The REI Passage 2 tent is a popular choice for campers seeking a balance of affordability and quality. This comprehensive review delves into the tent's features, performance, and overall value, offering a detailed look at what makes it a strong contender in the sub-$200 market. From its surprisingly generous accessories package including a footprint and pole splint, to its robust construction and thoughtful design elements, we'll examine every aspect of the Passage 2.This review covers key areas such as ease of setup, durability, interior space, ventilation, and weather protection. We'll explore the tent's weight and packability, assessing its suitability for backpacking and car camping. Ultimately, we aim to provide prospective buyers with a thorough understanding of the REI Passage 2's strengths and weaknesses, helping them determine if this tent is the right fit for their camping needs and budget.
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What's in the Box?
The REI Passage 2 tent comes with a surprisingly generous set of accessories. Included are a footprint, which is a welcome addition often missing from similarly priced tents. You also receive eight stakes, a stake bag, a pole splint for repairs, and a tent pole bag. Everything is neatly packaged within a durable carrying case.
The stakes, while appearing substantial, are surprisingly lightweight. However, their potential for bending might necessitate an upgrade to sturdier alternatives for more challenging terrains. The inclusion of a pole splint shows REI's attention to detail and preparedness for potential issues in the field.
The overall packaging is efficient and well-organized, making setup and transport a breeze. This thoughtful approach to accessories is a major selling point, especially for beginners.
Price and Value
At $159, the REI Passage 2 offers exceptional value for its features. While it's often categorized as an entry-level tent, the quality surpasses many others in its price range. It's more accurately classified as a mid-range option, offering a solid balance of price and performance.
The tent provides robust functionality and comfort without breaking the bank. It's a fantastic choice for those new to camping or seeking a reliable and affordable option for occasional use or car camping.
The price point makes it accessible to a wider range of users, making it an excellent introduction to higher quality backpacking tents.
Setup and Design
The REI Passage 2 is a classic two-pole dome tent weighing approximately 5 pounds and 10 ounces. While not ultralight, it's manageable for two people to carry during backpacking trips. A partner sharing the load helps mitigate the weight.
The two-pole system, utilizing a connecting clip, is straightforward. While not my preferred setup, its simplicity is a plus for less experienced campers. The aluminum poles contribute to the tent's overall rigidity, making it suitable for moderately windy conditions.
The use of aluminum poles, a significant upgrade compared to the fiberglass poles found in cheaper tents, increases the tent's durability and resistance to bending. The lightweight, yet strong design, makes it perfect for a variety of camping situations.
Features and Build Quality
The REI Passage 2 boasts several noteworthy features that enhance its value. The smooth zippers are a refreshing contrast to the often-inferior zippers found on budget tents. The durable mesh sidewalls stand up well to rough handling and abrasion, a testament to the tent's quality construction.
The heavy-duty materials, including the robust mesh sidewalls and rain fly, resist tearing and puncturing. The reviewer's friend reported 24-25 nights of use without any damage, underscoring the tent's resilience. The design is well-thought-out and optimized for both comfort and protection.
Other quality features include the aluminum poles, smooth zippers, and durable mesh sidewalls. These components work together to create a tent that's far superior to many budget alternatives.
Interior Space and Features
The REI Passage 2 provides ample interior space, measuring 31 square feet. The reviewer, who is six feet tall, has plenty of headroom and can easily sit upright. This size is ideal for two adults and comfortably accommodates gear.
The tent features a convenient dual entry design, allowing for easy access from either side. This is particularly useful when sharing the tent, eliminating the need to climb over a partner. Interior pockets on each side provide storage for personal items.
Additional practical features include headlamp pockets, providing a place to store headlamps and other small items. The design choices clearly prioritize convenience and functionality.
Rainfly and Ventilation
The rainfly features belt buckle clips for easy attachment, a detail that sets it apart from other tents in its price range. The rainfly also includes two stake-out points in the front, creating additional vestibule space for gear.
Ventilation is addressed through a small vent with velcro closures. The airflow provided is beneficial in warmer climates, preventing condensation and ensuring comfort. The high-quality rain fly material effectively protects against inclement weather.
The thoughtful design elements, such as the ventilation system and well-placed stake-out points, highlight REI's commitment to practicality and user comfort.
Packed Size and Conclusion
When packed, the tent, poles, stakes, and footprint are all stored together in the included carrying bag. However, the reviewer suggests packing the stakes and poles separately to protect the tent's mesh from potential damage. This improves the longevity of the tent.
The REI Passage 2 represents exceptional value for its price, especially when purchased secondhand. Its robust construction, thoughtful features, and ample space make it a strong contender in the sub-$200 tent market. This is a great choice for both beginners and budget-conscious experienced campers.
Overall, the REI Passage 2 is a high-quality, affordable tent with thoughtful design features that contribute to a great camping experience. The durable materials and construction ensure a long-lasting product. It receives a strong recommendation for its price to performance ratio.