REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent Review
Updated:
May 19, 2025The Trail Hut 2 ($259) is one of the best tents money can buy for a budget-minded hiker or a beginner building out their first backpacking kit. It’s too heavy to drag deep into the backcountry, but for short outings and dual-use as a car camping shelter, this roomy tent offers better than average weather protection, livability for two, and is impressively durable to boot.
Interior Space
Weight & Packed Size
Weather Protection
Durability
Ease of Use
Sustainability
Design Type
Freestanding
Packaged weight
6 lb. 4 oz.
Floor Area
31.8 sq. ft.
Floor dimensions
88 x 52 in.
Peak height
40 in.
Floor Fabric
75D polyester
Capacities
1, 2P
Pros
Cons
REI Co-op Trail Hut 2
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Backpacking Tents.
The REI Co-op Trail Hut’s symmetrical floor plan, which measures 88 by 52 inches (31.7 sq. ft. total), is one of the roomiest backpacking tents we tested. It’s plenty wide enough to fit two standard (20 in.) or wide-sized (25 in.) sleeping pads with room to spare on either side, and the length is great for accommodating tall sleepers. By comparison, the Marmot Tungsten 2P—another relatively heavy, roomy, and affordable shelter—is also 88 inches long and is 54 inches wide at the head, but it tapers down to 46 inches at the foot. The popular Copper Spur UL2 also has a tapered floor plan at 88 by 52/42 inches. Compared to the Trail Hut, these tents’ dimensions result in less livable space, eliminate the option for two wide sleeping pads, and make it much harder to sleep head-to-toe with your tentmate.
In practice, we found the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 to be wonderfully spacious. One Better Trail editor holed up in the tent during bad weather in Patagonia, where its generous interior made it easy to put on and take off layers and stay organized inside. Getting more space than the Trail Hut will almost certainly involve upping the cost and weight—evident in a tent like the Marmot Limelight 2P ($339), which weighs 5 pounds 15.9 ounces and has a funky design that results in a 34.4-square-foot floor. If we have one gripe, it’s that the Trail Hut’s headroom isn’t as impressive as other tents with more complex geometry or pole construction, despite having a ridge pole. The Big Agnes Copper Spur, for example, has prebent poles that result in a more substantial ceiling and more sharply sloping walls.
The Trail Hut’s weight and bulk are its biggest downfalls. Its overall large floorplan plays a factor in this, as does its beefy aluminum poles and thick fabrics. At almost six pounds when fully packed, this is not a tent you’ll want to bring on any backpacking trip longer than a few miles. And that’s just fine, especially if you’re a novice working your way up to longer trips—at which point you’ll probably want to purchase a lighter tent. For reference, our top-ranked backpacking tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, checks in at just 3 pounds (almost half the weight of the Trail Hut) and offers a decently livable sleeping area for two.
However, some hacks make the Trail Hut a bit more palatable for carrying on the trail. If you use a compression sack instead of the tent’s standard stuff sack, you can squish the body, fly, and footprint down to a much more manageable size. Additionally, the Trail Hut’s floor is already plenty thick, so you could leave the footprint at home (this would shave off 7 oz.). Neither of these strategies will go too far in mitigating the tent’s overall bulk and weight, but when it comes to backpacking gear, every little bit counts.
For a budget tent, the Trail Hut impressed us with its solid defense against wind and rain. We’ve tested the tent in incredibly heavy winds, and its sturdy aluminum pole structure—much more robust than the thinner or carbon poles on ultralight models—and generous amount of nylon in the tent body (instead of mesh) offered great stability. Throughout the windy night, the Trail Hut kept its structure and succumbed very little to the heavy gusts. In contrast, our editor’s hiking companions’ pricier and lighter-weight backpacking tents did not fare as well, aggressively bending and even collapsing in the same stormy conditions. What’s more, the Trail Hut effectively kept rain at bay.
Unlike the low-cost gear in most other backpacking gear categories, durability is budget tents’ sneaky strength. The Trail Hut is no exception: It will last for years of camping, even on rough terrain and in nasty weather. Its floor and fly are made from 66- and 68-denier polyester, respectively; both of those materials are much thicker than the usual 15- to 30-denier fabrics found in comparatively lighter (and more expensive) tents like the Nemo Hornet Osmo 2. Add in the included footprint, and you have a shelter that you should be able to pitch just about anywhere without worrying about how it will hold up. And while the Trail Hut’s components are large and clunky, the design quality is impressively high—something we’ve come to expect from REI’s mid-range backpacking tents.
As a freestanding tent, the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 is already well-positioned to provide a simple setup process. Its symmetrical design makes it even easier, as you can position the two identical crosspoles quickly without worrying about which end goes where. (The shorter ridge pole is an obvious next step.) While the poles aren’t hubbed like more premium tents, we didn’t find that to be much of a downside. We also achieved a super-taut pitch thanks to a fly that cinches at each corner and is kitted out with plenty of included guylines. Finally, the Trail Hut’s ground cloth comes attached to the tent floor, but you can remove it without much fuss.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Solution-Dyed Materials
Solution dyeing adds pigment to synthetic fibers during production rather than afterward, reducing water use, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and chemical waste, while also creating fabrics that resist fading better over time. A green check mark indicates a product features a substantial amount of solution-dyed materials, a yellow check mark indicates moderate or limited use of solution-dyed fabrics, and a red X indicates there are no solution-dyed materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
With a medium amount of mesh in the canopy—much less than ultralight backpacking tents such as the Big Agnes Tiger Wall—and two rainfly vents you can prop open, the Trail Hut grants a passable amount of airflow. We liked that the fly doors unzipped all the way to the peak of the canopy, so you can really open the tent up at night for full ventilation. This is super helpful in calm weather, but the tent regresses to average when you have to batten down the hatches. All told, though, its double-wall design still offers better airflow than a single-wall trekking pole shelter like the Hyperlite Unbound 2P.
Interior Storage
As befitting of its budget price, the Trail Hut doesn’t have anything special to offer in the way of storage. It only has one internal pocket on each side and no overheard compartments, although it does have ceiling loops for hanging drying lines. One Better Trail member said that the lack of organization resulted in the tent becoming strewn with her gear, and the scene would’ve been even messier if she had shared the tent with a tent mate. The Trail Hut’s interior organization pales in comparison to that of more high-end tents; for example, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 and Copper Spur UL2 both have massive pockets overhead that are large enough to store layers and jackets.
Vestibules
The Trail Hut’s vestibules measure 9.5 square feet, each of which is spacious enough to house a large backpacking pack, pair of hiking boots, and trekking poles. These are relatively large compared to what most two-person tents have to offer: For reference, the premium Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2’s vestibules are 9 square feet each, the Tiger Wall’s are 8 square feet each, and the Nemo Mayfly’s are each 7.1 square feet.
REI Co-op Half Dome 2 ($329): Same DNA, Small Upgrades
The Trail Hut 2 and Half Dome 2 share REI’s reliable backpacking tent blueprint: both are freestanding, generously sized, and built with durability in mind. But the Half Dome features a few thoughtful upgrades. Its pole design stretches the walls more vertically for better headroom, and the interior layout includes refinements like light-diffusing pockets and better-positioned gear storage. That said, the two tents weigh nearly the same—just under 6 pounds—so neither is ideal for long-mileage backpacking. If your priority is saving money and you’re okay with a slightly more basic setup, the Trail Hut hits a great value sweet spot. But for roomier livability and a more premium feel, the Half Dome makes a compelling upgrade. To learn more, see our REI Co-op Half Dome Review.
Marmot Tungsten 2P ($279): Another Budget-Friendly Alternative
Like the Trail Hut, the Tungsten is a spacious yet heavy backpacking tent with a high-value price point. It’s almost the same weight (5 lb. 14.2 oz.) and likewise isn’t made for hiking deep into the backcountry. But with an included footprint and similarly durable polyester floor, fly, and canopy, this freestanding shelter is another good pick for backpackers who are learning the ropes and want to save some cash. The Tungsten’s floor area is slightly smaller at 30.1 square feet (the Trail Hut’s is 31.7 sq. ft.) and tapers a little towards the foot end, but that’s still plenty for two sleepers. During our testing, we came to appreciate its 42.1-inch peak height, which makes for a more spacious headroom feel than the Trail Hut—although be forewarned, this could create a sail in heavy winds. We also like the Tungsten’s color-coded poles, which hammer in its great-for-beginners credentials, and its headlamp-diffusing ceiling pocket. Overall, the slightly roomier and slightly more affordable Trail Hut gets the edge for us. For more, see our review of the Marmot Tungsten 2P.
Savings are the main attraction for REI’s venerable Trail Hut, which has an eye-catching price for campers just building their kit. It’s too heavy for anything other than a short-mileage overnight, though.
Interior Space
Weight & Packed Size
Weather Protection
Durability
Ease of Use
Sustainability
REI’s Half Dome is a classic pick for a first backpacking tent, prioritizing livability, toughness, and a user-friendly layout. Unfortunately, this latest version is heavy and bulky enough to limit its appeal to short adventures or as a crossover design for car camping.
Interior Space
Weight & Packed Size
Weather Protection
Durability
Ease of Use
Sustainability
The Tungsten is an affordable starter tent for hikers just getting into backpacking. Although it’s too heavy for deep backcountry use, its solid, simple design and user-friendliness make it a good-value buy.
Interior Space
Weight & Packed Size
Weather Protection
Durability
Ease of Use
Sustainability
Is the Trail Hut 2 for You?
We place a lot of importance on a piece of gear’s relative value, and the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 provides plenty. This tent performs much better than its price tag suggests—especially regarding weather protection and durability—and its spacious interior will seem like a luxury if you’re used to being crammed into ultralight sardine cans. If you’re looking for a shelter that will last you a long time and don’t plan to carry it very far down the trail, this is the backpacking tent for you. Budget gear isn’t often a hit, but REI more or less knocked it out of the park with the Trail Hut.
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