Description
The REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 builds off of REI’s baseline tent model, the Trailmade, and soups it up with a set of livability features that make it more livable at the expense of being slightly heavier and costlier. All said and done, it’s still a great entry level tent. Price: $199 Weight: 4 lbs 14 oz Material: Coated nylon tafetta fly, coated polyester floor Area: 31.7 ft² | Vestibule : 19 ft² | Area/Pound : 10.3 ft² Length: 88″ Width: 52″ Height: 40″ Pros: Affordable. Wide. Freestanding. Simple. Spreader bar. Vents. Complimentary footprint. Cons: Quite heavy. Features While nothing about the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 is innovative, it gets the job done at a good price, is beginner friendly, and we trust it way more than some random cheapo from a less reputable brand. The classic cross-pole design is tried and true, and it’s more spacious than average. Like the Trailmade, it is 52″ wide, whereas a traditional 2P backpacking tent is closer to 45″. The ceiling at 40″ is fairly standard, but the spreader bar adds height to the sides that the Trailmade lacks. Features inlcude top vents, interior pockets, and a complimentary footprint. The footprint will extend the life of the floor by preventing micro abrasions, but isn’t necessary when camping on soft ground, dirt, or grass. Compared to the Trailmade, it is $20 more expensive, 10 oz heavier, but comes with the aformentioned spreader bar, uses nylon tafetta for the rainfly instead of polyester, and has taller interior side walls to block wind and add privacy. Verdict At 4.9 lbs, it’s nearly 4X heavier than our preferred ultralight tents, which is the primary downside to all of the incredible cost savings and spaciousness. Nonetheless, the Trail Hut will reliably get you sleeping outside in the backcountry, and your purchase is protected by REI’s excellent warranty. We’re glad they offer this tent and hope it helps lower the barrier of entry to backpacking.
