It’s a good lightweight tent - I own one and it’s served me well.
I’ve had this tent since it was released and I really dislike it. The doors are so tight, it’s almost impossible to roll them up properly, and there’s a major design flaw where the fly sags at the top, causing water to pool and eventually drip inside once the water repellent wears off.
It’s a solid tent, especially for that price.
That’s a fantastic price for a quality tent. If you’re buying it from REI, you’ll also have a great return policy to back up your purchase. I would probably choose a Durston X-Dome 2p over this, but those won’t be available for a while. The X-Dome and X-Mid 2p can fit two 25" wide sleeping pads side by side, unlike the Big Agnes tent, which has a tapered floor that doesn’t accommodate 20" pads comfortably.
I’ve been using the three-person version of this tent for years and it’s fantastic.
It’s currently priced at $265 at REI.
Average quality
I paid $500 for this tent two years ago. It hurts to see it so cheap now.
I’ve had the three-person version of this tent for a few years and it’s been excellent for backpacking trips with my wife.
People really like Big Agnes tents and while I’ve never owned one, it seems similar to my first REI tent. For half the price of Big Agnes’ sale price, you can get a tent from REI that will last for years with comparable specs. I recently passed my first REI tent to a friend. A few years ago, I bought REI’s two-man tent with a vestibule and footprint for $150. That first tent was just under $100. I bought footprints for both for about $20 each. I’ve always wanted a Big Agnes or MSI tent, but their prices seem too high to me. This sale price doesn’t seem great when I can get a similar REI tent for less than half the price, even when it’s on sale.
@Ty
The REI tent is definitely not just for car camping. I understand the focus on durability and weight. Maybe I’m in between where I need a tent that’s compact but where weight isn’t the only consideration. I see value in durability and convenience more. For non-ultralight needs, I think REI tents offer better value. I compared specs between the REI Half Dome 2 and the BA UL2 and while BA is lighter, when considering cost and weight together, REI seems to offer better value unless ultralight is a priority.
@Tate
You’re paying for superior materials, availability of replacement parts, and lighter weight with Big Agnes compared to REI.
@Tate
I used to have the REI Passage 2 which is a great starter tent but it’s quite heavy. The materials and finishing details of Big Agnes tents are on a different level. If ultralight backpacking isn’t a priority for you, that’s totally fine, but it’s not accurate to say these tents are the same.
@Day
I’ve had multiple REI tents over the years and they’ve all been durable. I can return them anytime if there’s an issue, which is a huge plus given REI’s close proximity. While BA tents are great, I’ve found REI’s to offer excellent value, especially if you’re not strictly ultralight camping.
@Tate
I’ve never said REI tents aren’t good; my point was you can’t say they’re the same as Big Agnes tents.
It’s a reliable tent. I’d prefer an X-Dome 1+ or an Xmid though. Note that the X-Dome won’t be available until April, and it’s likely to sell out quickly. It’s definitely a top choice for this year.