Thank you so much for this review! I’ve been looking to purchase my first tent and had a tough time trying to decide between getting this tent vs something more ultralight, and this helped me make a decision that REI is better for me as a starter! Seeing the size of the 3+ is also super helpful, since even though it’s just me I want something that could comfortably fit extra people in case I have some friends join. Thank you!!!
This was very helpful thank you! Just got home from a 4-day camping trip on the coast of the PNW and the wind broke so many tents and pop-up canopies from our group. My REI passage 2 tent did great...or so I thought. When I went to pack it up, I found that the fly had ripped apart from the seam at the bottom where I had to guy out the smaller side of the tent. Having used this tent only a couple times in the last 2 years, I am pretty frustrated. Not sure if I will get a different tent or try to fix my current fly. But this video was very helpful as I try to figure out which direction I want to take. Thank you!
Sorry to hear about your tent! I think REI will provide a replacement or fix it if you take it in. That is definitely not normal wear and tear damage. Fingers crossed!
Hi Justin, thanks for this great review. I'm wondering, at 80x92", could I fit 3 air mattresses in door-to-door (with the doors at our heads and feet) rather than sideways as you show in the video? I find that's better than the middle person having to climb over someone to get out. My air mattress (Nemo Vector) is regular length, 72"... so that should work ok, right? I'm looking at me, 2 kids + 1 dog and I think lengthwise works better. Thanks!
You definitely could. The tent is designed for door to door pad placement. To get four pads in, you need to place them perpendicular to the doors. I think you'll have a ton of room with yourself, two kids, and a dog.
REI has advertised that, yes, you can with a footprint, but it is not nearly as seemless as if you were using a hubba hubba, copper spur, or tungsten UL tent. There is no way to attach the fly to the footprint to keep it in place since it uses buckles to attach to the tent body. If that is a top feature you're looking for, the Marmot Limelight 3 might be a better option. That footprint comes with buckles that you can clip the fly into.
How would you ever split it across 4 people? It looks like almost all teh weight will be the pole (which is one big piece) and then the tent and vestibule itself would be a little extra. It seems that being unable to meaningfully split the weight would be the big issue with this tent, especially given its weight. Am I missing something?
Good question! The way I split hard to split gear (like a tent since there is only really 3 parts) is to look at the pack weights in total. So if one person is carrying the fly, another the inner, and another the poles/stakes, then the fourth person will carry the cook kit to balance it out. Or a tarp, chair, whatever. There is also usually a difference in strength/ability in a group, so I will sometimes just not give a weaker hiker as much of a load. Hopefully that makes sense!
Unfortunately, I haven't used either. I like the weight and size of the SL+ but the polyester fly, lower price, and vertical sidewalls of the Aurora are sweet. If you want a true 3 person tent though, the SL+ would be better. Looks like the Aurora would be a roomy 2-peron.
Looking at getting the 2+ or the 3+ like yours. It’s basically just me and maybe the wiener dog either doing motorcycle camping or car camping. Think the the 3 is over kill for when I’m on the ADV motorcycle and it’s most likely just me? (Same size as you)
Hey Matt. You and your dog would definitely fit easily in the 2+. Upgrading to the 3+ would depend on whether the extra ~50% of space is worth carrying an extra 1 lbs and having a bigger packed tent. If you have a big air mattress or just want a lot of space to spread stuff out, then the 3+ would be great. If you just want something that will fit you and your dog, then the 2+ will still be great for the two of you. If you want to share the tent down the road with someone and the dog, then 'd go with the 3+. I don't think you'll go wrong with either. I have a different 2-person tent for backpacking and lighter trips, which is why I went with the 3+.
Watching this video I thought this tent would be exactly what I was looking for, but this is now only available as an ultralight with a lot less durable materials and a much higher price, along with a lower peak height. All to save one pound.
I haven't seen ior played with the 1+ before but the 2+ is essentially the same as the 3+ but smaller. All the same benefits and drawbacks of the 3+ but with 14.3sq ft (~30%) less space. It also weighs less, which could be a plus. While the 3+ could squeeze in 4 people, you wouldn't be able to do the same trick and get 3 people comfortably into the 2+.
You have to order REI tents online and have it shipped to Alberta. There is a 50-50 chance you'll have to pay duties and tax when it is imported to Canada (I got charged an additional $30 CAD). REI has an anniversary sale at the end of May where they usually have all of their house-brand items (like this tent) on sale for 30% off. That would be the best time to buy.
They won't be able to provide a shipping estimate until you get further along in the checkout process. But for anything over $150, it's free international shipping. I just ran through purchasing this tent using "checkout as guest" and Canada was a shipping option! I hope it works out for you. Could always try calling them too.
How the fuck do you fold the poles? I swear the only thing about this tent that drives me crazy. The poles make my ocd go off the rails seeing as how I can't get them to line up even. It makes it hard to roll them up in the tent and close the bag...
Music is too loud when leaving the video at volume for your voice. Also, nix the music. Not everyone enjoys the same king of music and it becomes very distracting.
Thank you so much for this review! I’ve been looking to purchase my first tent and had a tough time trying to decide between getting this tent vs something more ultralight, and this helped me make a decision that REI is better for me as a starter! Seeing the size of the 3+ is also super helpful, since even though it’s just me I want something that could comfortably fit extra people in case I have some friends join. Thank you!!!
Check out the SL versions of the Half Dome + series too! The Half Dome SL 3+ looks to save about a pound over the non-SL version I reviews.
@@JustinOutdoors Thank you!!! That’s the one I’m going to get! 😊
This was very helpful thank you! Just got home from a 4-day camping trip on the coast of the PNW and the wind broke so many tents and pop-up canopies from our group. My REI passage 2 tent did great...or so I thought. When I went to pack it up, I found that the fly had ripped apart from the seam at the bottom where I had to guy out the smaller side of the tent. Having used this tent only a couple times in the last 2 years, I am pretty frustrated. Not sure if I will get a different tent or try to fix my current fly. But this video was very helpful as I try to figure out which direction I want to take. Thank you!
Sorry to hear about your tent! I think REI will provide a replacement or fix it if you take it in. That is definitely not normal wear and tear damage. Fingers crossed!
Hi Justin, thanks for this great review. I'm wondering, at 80x92", could I fit 3 air mattresses in door-to-door (with the doors at our heads and feet) rather than sideways as you show in the video? I find that's better than the middle person having to climb over someone to get out. My air mattress (Nemo Vector) is regular length, 72"... so that should work ok, right? I'm looking at me, 2 kids + 1 dog and I think lengthwise works better. Thanks!
You definitely could. The tent is designed for door to door pad placement. To get four pads in, you need to place them perpendicular to the doors. I think you'll have a ton of room with yourself, two kids, and a dog.
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks for your quick reply, Justin!
@@jillian4548 no problem!
In a rainstorm can you put the fly up first then the tent inside to keep the tent dry?
REI has advertised that, yes, you can with a footprint, but it is not nearly as seemless as if you were using a hubba hubba, copper spur, or tungsten UL tent. There is no way to attach the fly to the footprint to keep it in place since it uses buckles to attach to the tent body. If that is a top feature you're looking for, the Marmot Limelight 3 might be a better option. That footprint comes with buckles that you can clip the fly into.
Where is the included footprint?
How would you ever split it across 4 people? It looks like almost all teh weight will be the pole (which is one big piece) and then the tent and vestibule itself would be a little extra. It seems that being unable to meaningfully split the weight would be the big issue with this tent, especially given its weight. Am I missing something?
Good question! The way I split hard to split gear (like a tent since there is only really 3 parts) is to look at the pack weights in total. So if one person is carrying the fly, another the inner, and another the poles/stakes, then the fourth person will carry the cook kit to balance it out. Or a tarp, chair, whatever. There is also usually a difference in strength/ability in a group, so I will sometimes just not give a weaker hiker as much of a load. Hopefully that makes sense!
@@JustinOutdoors yeup, and thanks, that makes total sense!
Would you recommend the Nemo Aurora 3p or Half Dome SL+?
Unfortunately, I haven't used either. I like the weight and size of the SL+ but the polyester fly, lower price, and vertical sidewalls of the Aurora are sweet. If you want a true 3 person tent though, the SL+ would be better. Looks like the Aurora would be a roomy 2-peron.
Looking at getting the 2+ or the 3+ like yours. It’s basically just me and maybe the wiener dog either doing motorcycle camping or car camping. Think the the 3 is over kill for when I’m on the ADV motorcycle and it’s most likely just me? (Same size as you)
Hey Matt. You and your dog would definitely fit easily in the 2+. Upgrading to the 3+ would depend on whether the extra ~50% of space is worth carrying an extra 1 lbs and having a bigger packed tent. If you have a big air mattress or just want a lot of space to spread stuff out, then the 3+ would be great. If you just want something that will fit you and your dog, then the 2+ will still be great for the two of you. If you want to share the tent down the road with someone and the dog, then 'd go with the 3+. I don't think you'll go wrong with either. I have a different 2-person tent for backpacking and lighter trips, which is why I went with the 3+.
Watching this video I thought this tent would be exactly what I was looking for, but this is now only available as an ultralight with a lot less durable materials and a much higher price, along with a lower peak height. All to save one pound.
Is there a good way to fold the poles so they can fit in the sleeve?
I just fold them up at all the points they detach and then they seem to fit!
Sweet review dude
Thanks!
Great review!
Do you have any experience with the 2+ or 1+ version of this tent or how they compare? Nice video!
Also there is the exact same review under a channel called Ailis Reviews. Just so you know.
Thanks for the heads up! I've reported it :)
I haven't seen ior played with the 1+ before but the 2+ is essentially the same as the 3+ but smaller. All the same benefits and drawbacks of the 3+ but with 14.3sq ft (~30%) less space. It also weighs less, which could be a plus. While the 3+ could squeeze in 4 people, you wouldn't be able to do the same trick and get 3 people comfortably into the 2+.
Great Review!
Loved the video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
where can we get these tents in Alberta? or do i have to order online?
You have to order REI tents online and have it shipped to Alberta. There is a 50-50 chance you'll have to pay duties and tax when it is imported to Canada (I got charged an additional $30 CAD). REI has an anniversary sale at the end of May where they usually have all of their house-brand items (like this tent) on sale for 30% off. That would be the best time to buy.
I tried ordering through their website but the shipping options were American only. Maybe I’ll wait and see if it goes on sale. Thanks for the tips!!
They won't be able to provide a shipping estimate until you get further along in the checkout process. But for anything over $150, it's free international shipping. I just ran through purchasing this tent using "checkout as guest" and Canada was a shipping option! I hope it works out for you. Could always try calling them too.
Awesome. I just called them and sorted it out. And their sale starts this Friday!
Im really sad because REI doesn’t sell these on their website anymore
Oh wow! Hopefully they are just short on stock and aren't discontinuing it!
Will it fit a queen size air matt?
I'm not sure, would have to look at the dimensions of the tent and queen mattresses.
@@JustinOutdoors It fit with a little spare room. 😊
@@sheliaaustin2800 Nice! Good to know!
Could you lye in the tent the other way?
Yup! It's huge
How the fuck do you fold the poles? I swear the only thing about this tent that drives me crazy. The poles make my ocd go off the rails seeing as how I can't get them to line up even. It makes it hard to roll them up in the tent and close the bag...
WARNING: REI Customer Service will NOT replace any broken PLASTIC parts to any of their tents. It's up to you to make-do, or jury-rig a fix.
I hate aggressive zipperers.
You betcha! You've got to watch out for them! They'll wreck a tent faster than an Alberta Prairies windstorm!
There's only one step. 😂 😂
Music is too loud when leaving the video at volume for your voice. Also, nix the music. Not everyone enjoys the same king of music and it becomes very distracting.
Perfect for reverse cowgirl !!!
:S
Not enough height.