The tried-and-true REI Half Dome Plus has been a favorite among casual backpackers since its release in 2018. In fact, this is the tent I recommend most to friends and family because of it's roomy interior, well-designed features, and durability. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better-designed tent under $300.

With a huge 35.8 sq. ft. interior space, the Half Dome Plus has plenty of room for 2 people and could snuggly fit a third if needed. Interior pockets keeps all your essentials organized. Upper mesh provides exceptional ventilation while the redesigned rainfly ensures you'll stay dry through the night. The included tent stakes are low-quality, so I'd suggest picking up some MSR Mini Groundhogs. Also, the tent does not include a footprint (available for $35).

This tent is exceptional for car camping but, at over 5 lbs, it's relatively heavy for longer backpacking adventures. If weight is a concern, check out the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2 tent, which is almost half the weight, costs under $200, but has a smaller interior space and fewer features.

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