme weather conditions, the Quarter Dome SL 2 may not be the best choice for you. While it does have setup options for different weather, it’s still primarily designed for 3-season use and may not hold up well in harsher conditions.
Secondly, if you are a solo camper, the Quarter Dome SL 2 may be more tent than you need. With a sleeping capacity of 2 people, the tent may feel spacious for one person and take up unnecessary space in your backpack.
Thirdly, if you prioritize a high peak height in your tent, the Quarter Dome SL 2 may not be the best option for you. While it does have a peak height of 38 inches, there are other tents on the market with higher peak heights that may be more suitable for taller individuals or those who prefer more headroom.
Lastly, if you are on a tight budget, the Quarter Dome SL 2 may not be the most cost-effective option for you. While it’s definitely a high-quality tent, its price point may be out of range for some users who are looking for a more affordable option.
Overall, while the REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 tent is a great option for many backpackers, it may not be the best fit for those who frequently camp in extreme weather, solo campers, those who prioritize a high peak height, or those on a tight budget.
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent Review: Conclusion
I recently discovered the REI Quarter Dome SL 2 tent and was impressed with its features and specifications. This lightweight tent is designed for backpackers who need a reliable shelter for 3-season use. The trapezoidal floor plan and vertical sidewalls provide spacious elbow room, while the large door on the fly vestibule and tent body adds convenience to entry and exit. The roof vent improves airflow and controls condensation.
However, this tent may not be suitable for those who frequently camp in extreme weather conditions, solo campers, or those on a tight budget. The Quarter Dome SL 2 is primarily designed for 3-season use and may not hold up well in harsher conditions, while the sleeping capacity of 2 people may feel spacious for one person and take up unnecessary space in your backpack. Additionally, if you prioritize a high peak height in your tent or if you are looking for a more affordable option, this tent may not be the best fit for you.
Overall, the REI Quarter Dome SL 2 tent is a great option for backpackers who need a lightweight and reliable shelter for 3-season use. Its spacious design and convenient features make it a great choice for those on the go. However, it may not be the best fit for those who frequently camp in extreme weather, solo campers, those who prioritize a high peak height, or those on a tight budget.