REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint Review

Overview

The Half Dome SL 2+ was REI Co-op’s superlight update to its long-running Half Dome line — a freestanding, double-wall 3-season tent aimed at backpackers who wanted more livable space than an ultralight shelter without paying ultralight prices. It’s since been discontinued and replaced by the heavier, non-SL Half Dome 2+, which makes this review as much a retrospective as a buying guide — if you can still find one used or on closeout, here’s what you’re getting.

Key Specs

Spec	Value
Capacity	2-person
Seasons	3-season
Packaged Weight	1786 g (3 lb 15 oz)
Floor Area	31.8 sq ft
Vestibule Area	22.5 sq ft (two vestibules)
Packed Size	22 x 7.5 in
Footprint	Included
Doors	2 (D-shaped)
Status	Discontinued

Performance

The headline feature here is interior space relative to weight. Its 90-inch length is one of the most generous in comparison tests and provides more than enough space for a pair of six-foot sleepers, while the 50-inch width offers over 31 square feet of floor space, with sitting headroom over 17 of those square feet. Peak height plays into that too — the fully freestanding double-wall tent has a peak height of 42 inches, with two vestibules that are each over 11 square feet. That’s genuinely generous vestibule real estate for stashing packs, boots, and a dog if you bring one.

Livability was the whole point of the “SL” redesign. One longtime Half Dome user who upgraded to this version noted it definitely weighs more than ultralight tents, but it’s a full pound lighter than the previous version of the Half Dome — and a lot more spacious than ultralight tents, calling it a well made and durable tent at a good price point. That “durable” descriptor comes up repeatedly in owner feedback — this isn’t a tent built around 15-denier fabric that you baby on every trip.

Weather performance gets solid marks from owners who’ve actually camped in rough conditions. One Slickdeals commenter reported it’s a super solid tent his buddy uses on backpacking trips in the Catskills, and after using it during a pretty bad storm, he came out dry — also calling it super roomy. On the ventilation side, two vents at the top of the rainfly can be left open even when it’s raining, which allows moist air to escape and helps prevent condensation from forming on the inside of the tent walls. In practice, a reviewer who’s used the tent extensively said the redesigned vestibules use dual stakes to give more space for storing gear outside the tent, and the extended cross pole at the top provides an overhang for protection from rain when entering and exiting.

Setup is about as painless as freestanding tents get. Reviewers point to a generous number of pockets, plus symmetrical structure and color-coded poles that make it easy to pitch. If you’re new to backpacking or just don’t want to fuss with trekking-pole tent geometry, that matters more than it sounds like on paper.

Where the SL 2+ falls short is obvious the moment you pick it up: it’s heavy for what it offers. It’s heavy though, as one reviewer put it bluntly, and that’s relative to true ultralight competition, not to other budget tents. On the trail, forum users echo this. One Rokslide poster who used the tent for hunting trips called it not the best for true backpack hunts — bulky and heavy compared to a lot of other options, but a decent tent that will serve you well if it’s what you’ve got. Fit is another consideration for taller or two-wide-pad setups: one long-term owner found it definitely snug for two guys, noting a buddy’s wide pad didn’t fit well next to a regular-width pad, and guessed it’s probably comfortable for someone up to about 6’2”.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent floor space and vestibule capacity for the weight class — plenty of room for two plus gear
• 42-inch peak height means real sit-up-and-move-around comfort, not just lying-flat space
• Durable materials that hold up to abuse better than featherweight competitors
• Easy, symmetrical, color-coded pole setup
• Included footprint adds value and floor protection out of the box
• Good rain and condensation management via adjustable rainfly vents

Cons

• Heavier than true ultralight 2P tents by a significant margin — not ideal for long-mile thru-hiking
• Snug for two taller hikers or wide sleeping pads side by side
• Now discontinued, so availability is limited to closeout stock, used listings, and resellers
• Packed size (22 x 7.5 in) is bulkier than trekking-pole or DCF-based competitors

Who Should Buy This

This tent makes the most sense for weekend backpackers, car campers, or hunters who prioritize interior space, durability, and easy setup over shaving grams — especially if you can find leftover stock at a discount. It’s a poor fit for anyone racking up serious mileage or counting every ounce; those hikers are better served by a trekking-pole shelter or a true ultralight double-wall tent, even at a higher price.

Verdict

The Half Dome SL 2+ earned its reputation as one of the better value-to-livability tents REI has made, and its discontinuation is a real loss for budget-minded backpackers who wanted more room without going full ultralight. If you can still track one down, it’s worth grabbing for casual and moderate-distance trips — just don’t expect it to compete on weight with the DCF and thru-hiker crowd. I’d put it at a 7.5/10: excellent livability and durability, docked for weight and packed bulk that keep it out of serious long-distance contention.