Rei Co-op Passage 2 Tent Beach Wood/light Paprika Reviews

REI Co-op Passage 2

Price: $159
Weight: 5 lbs. 10 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 88 x 52 ten 40 in.
Capacities: 1P, 2P, 3P
What we like: Fantastic price for a well-rounded, durable, and piece of cake-to-use design.
What we don't: Heavy, large packed size, and just moderate interior space.
See the REI Co-op Passage ii

4.half-dozen

REI Co-op'south Passage 2 is proof that you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to go a high-quality backpacking tent. For simply $159, you get a durable build, two doors and vestibules, a full-coverage rainfly, and even an included footprint. At this price point, you do sacrifice some livability with a unproblematic X-shaped pole structure, and the tent is adequately hefty and beefy compared to much of the modern (and more expensive) competition. But in terms of value, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more well-rounded design for less. To see how the Passage stacks up to the competition, see our articles on the all-time backpacking tents and best budget backpacking tents.

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Table of Contents

• Livability and Interior Space
• Weight and Packed Size
• Durability
• Weather Protection
• Ventilation
• Storage
• Fix and Take Down
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Tabular array
• The Contest

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Functioning

Livability and Interior Space

With 31 foursquare anxiety of floor expanse (listed at 88 ten 52 in.) and a 40-inch peak height, the REI Co-op Passage two offers decent overall livability for two backpackers. At floor level, the tent is moderately spacious, but the walls are far more slanted than higher-cease designs that feature a middle ridge pole to stretch the sides up and abroad from yous (like REI's ain Half Dome SL and Trail Hut collections). Every bit a result, the Passage felt a little cramped with both of u.s.a. sitting inside, although lying downwards wasn't an issue. In fact, nosotros were able to fit ii regular-width sleeping pads side-by-side with a couple inches to spare on either finish, and the floor was long enough to accommodate a long sleeping purse. And with ii vestibules (more than on these beneath), there was no upshot finding a spot for all of our gear without overcrowding the interior.

All things considered, couples who regularly campsite with a dog or who prefer a roomy interior will exist better off with a pattern similar REI's Half Dome SL 2+ (35.eight sq. ft.), merely the Passage is perfectly serviceable for two (provided y'all don't mind being in decently shut quarters). And a final note on space: REI updated the door shape last yr, which we consider a positive alter. Our tester using a past-generation version of the tent found the door a flake small-scale, but the larger D-shaped opening on the latest model makes entry and go out a flake easier.

Weight and Packed Size

At 5 pounds ten ounces, the REI Co-op Passage 2 is far from an ultralight design. For comparison, many premium backpacking options clock in closer to four pounds, including Nemo'southward pop Dagger 2P and MSR's Hubba Hubba NX (both 3 lbs. 14 oz.). That said, these alternatives cost significantly more, use substantially thinner materials to shave weight, and don't include a footprint (which is factored into the weight). Closer comparisons include REI's ain Trail Hut two (5 lbs. 15 oz.) and Half Dome ii SL ii+ (4 lbs. 13.5 oz.) as well as Marmot's Tungsten 2P (5 lbs. 4 oz.). All in all, the Passage is manageable for shorter trips and those who but get out a couple times a yr, but stepping up to a lighter model is a good thought if y'all plan to comprehend long distances or hit the trail regularly.

Given the higher weight, it comes every bit little surprise that the REI Passage 2 takes upwardly a lot of space in a pack. At viii ten 18 inches when stuffed, the Passage is noticeably bulkier than much of its contest. For comparison, Nemo'south Dagger 2P packs down to 6.five 10 nineteen.5 inches, and even REI'due south roomier One-half Dome SL 2+ has a narrower diameter at 7 10 20.five inches. On the bright side, the Passage does come with a generous stuff sack to accommodate haphazard packing, and you lot can ever split upward the tent body and rainfly between you and a partner if you find yourself limited on space.

Durability

Despite its budget-friendly price, the REI Co-op Passage 2 impressed us from a build quality perspective. For the flooring cloth, REI used a robust 66-denier polyester that feels noticeably thick and was confidence-inspiring while camping in a somewhat rocky surface area in Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness (many will opt to leave the footprint at dwelling house because of this). The remainder of the build is as well-executed: all zippers work smoothly, the aluminum tent poles and clips feel noticeably hardwearing, and you become a generous amount of mesh along the top one-half of the tent for stargazing and allowing airflow.

Weather condition Protection

The Passage 2 is a 3-season backpacking tent, meaning it's made to handle well-nigh moderate atmospheric condition with a total-coverage rainfly, robust materials, and bathtub floor to seal out water at ground level. Our trip into the Indian Peaks Wilderness involved merely drizzle overnight, but we didn't experience any leakage. And we had a similar experience while testing the past-generation model on Washington's Olympic Coast. Nosotros didn't face any heavy winds during our time with the Passage—a bit surprising given the quasi-alpine environs—but we imagine the tent will be able to withstand near moderate gusts without bowing also aggressively. That said, information technology's worth noting that the Passage only comes with 6 metal stakes, and nosotros'd recommend purchasing a few more to boost protection and guy out the fly properly in specially blustery conditions.

Ventilation

Another pleasant surprise with the budget-oriented Passage two is its skillful overall breathability for almost 3-season atmospheric condition. Nosotros didn't feel temperatures higher than around seventy degrees Fahrenheit in the Indian Peaks, but in that location was no moisture build-up, and breathability was superb without the fly on thanks to the mesh-heavy design. In addition, the Passage sports a vent at each side of the roof that can exist deployed with a Velcro tab to boost airflow (brand sure to close them to go along windblown rain from entering, although we institute them perfectly fine to go out open during light storms). Finally, the fly doors tin can be rolled upward over the roof for an open view of the nighttime sky and to reduce condensation. Nosotros'll written report dorsum as we take the Passage into more demanding weather condition, but all signs are positive that the tent will perform well, even on warm summer nights.

Storage

Storage is a flake of a mixed bag with the REI Co-op Passage ii. On one hand, you get a two-door-and-vestibule design that makes it like shooting fish in a barrel to stow gear outside the tent. The vestibules are boilerplate-sized at 9.5 square feet each, and we were able to stash our equipment and still get in and out of the tent separately without issue. The rainfly tin can as well be rolled dorsum and out of the way, which still leaves 1 area protected to stow gear and the other side open up for easier entry and exit. While waiting out a lite afternoon storm, we had no trouble fitting our total backpacking packs, hiking shoes, and even our cook kit and nutrient bag with room to spare.

Internal storage undeniably is lacking with the Passage. Only two mesh pockets are included—1 at the head end and one at the opposite side of the foot end. These are easily accessible while in your sleeping bag (provided you lot are sleeping on the same side as the pocket) and a prissy size for stashing essentials like a phone, headlamp, and map. Merely I did find myself wishing for a couple more spots to stow miscellaneous items like a notebook and deck of cards. The roof also features gear loops to hang a light or a split gear loft. For reference, REI'due south Half Dome SL 2+ also sports gear loops at the ceiling just includes a whopping six pockets along the roof, stuff pockets at each door, and two large pockets in the corners. All in all, we appreciate the low toll betoken but wish the Passage were a bit more generous on organization.

Ready and Have Down

Unsurprisingly, the freestanding and symmetrical REI Co-op Passage two was a cinch to ready, even for i person. Out of the box, the footprint was already fastened to the tent body, and then the process was as elementary as laying the tent on the ground, connecting the poles at each corner (the tent has a unproblematic, 10-shaped pattern with two poles), and clipping it all together. The rainfly and so buckles forth the bottom at each corner and tin be staked out easily with pre-attached guylines. REI likewise includes instructions on the tent'south stuff bag, simply the process was quite intuitive, and I had no trouble getting it ready inside a couple of minutes, even on the kickoff endeavour.

Other Capacities of the REI Co-op Passage

Nosotros brought the two-person Passage into the Indian Peaks Wilderness for testing, and REI likewise makes the tent in one- and three-person variations. Although neither is available at the fourth dimension of publishing, REI does wait them both to come back in the about future. For reference, the Passage 3 was previously $forty pricier at $199 and weighed 6 pounds 15 ounces all in with an 88 10 72 x 48-inch interior. At the other end of the spectrum, the Passage 1 ($139) was a viable option for solo backpackers, although it only saved you lot $20.

What We Like

• At just $159, the Passage 2 is one of the all-time values on the market: this tent is well-fabricated, reasonably spacious, and protective enough for three-season use.
• Freestanding, symmetrical blueprint is very easy to set up, even by one person.
• Generous amount of mesh along the top of the tent body makes this a neat option for stargazing and encourages a lot of airflow.

What We Don't

• No heart ridge pole to stretch the side walls up and away from yous, which detracts from overall livability.
• Fairly heavy and bulky. For backpackers who get out regularly, we recommend stepping up to a lighter and more than packable blueprint (although y'all'll pay more).
• Not much interior storage with just two pockets and a handful of gear loops along the ceiling.
• Only comes with half dozen stakes. For especially blustery conditions, we recommend purchasing more separately to properly stake out the rainfly.

Comparison Tabular array

Tent	Price	Weight	Dimensions	Denier	Capacities	Footprint
REI Co-op Passage 2	$159	5 lbs. 10 oz.	88 x 52 x 40 in.	66D	1P, 2P, 3P	Yep
REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+	$279	4 lbs. 13.five oz.	92 x 56 x 42 in.	40D	2P, 3P	Yep
REI Co-op Trail Hut 2	$199	5 lbs. fifteen oz.	88 10 52 x forty in.	70D	2P	Yes
Marmot Tungsten 2P	$214	5 lbs. 4 oz.	88 x 54/46 x 42 in.	68D	1P, 2P, 3P, 4P	Yes
Kelty Late Start 2	$160	4 lbs. eight oz.	85 ten 54 x 40 in.	68D	1P, 2P, 4P	No
Nemo Dagger 2P	$430	3 lbs. fourteen oz.	90 x 50 x 42 in.	30D	2P, 3P	No
MSR Hubba Hubba NX	$450	3 lbs. 14 oz.	84 x l 10 39 in.	30D	1P, 2P, 3P, 4P	No

The Competition

REI Co-op's Passage ii offers proficient livability and a nice feature set for considerably less than much of the competition. Another popular in-firm blueprint to consider is REI Co-op'south One-half Dome serial, which was recently updated. Now with an SL designation (curt for "superlight), the Half Dome SL ii+ offers a big heave in floor surface area, more livable space with the center ridge pole and taller acme summit, and ameliorate storage with six pockets. Where the Passage gets the edge is value: at $159, it undercuts the Half Dome ($279) considerably in toll, and both models now come up with a footprint included. For those on a upkeep, it's tough to beat the low price of the Passage, but nosotros call back the Half Dome is the better overall pick for most backpackers.

Last yr, REI released the Trail Hut 2, which falls in between the Passage and Half Dome in price at $199. The Trail Hut is the heaviest of the three options at 5 pounds 15 ounces, but it gets you a heart ridge pole for a more than vertical (read: comfortable) interior. Additionally, the Trail Hut's fly doors can be staked out with two trekking poles to create a large awning. Given the similar builds, it'll be of import to counterbalance your preferences on price versus livability. And the clincher for some might exist availability: the Trail Hut 2 is sold out at the time of publishing, merely REI expects it to come back into stock soon.

Outside of REI's lineup, the Marmot Tungsten 2P is another well-rounded, budget-friendly design to consider. For $214, the Tungsten features a similarly durable and weather condition-worthy two-door-and-antechamber build, weighs 6 ounces less, and has more vertical side walls thank you to its centre ridge pole. But again, the Passage wins out in value: for $55 less than the Tungsten, the REI also includes a footprint, doesn't taper at i end (width decreases from 54 to 46 in. at the pes cease with the Tungsten), and has a smaller packed size. All things considered, despite the tighter interior, we give the border to the more well-rounded Passage.

At the aforementioned price point every bit the Passage 2, we also like Kelty'southward Belatedly Beginning ii. In parsing out the differences between the two designs, the Kelty weighs effectually a pound less at four pounds viii ounces, has a smaller floor area, and doesn't come with a footprint. But the biggest drawback, in our opinion, is the single side door and vestibule, which is severely limiting for two backpackers in terms of convenience. Given these complaints, we think the Passage is the better all-around design.

For a step upwardly in both cost and performance, two of our favorite backpacking designs are Nemo's Dagger 2P and MSR'southward Hubba Hubba NX. Compared to a budget option like the Passage, the Nemo and MSR weigh considerably less and pack downwardly smaller—both tents clock in at 3 pounds 14 ounces all in and are much less beefy when stuffed in a pack. I tradeoff is durability: both the Dagger and Hubba Hubba use thinner materials, including 30-denier floors, which stake in comparison to the robust 66D flooring on the Passage two. And the clincher for many is toll: at $430 for the Dagger and $450 for the Hubba Hubba without a footprint, the tents are a significantly bigger investment. For the casual weekend crowd, we think it's worth saving with the Passage. Just for those who get out regularly and put a premium on weight and packed size without sacrificing livability, it'south hard to crush the Nemo and MSR.

Editor's notation: We unremarkably provide a alive price comparison table beneath our outdoor gear reviews, only the Passage ii is sold exclusively by REI Co-op. You can run across the Passage 2 folio here and support us in the process. Cheers!

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Source: https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/rei-co-op-passage-2

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