REI Tents

[adh24]

Have been looking at the REI half dome and the UL half dome tents. I really like the fly vent feature cause I seem to personal give off a lot of condensation. Not sure why, my be the sinuses. I always seem to get stuffy when my tent is buttoned up and I'll start breath pretty heavy through the mouth. Any who they seem like good buys for what you get. Just wanted to hear some user feed back particularly any condensation/venting issues. PM or reply. THANKS!

[JimSproul]

I have an REI Half Dome that I have used in a bunch of conditions for several years. I find that if I makesure there is good seperation between the fly and tent body I get good ventilation and little condensation. REI makes their flys out of dacron which do not sag as much as nylon when they get wet. Unless it is blowing very hard, I always leave the top vents open. I always stake out the fly, even in mild conditions.

I don't know if you have tried it but the Half Dome Fly and foot print together make a great ultralight shelter.

[Rain Man]

I have the REI Half Dome and the Quarter Dome too. Wife and I have used the Half Dome several times, plus I have used the rain fly and footprint (without the tent itself) on occasion.

I also always leave the vents open. Have had no condensation problem so far.

Rain:sunMan

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[Weldman]

Rainman,

When you use just the rain fly and the footprint, how far is the fly off the ground?
I bought a rainfly( $7.00) at a used gear sale and have poles( need to cut them to size- my fly is 8" high on both sides ). Thinking of adding a silnylon tub floor and bug screening along the edges.

Mike

[Ridge Rat]

Weldman,

The UL HD2 sides come up about 6-8 inches off the floor its a great thing for summer, but a cold night in the winter. The wind tunnel effect starts about your head and ends at about your toes. Sold the tent shortly after a miserable night on the trail. Would be interesting if you could make a tub that is lighter than the original tent.

[virtualfrog]

1/4dome here - REI tents are very good in the war on condensation, imo.

[adh24]

Good info. Things I wanted to see. Thanks to all. I think I'm going to pick up the UL. :banana

[Rain Man]

... When you use just the rain fly and the footprint, how far is the fly off the ground? ....

The Half Dome rainfly was about 4" to 6" off the ground, but was spread out pretty wide and away from the footprint itself.

Rain:sunMan

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[Weldman]

Ridge Rat,

Thanks for the input on the height along the edges, will have to cut 3" on each pole( tub will be 5" high) . I using 1.3-1.5 oz a yd Silnylon from Walmart, thinking of making the ends from the the 2 doors wider for gear.

Mike

[Weldman]

Ridge Rat and Rain Man,

Thanks to both of you, I cut the poles so I have 3" high gap on both ends. Plan is to make the tub - 7'x63"x4" (removable) then centered. Will have a 5-6" space on both ends of the tent then add 1' of No-seeum along the edge. I'am shooting for 3.5lbs or less.

Mike

[Nameless]

I used REI tents (and packs) for years and they always treated me well. Would still be using them today, but I carry a much much lighter pack.

To help with ventilation you should not completly close the door. Close the mosquito netting, then zip up the door most of the way, leaving a couple inches hanging down for ventilation. This is what I was taught from a young age, and I have never had ventilation problems.

Pink

[adh24]

I'm still on my tent quest. Actually just waiting for my birthday coming up this month. I have previously posted about the REI tents but stumble upon the Mount Hard wear Meridian 2 Tent. Seem to have all the things I'm looking for. Lots of mesh, Fly vent, two doors, and two vestibules and under 5lbs. Any personal feed back on this guy? It seems that Mountain Hard wear makes some nice products but wanted to hear some personal experiences.

[saimyoji]

I'm still on my tent quest. Actually just waiting for my birthday coming up this month. I have previously posted about the REI tents but stumble upon the Mount Hard wear Meridian 2 Tent. Seem to have all the things I'm looking for. Lots of mesh, Fly vent, two doors, and two vestibules and under 5lbs. Any personal feed back on this guy? It seems that Mountain Hard wear makes some nice products but wanted to hear some personal experiences.

Yeah, I've been looking at that. Similar tents are the SD Iota, BA Seedhouse. Lots of good reviews on the Seedhouse, but I haven't seen it at Campmor in a while.

[rswanson]

I'm still on my tent quest. Actually just waiting for my birthday coming up this month. I have previously posted about the REI tents but stumble upon the Mount Hard wear Meridian 2 Tent. Seem to have all the things I'm looking for. Lots of mesh, Fly vent, two doors, and two vestibules and under 5lbs. Any personal feed back on this guy? It seems that Mountain Hard wear makes some nice products but wanted to hear some personal experiences.
I can't say about the Meridian, but I can tell you that 50" width at the shoulder is gonna be tight for two. I have the REI Quarter Dome 2 person which is 52" width at the wide end of the tent. It really spare, even when I'm sharing with my wife. It would be very tight with two 6 footers inside, maybe too much so. I do like how big the Meridian's vestibules are, however.

I really like everything about the Quarter Dome except the weight and packed bulk. You won't be dissapointed by this tent if you go with it. I've never really had condensation issues as any condensation clings to the outer fly.