My wife and I just got our REI member rebates and 20% off coupons, and last year we returned our 2-person Half Dome after we realized it wasn't waterproof anymore on the JMT last year. So we're looking to replace it. We have a budget of $280 total from our rebates and discount and must use it at REI, obviously. The main features we want are durable, comfortable (dry and spacious), and easy setup. We have a Tarptent for more major expeditions and want this one for basic weekend trips. Not too concerned about weight (last trip we carried our 4-person Coleman after remembering too late we'd returned the Half Dome!)
I was going to go right to the Half Dome and replace it with an even swap, but some of the reviews there hint that the new design is a bit flawed and that the hubs and horizontal supports tend to break. Not sure if that's a major design flaw or some isolated incidents, and I could always return it to REI, so I'm first wondering if anyone has had that experience.
I also want to compare to other tents available at REI - any recommendations? Price range is firm--we wouldn't be buying a tent right now if we didn't have the rebates.
Looking forward to the group's wisdom - Thanks!
RL