We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Thanks for the support! 👍
If you’re in the market for a new tent, you’re in luck! REI is one of the best places to buy tents. They have a wide selection of tents for all kinds of camping trips and outdoor adventures. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best tents at REI. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right tent for your needs. So whether you’re looking for a backpacking tent or a family camping tent, read on for the information you need to make an informed purchase!
What to consider when buying a tent
When it comes to tents, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.
Size
The first is the size of the tent. Make sure to choose a tent that can comfortably accommodate the number of people who will be using it. While every camping trip can be different (ranging from solo trips to trips for the whole family), you’ll want to consider what the bulk of your trips will be. Are you primarily planning to go with a large group of people? Don’t opt for a 2-person tent. Looking to get away by yourself more? Then a smaller tent might be for you. Keep in mind that you need to lug the tent wherever you’re going, so bigger isn’t always better.
Weight
You’ll also want to think about the weight of the tent. If you’re planning on backpacking with your tent, you’ll want to choose a lighter model. However, if weight isn’t as much of an issue, you might prefer a tent with more features. As we look at the roof-top tent options, you’ll also want to consider what your car is rated for and how heavy it will be once all the passengers (and their gear) are inside.
Usage
Another important consideration is the type of camping you’ll be doing. If you’re planning on car camping, you can get away with a heavier and less expensive tent. However, if you’re planning on backpacking, you’ll want to choose a lighter tent that’s easy to carry.
Climate
Finally, you’ll want to think about the climate you’ll be camping in. If you’re camping in hot weather, you’ll want a tent with good ventilation. However, if you’re camping in cold weather, you’ll want a tent that’s well insulated. Also think about during which seasons you want to be camping. While most of the tents on our list below are rated for 3 seasons, if you’re looking for a good winter tent, you’ll want to make sure it’s rated accordingly.
You might also like…
Best tents at REI: Our Recommendations
Now that you know some of the things to look for in a tent, let’s take a look at some of the best tents at REI. We split the tents into three categories: Tents for Camping, Tents for Backpacking and Roof-Top Tents. This is how REI has their categories split up, so we wanted to follow the same categories with our recommendations for the best tents at REI.
Best Camping Tents at REI
If you’re looking for a standard camping tent, there are tons of great options at REI! We’ve picked four of our favorite.
Let’s dive in!
ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent
If you’re looking for comfort when camping, this may be the tent for you! With nearly vertical walls and a tall height of 84 inches, the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Creek 6 Tent is a spacious 6-person tent that will give you a good amount of room on your next adventure.
Specs
| Size: | 6 person |
| Weight: | 27 lbs |
| Climate: | 3 season |
The North Face Wawona 6 Tent
The Wawona 6 Tent by The North Face is a well-designed, thought-out tent that is sure to last you a while! With double walls and simplified set-up, this tent is made to make things easy for you! It even comes with color-coded poles to make set-up a breeze? Speaking of breeze, this tent is designed for superior ventilation to make sure you have good airflow.
Specs
| Size: | 6 person |
| Weight: | 20 lbs 15oz |
| Climate: | 3 season |
Marmot Limestone 6P Tent
The Marmot Limestone 6P Tent is designed to give you room! With vertical walls inside, there’s a spacious sleeping area with good head room. With clever design, they’ve thought of everything, including a spacious door to let you get all of your gear in and out in a breeze, plus a pocket that allows you to store your headlamp and light up your living space!
Specs
| Size: | 6 person |
| Weight: | 17 lbs 9oz |
| Climate: | 3 season |
NEMO Aurora 2P Tent with Footprint
If you don’t need a ton of room on your next camp-out, the NEMO Aurora 2P Tent may be the option for you! Weighing in at just 5 lbs and 7oz, this small but mighty tent is very packable (whether you’re backpacking or driving to your camp spot). And with the footprint included, this tent should last you a while!
Specs
| Size: | 2 person |
| Weight: | 5 lbs 7oz |
| Climate: | 3 season |
Best Backpacking Tents at REI
When you’re backpacking, lighter is better because whatever you bring, you will have to carry! Here are some super lightweight tents that are perfect for your next backpacking adventure.
Check them out below!
You might also be interested in…
- Are Rooftop Tents Good For Winter?
- How Fast Can You Drive With A Roof Top Tent
- Roof Top Tents: Can you put them on any car you want?
REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint
Another small but mighty tent, the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent is a well-made product without the bells and whistles that can add weight. Simple features make this a simple, but solid option for backpacking. A nice touch: The fly door can be pitched out for an awning cover.
Specs
| Size: | 2 person |
| Weight: | 5 lbs 15oz |
| Climate: | 3 season |
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent
The lightest tent on this list, with a mere 3 pounds and 14oz packaged weight, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent is the perfect option for those looking for minimal weight. With a cool design, this tent has two awnings that can be used for shelter from the rain or sun. With two doors (one on either side), you can easily get in and out of the tent without having to climb over your camping partner.
Specs
| Size: | 3 person |
| Weight: | 3 lbs 14oz |
| Climate: | 3 season |
The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent
Looking for a tent that’s both light and spacious? The Stormbreak 2 Tent by The North Face is perfect for backpacking, hiking, and camping trips. With smart designs and features (like pockets for the doors so you don’t have to painstakingly roll them up), this tent is also well-thought out when it comes to airflow. So whether you’re in the mountains or on the beach, this tent is lightweight and a great 2-person tent option.
Specs
| Size: | 2 person |
| Weight: | 5 lbs 14oz |
| Climate: | 3 season |
Best Roof-Top Tents at REI
Roof-Top Tents have really gained in popularity the past few years! And it’s no surprise — these tents help you be incredibly mobile and can let you camp just about anywhere (make sure you’re allowed to overnight camp where you park though!).
Here we go!
SMRT Tent Summit Suite Tent
Make camping a breeze with this roof-top tent! According to the website, the SMRT Tent Summit Suite Tent can set up in under a minute! There’s plenty of space not just for you and your camping partners, but also built-in storage for things like shoes and other gear. With floor dimensions of 81.5″ x 59″, this tent also features a 3″ foam mattress.
Specs
| Size: | 3 person |
| Weight: | 160 lbs |
| Climate: | 3-4 season |
Yakima SkyRise HD 3 Tent
With a waterproof coating, the Yakima SkyRise HD 3 Tent is a 4-season tent that will let you go (and relax) just about anywhere! With extra large windows, not only do you get the added benefit of great views of wherever you’re camping, you also get great ventilation and airflow. Outfitted with a 2.5 inch foam sleeping pad, this tent has a little of 37 square feet of living space. That’s almost bigger than most New York apartments!
Specs
| Size: | 3 person |
| Weight: | 114 lbs 10.2oz |
| Climate: | 4 season |
Thule Tepui Explorer Autana 3 Tent
With a high-density foam mattress, the Thule Tepui Explorer Autana 4 Tent can sleep 4 people. It is the biggest and heaviest of the roof-top tents we’ve picked here — being 30+ pounds heavier than the competitors in this post. Thule is well known for quality products (including their roof-top cargo boxes). This tent is no different. With an extended canopy, this tent can give you additional privacy and space.
| Size: | 4 person |
| Weight: | 190 lbs |
| Climate: | 3-4 season |
Conclusion
Purchasing a tent can be a big decision. But with the wide selection of tents at REI, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs. Just remember to consider the size, weight, usage and climate when making your purchase.
