3. REI Quarter Dome SL: Best 1-Person Backpacking Tent
REI tent design has bounded forward in the past few years. They’re no longer just a generic store where you buy big brands like Big Agnes, Nemo, and Marmot. Their own brand now makes some of the best backpacking tents you can get, and they have excellent prices too.
If you’re looking for a well-made backpacking tent that fits one person and won’t cost you an arm and a leg, the REI Quarter Dome is for you. They make a 2-person version, as well, which is just as good—just a little larger.
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The Quarter Dome clocks in at two pounds, 14 ounces, making it a little heavier than some of the other tents in this class, but don’t let that deter you. The abundance of mesh pockets inside, internal access to the fly vent, and decent space for both you and your pack make it a solid choice for a lightweight backpacking trip.
The fly and tent body are made of comparatively thin 15 and 20-denier ripstop nylon. From my experience, they hold up to the elements reliably.
Thin materials do have their downsides, though—they’re more prone to becoming damaged. You should be careful when setting this tent up near sharp objects like rocks and branches. It’s worth buying a tent footprint to increase the lifespan of your Quarter Dome.