3 lbs. 2 oz.
66D
2P, 4P
A spacious, durable, and impressively protective tent for less than half the price of many premium designs.
Heavy and minimal storage.
A step above their budget-friendly Model (the Passage), REI Co-op’s Trail Hut has a large interior, sturdy fabrics and great weather protection for only $199. The two-person model we tested on the field at Southern Patagonia, where it beat tents that cost twice the cost in terms of durability and comfort during high winds. If you’re not afraid to carry an extra pound We believe it’s among the top bargains available on the market. We’ve provided a thorough overview of Trail Hut 2; to find out how it compares to its competitors, read our reviews of the most comfortable tents for backpacking as well as the the best backpacking tents for budgets.
Performance
Interior Space and Livability
Similar to many tents within the same budget, Rei Co-op’s Trail Hut 2 is an adequate shelter for two persons Its floor dimensions are listed as of 88×52 inches. In reality, this means you’ll be able to put two regular sleeping pads together (a typical-sized sleeping pad for backpacking is 20 inches. wide) and the length of 88 inches (over 7 feet.) is perfect for taller sleepers. It is important to note that the it’s possible to use only a few inches more across all directions, because the 88 x 52 measurement is measured to the corners that are stretched out. It’s an spacious floor, which leaves extra room for people with large build. There’s also the 40-inch peak height which expands the length of the tent through the use of the Ridge pole. This results in decently high walls, and plenty of space that two individuals can set on the ground side by side.
If you compare the two models and the other options, it’s difficult to top the Trail Hut’s quality of life without a significant increase in the weight or cost. The Passage 2 offers a similar layout, but it does not include the ridge pole. This results in a savings of 40 percent however, it has a significantly smaller headroom. With a significant increase in cost ($329) The co-op’s Half Dome SL 2+ is slightly bigger (90 54 inches x 90 inches.) and a full one pound lighter. One of the closest competitors that is comparable to Trail Hut 2 is the Marmot Tungsten ($214): it’s taller by 42 inches (with an toe pole) and 11 ounces lighter due to an airy mesh construction however, the floor plan is a tapered (88 54/46 inches. ) This means that you have the option of sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder your partner in the tent.
Weight and Size of the Pack
The Trail Hut 2 has a many positives however, the area where it fails most is in the area of weight. With 5 pounds and 15 pounds, it’s about two times the weight of high-end backpacking tents, like models such as The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (3 3 pounds. 2 oz.) 2 oz.) MSR Hubba Hubba (3 3 lbs. 4 oz.). However, you’ll be paying a good amount for your weight reduction ($500 and $480 depending on the size) The Big Agnes and MSR are much less durable than REI. It’s easy to become involved in the light backpacking trend, however we think that a tent like Trail Hut 2 Trail Hut 2 is perfectly fit for most people users, unless you’re really trying to go the extra mile in terms of distance or speed, or you have a good reasons to keep your backpack’s weight low. Also, remember that you’re able to always keep the footprint you remove your home, which can reduce weight by 7 weight.
If you’re seeking the most affordable combination of weight and price The Big Agnes C Bar ($200 4 lbs.) is our top choice. It’s however a limited design that has only 1 door and a streamlined pole structure as well as an angled floor plan. In short it’s not a good choice for a couple of people. C Bar. C Bar for parties of two. It’s also an unwise choice in weather conditions that are windy. Another one worth mentioning can be the REI Half Dome SL 2+ that reaches the middle of the road at 4 pounds 11.5 pounds. It has an open floor layout, decent durability and superb weatherproofing thanks to an incredibly sturdy pole structure and the full rain fly. Like we said that you’ll pay more for this model, which is Half Dome SL ($329) however, the combination of features and cost makes it a stunning style.
In terms of size packed in terms of size packed, in terms of size, the Trail Hut 2 gets down to around 8 x 18 inches including stakes and poles. when packed with care, it could be packed smaller as well. I carried 55 liters of backpacking backpack for our multi-day trek in Patagonia and was able to squeeze the tent inside, while still having plenty of space for my other gear. To give you an idea of the size The tents listed above are packed down a bit smaller: The Copper Spur’s packed dimensions are 19.5 6 inches and the Hubba Hubba’s 19x 4.5 inches as is C Bar’s is 19 x 4.5 inches. C Bar checks in at 19 6 inches x 19 inches. If you’re worried about packing size it’s worth investing in a compression stuff sack for Trail Hut 2. Trail Hut 2 (you’ll have to put stakes and poles separately) It’s possible to pack down considerably smaller than its stated dimensions.
Durability and build quality
Tents that are budget-friendly like Trail Hut 2 that are priced at a lower price Trail Hut 2 can be a bit sluggish in terms of weight and size, but one area where they shine is their the durability. One of the best measures to judge the strength of a tent is denier, also known as the thickness that the material is made of. For The Trail Hut 2, you will receive a 66-denier floor as well as canopy walls, as well as the 68-denier rain cover. It also has an adjustable footprint that will be helpful when you plan to stay in areas that have sharp rocks or groundcover. It is worth noting that the REI Passage 2 has a similar-sized floor (66D) and tents such as those of the Copper Spur (15x20D) and Hubba Hubba (20D) are significantly less thick. To bridge the gap between the two different categories are an REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+, with 40-denier flooring.
Weather Protection
Southern Patagonia is known for having some of the most severe weather conditions, and it certainly performed during our trip. In the midst of nights of 60-plus speeds and torrential rain The Trail Hut impressed us with its solid waterproofing and stability. For the sake of being completely transparent, I was unsure what I could expect from a tent that cost $199; while the other tents in participants set up luxurious models (the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Nemo Dagger and the MSR Freelite) I was adamant that my tent would be the least able to withstand the storm of the night. The Trail Hut was one of the most reliable, as it did not cave in to the sides like semi-freestanding tents and offered a comfortable night’s rest with only a little flapping. As it to be among the least expensive tents for backpacking you can purchase It’s actually well-equipped for a storm.
Ventilation
For ventilation in terms of airflow, it is a breeze to breathe. REI Co-op Trail Hut can be used for any temperature, even the hottest conditions on trails. The body of the tent has an average amount of mesh, and the rainfly is ventilated on both sides that opens with a sturdy strut. Additionally, the tent is constructed so that the fly doors slide up to the apex. This allows the user to fold the doors up during dry days to allow for more ventilation. If you’re worried about ensuring that you have enough airflow, it’s worth looking at the mesh-heavy design, or one with a less hefty rain fly. However, we were very impressed by Trail Hut. Trail Hut and have spent several nights in the tent with no problems with condensation.
Storage
The tent storage is broken down into two major categories: the interior and the exterior. Regarding storage for inside Trail Hut 2 was a bit lacking in storage. Trail Hut 2 was relatively unsatisfactory, with only one dump pocket on either side. REI included four loops at above the ceiling, to give an additional option, but it’s up to the customer to locate a mesh frame or paracord to hang in between these loops. In comparison to other tents, this is a comparatively small features set. For comparison to this one REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ includes a pocket at every corners (four in total) as well as two pockets on the roof. It’s great to have storage inside to help keep everything organized and smaller items such as headlamps or bags for stuff easy to locate (and certainly have found that the Trail Hut lacking), however, it’s not an issue for us.
The Trail Hut comes with two vestibules that provide around 9.5 square feet of storage space. There are tents that have larger vestibules (the REI Half Dome SL 2+ measures 22.5 sq. feet) however, the range of 18 to 20 square feet are pretty common among two-door models. The covered space is essential to keep dry and dirty things like your backpack or hiking boots and will go far in making your sleeping space appear larger. If you are a couple or hiking partner who shares in a tent, we would recommend a two-door and vestibule-style design. However, you can reduce weight by reducing it to one vestibule and door.
Setup and take down
REI developed their Trail Hut 2 to be incredibly easy to put up, using an aesthetically pleasing design, a fixed footprint (removable) as well as two poles of the same size that cross at the apex and the shorter ridge pole which is able to slide in after. We’re huge fans of having a very taut pitch which is why this Trail Hut was easy to modify to perfection, including the cinches on each corner to make the fly more secure and a variety of points for guys out (with added guys lines). You won’t find the color-coded corners and an hubbed pole as you would get in an expensive tent However, we did find Trail Hut 2 a breeze to set up and tear down.
Other Capacity: Co-op Trail, REI Hut 4
We tried our own Trail Hut 2 for this review, however, REI’s large budget tent is also available in an option for four people. This trail Hut 4 is affixed by 38 inches to the length of the two-person tent creating a 90 by the 88 square inches of floor space which provides a comfortable shelter for four people. The huge tent is among our favorites for families with children, or for groups of three or more who want to have more space, however, we don’t recommend it for four large adults unless you’re prepared to be treated like a shark. It’s difficult to beat the price of $299. In most situations, this model Trail Hut 4 is significantly smaller and less heavy (8 pounds. 1.6 oz.) instead of opting for two 2-person models.
What We Like
- A large, sturdy and secure tent that is just half of the cost of some premium models.
- A sturdy pole structure, strong fly and a taut pitch will provide you with great wind and water protection.
- Ridge poles offer a good quantity of space inside with a tiny weight loss.
- With a 66-denier floor , body, as well as a 68-denier fly this Trail Hut 2 is more robust than the majority of backpacking tents.
What We Don’t Do
- At 5 pounds and 15 pounds The Trail Hut 2 is multiple pounds heavier and considerably larger than the top backpacking tents.
- The interior space can be a challenge for a 2-person model However, couples who want more space may prefer the 3-person tent.
- Without features like color-coding and a pole that is hubbed Trail Hut 2 Trail Hut 2 lacks the luxurious feel of tents that cost more.
- The interior is bare only two pockets and a couple of loops on the top.
Comparison Table
| TENT | PRICE | WEIGHT | DIMENSIONS | Denier | CAPACITIES | FOOTPRINT* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO-OP Trail Hut REI 2 | $199 | 5 lbs. 15 oz. | The dimensions are 88 x 52x 40 inches. | 70D | 2P | Yes |
| CO-OP Passage REI 2 | $159 | 5 lbs. 10 oz. | The dimensions are 88 x 52x 40 inches. | 66D | 1P, 2P, 3P | Yes |
| CO-OP REI Half Dome SL 2+ | $279 | 4 lbs. 13.5 oz. | 52 x 92 x 42 in. | 40D | 2P, 3P | Yes |
| Marmot Tungsten 2P | $214 | 5 lbs. 4 oz. | 88 52/46 x 42 inches. | 68D | 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P | Yes |
| Big Agnes C Bar | $200 | 4 lbs. | 56 x 52/42 in. | 68D | 2P, 3P | No |
| MSR Hubba Hubba NX | $450 | 3 lbs. 14 oz. | 84 40 x 50 x 39 inches. | 30D | 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P | No |
The Competitor
REI’s Trail Hut 2 is one of the top value backpacking tents, however there are plenty of appealing alternatives. In the budget-friendly market there’s a co-op’s passage could be worth looking into. Both are similar tents , with the main difference that is in the fact that Trail Hut has a ridge pole, whereas the Passage isn’t equipped with a ridge pole. This means that the Passage weighs 5 ounces less 40 percent less and also has more sloped walls, and less space in general. It’s also important to note that the Passage is available in a one-person version ($139 4lbs. 10 oz. ) 10 oz., which is a fascinating option for those who prefer to hike on their own. Our opinion is that we think the Trail Hut 2 is worth the extra weight and cost for its more spacious design, however those who are less interested in comfort may prefer Passage 2 Passage 2.
In keeping with REI’s range and focusing on the Half Dome SL 2+. The Co-op consistently excels with their tents, which is why their Half Dome is no exception. Half Dome offers the top choice of its crop people willing to invest in an excellent balance of weight savings as well as interior space as well as a top-quality quality fit and finish. This Half Dome adds 4 inches to each of the Trail Hut’s sizes (92 56 inches x 92 inches.) to give plenty of room for two sleeping guests (and the addition of a third pet should you be willing to squeeze one of them). With a weight of 4 pounds and 14 ounces, it’s nearly one pound lighter than the Trail Hut, reducing weight by the use of less dense materials all over, and has larger vestibules, with doors that are shaped to allow for a large opening. In addition, though storage is among our main complaints with Trail Hut, the Trail Hut, the Half Dome has more storage options with six internal pockets. The price is significantly higher, and has recently increased in price to $329. However, this Half Dome SL 2+ is a good alternative to it’s Trail Hut as well as the more expensive competition (for more details, check out our detailed Half Dome review).
In a closer look at the budget rivalry, Marmot’s Tungsten 2 is Trail Hut’s closest competitor. For an additional $15, the Tungsten reduces 11 ounces from it. It’s also lighter than the Trail Hut with its more tapered layout (88 54/46 inches.) and a breathable mesh canopy. This means less space inside–you’ll need to lie shoulder-to-shoulder companion, not head-to-toe. It also means more less wind resistance. However, like the REI Tungsten, the Tungsten has an ridge pole to provide higher headroom and a steeper wall and is slightly higher with a peak height of 42 inches (vs. that of the REI’s 40-in.). The Marmot is still superior for that of the Trail Hut for it’s better quality and size However, the Marmot is an appealing option for those who want to shed some pounds.
If you’re seeking the most effective combination of weight and price The big Agnes C Bar ($200) is as light as you can get within the price range. It weighs 4 pounds, which is nearly 2 pounds less that The Trail Hut 2 and a little more portable. However, we’re not satisfied with the C Bar’s weight The C Bar is a highly compromise design, with only an entrance door and a simple pole structure and a tapered floor. If you’re travelling alone or looking to be able to really connect to your partner We strongly suggest against a tent with just one door. Furthermore, even though the simpler design of the poles (just one pole along the center in the structure) can be great for slicing weight, it’s not a great performance in high winds, and is prone to cave in around the sides. When you add it all up to that, the C Bar is a nice alternative to Passage 1 for those looking for a one-person tent We’d be reluctant to recommend it to groups of two people, particularly since spending more can give you a larger style at a lower weight.
It’s also worth mentioning at least the top tents to provide you with a feel of which model of you can judge how the Trail Hut 2 stacks up. Each year among the top loved designs available are MSR Hubba. MSR Hubba hubba. With a price of $480 The Hubba Hubba is over twice its cost as that of the Trail Hut, but it’s nearly 2 and a quarter pounds lighter (3 3lbs. 4 oz.) with the same slender walls and durable weather protection. The Trail Hut 2 does drop somewhat in terms of space due to the MSR’s smaller floor plan that measures 84 by 50 inches and the triangular doors be a bit difficult to get used to. The fabric are quite thin, at 20-denier across, but these are all sacrifices serious backpackers will make to save weight. If you don’t require only the very best trail huts, the Trail Hut 2 is a top-quality option that offers impressive savings.
Editor’s note: Typically, we include a live price comparability table under our reviews of outdoor gear however Trail Hut 2 is sold exclusively by REI Co-op. Trail Hut 2 is sold exclusively through REI Co-op. It is possible to check out the Trail Hut 2 page here and help us out through the process. Thanks!
