The Best Single Person Backpacking Tent?

Table of Contents

    Is the REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1 the right lightweight backpacking tent for your solo backpacking trips? In this post, I’ll examine its construction, lightweight features, ease of setup, and performance in different conditions. Find out if the Quarter Dome SL 1 will meet your needs on your next adventure.

    Key Takeaways

    • The REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1 is a semi-freestanding tent with a single hubbed pole system for a stable and lightweight structure that’s quick to set up and good for any terrain.

    • The tent has a large vestibule for gear storage, full mesh inner tent for great ventilation and multiple interior pockets and hang loops for livability and convenience.

    • 31 oz trail weight and packable, the Quarter Dome SL 1 is the perfect choice for solo backpackers looking for a reliable, lightweight and affordable 3 season tent.

    • When compared to other US tent manufacturers, the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 stands out in terms of weight and price, offering excellent value in the competitive landscape.

    Illustration of the REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1 tent design and structure

    Tent Design and Structure

    The REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1 has:

    • Double-wall with semi-freestanding capabilities

    • Minimal weight and maximum stability

    • Can stand up on its own with few stakes

    • Solid in many outdoor environments without needing trekking pole support

    • More interior space with vertical sidewalls for comfort and room to move

    • Lightweight enough for long backpacking trips

    Pole Structure

    The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 has a single hubbed pole system. The benefits of this design:

    • Fast and easy setup when you’re tired from hiking

    • Durable yet lightweight poles for stability in all weather

    • Freestanding or use with trekking poles, unlike trekking pole tents which are single-wall and non-freestanding. Freestanding tents maintain their shape without stakes, making them versatile for various camping environments.

    For extra functionality, reflective stake loops and guylines are woven in for nighttime visibility. This is super helpful for avoiding tripping over invisible lines in low light. Having a pole repair tube is also useful for keeping your dome sl and vestibule intact.

    Rainfly and Vestibule

    The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is designed for practicality and ease of use with:

    • Vestibule space for gear like backpacks, shoes and extra stuff

    • Unblocked entrance for easy access and to keep the inside of the tent clean

    • Protection of the interior space from moisture and debris

    These are super helpful in the rain.

    There’s also a big door in the rainfly vestibule that can be rolled back for easy entry and exit from the tent. The door has dual-direction zippers, so you can vent or take a peek outside without fully opening up the shelter—important for maintaining an optimal internal climate and minimizing condensation.

    The rollback loops on the rainfly give you extra setup options. Whether it’s a torrential downpour or just a mild night, you have choices with the Dome SL 1. The design of the rainfly and vestibule has you covered no matter what the weather.

    Livability and Interior Features

    The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 excels at comfort and space. The inner tent is all mesh, so there is great airflow and stargazing when the sky is clear. The 4-inch elevated bathtub floor keeps ground moisture out so you stay dry and cozy.

    With its trapezoidal floor and high peak, it has plenty of room for most hikers' needs. Entry is easy through the wide D-shaped door, which also tucks away when open for extra convenience.

    It has plenty of room and features for ease of use so it’s a great solo wilderness home. The combination of interior space and smart design makes for a good night’s sleep after a long day on the trail. REI Quarter Dome SL1 is the best 1 person tent with a big design, large vestibule, and plenty of storage pockets for weight-conscious solo backpackers.

    Spacious Living Area

    The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 has a big interior with:

    • Trapezoidal floor plan to maximize space where you need it most

    • Enough room to sleep comfortably

    • 38 inches of peak height so you can sit up and move around

    88 inches long, this tent has plenty of room for you to stretch out. The dome sl design gives you lots of space to relax and gear up. It’s the perfect compromise between weight and comfort for solo travelers.

    Gear Storage

    The REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1 has great gear storage solutions. Inside the tent there are 4 mesh pockets to stash your headlamp, map and snacks so you don’t have to dig through your backpack when you need something small.

    This Quarter Dome SL has 6 hang loops to create organization options in your living space. Use them to hang lanterns and wet clothes or add a gear loft if you need to. With the mesh pockets and hang loops, you’ll have plenty of storage in the tent and it will stay organized.

    Performance in Various Conditions

    Illustration of the REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1 tent's performance in various conditions

    The REI Quarter Dome SL is designed for three-season use and has been tested to withstand wind, moisture, and rain. It performs well in all outdoor conditions.

    One of the key features of the Dome SL 1 is the integrated roof vent, which really helps with ventilation and reduces condensation. The fly fabric is designed not to sag when humidity is high or it’s raining—as long as the tent is set up correctly. Note that in a full-on storm, water can splash into the area where your head and feet are.

    As you can see why, backpackers choose the Quarter Dome SL as their go-to tent when they’re in different climates – it’s got built-in features that give you confidence it will be a solid shelter in any weather.

    Wind

    Tent performance is all about wind, and the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 excels at it. When set up with all stakes and guylines tightened, it’s stable and quiet even in 30mph winds. That’s a lot of confidence in a windy situation.

    A tight fly canopy helps with wind resistance on the dome sl tents. The tautness reduces flutter and noise from the fabric so you can sleep soundly in rough weather. The Quarter Dome SL 1 shows its solid construction and thoughtful design.

    Condensation Resistance

    The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is a condensation-resistant tent from REI. Its optional roof vent enhances airflow inside the tent, minimizing moisture buildup. This is especially helpful in humid environments or near lakes and rivers.

    The design has steep fly walls to help keep moisture out of the shelter. The fly fabric is also low emissivity, so it keeps condensation at bay better than silnylon or PU-coated nylon. So you’ll have a dry and comfortable space to live in no matter the weather.

    Weight and Packability

    For backpackers the weight and packability of a tent are key. The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 nails both with a trail weight of 31 oz and a packed weight of 2 lbs 6 oz. That’s one of the lightest solo backpacking tents out there for those who want a lightweight shelter on long trips.

    It packs down super small so you can fit it in your pack without taking up too much space and that means more room for other essentials. That’s a big plus for backpackers who have to carry all their gear for miles.

    Quarter Dome SL 1 is great for solo missions.

    Illustration of the spacious interior and D-shaped door of the REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1 tent

    Setup and Ease of Use

    The setup of the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is designed to be super easy thanks to its simple and clever design. With a shock-corded hub-and-pole structure it’s a breeze to set up. For first-time campers, components are color coded, so it’s a quick and easy pitch – a big plus at the end of a long day on the trail when speed is of the essence.

    If you want to have more set up options with this tent there’s a footprint available but it’s sold separately. With this you can pitch the tent with just the flysheet, poles and footprint – perfect for ultralight backpackers who want to lighten their load and get in their sleeping quarters fast.

    The setup of the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is super easy thanks to the color coded stake loops and rainfly which guide you to the correct and quick tent setup. This feature reduces mistakes and makes it super easy to set up in low light. Stress free.

    You can pitch the Quarter Dome SL inner-first or fly-first so it has multiple setup options for different weather conditions. This means you can have reliable shelter in any situation and be protected no matter what nature throws at you.

    Pros:

    • Reliable in All Conditions: Designed to withstand wind, rain, and varying temperatures, making it a solid choice for three-season use.

    • Lightweight and Packable: With a trail weight of 31 oz and packed weight of 2 lbs 6 oz, it’s one of the lightest solo backpacking tents available.

    • Easy Setup: The shock-corded hub-and-pole system and color-coded components make setup quick and hassle-free, even in low light.

    • Spacious Interior: The trapezoidal floor plan and 38-inch peak height provide ample room to sleep and move around.

    • Versatile Setup Options: Can be pitched inner-first or fly-first, and the optional footprint allows for an even lighter setup.

    Cons

    • Footprint Sold Separately: The footprint is not included and must be purchased separately for $55, which might be a downside for budget-conscious buyers.

    • Zipper Snagging: A few reviews mention that the zippers can snag on the fabric, which can be frustrating during setup and entry/exit.

    • Condensation in Humid Conditions: While the tent has good ventilation, some users have experienced condensation build-up in very humid environments.

    Conclusion

    In short, the REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 1 is a great choice for solo backpackers looking for a light, reliable, and comfortable shelter. Its semi-freestanding design, performance in many conditions, and easy setup make it a 3 season tent. The separate footprint adds a minor cost, but the value and features of the tent more than make up for it.

    Whether you’re going long distances or weekend backpacking, the Quarter Dome SL 1 has the right balance of weight, durability, and livability. Its thoughtful design and features will make you feel at home on the trail. Get the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 for your next backpacking trip and see the difference.

    FAQs

    How much does the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 weigh?

    Trail weight: 31 oz Packed weight: 2 lbs 6 oz

    How easy is it to set up?

    Easy. The shock-corded hub-and-pole system and color-coded components make it a breeze.

    It’s simple.

    Does the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 tent handle condensation?

    Yes. It has a roof vent and low emissivity fabric on the fly.

    Is the footprint included?

    No. Has to be bought separately for $55.<|start_header_id|><|start_header_id|><|start_header_id|>assistant

    To other tents like it?

    Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL, Nemo Hornet Elite 1. It’s in the middle.

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