REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Backpacking Tent Review
The Trailmade ($199) offers a lot of value for new and occasional backpackers. You get a surprisingly durable build, an easy-to-set-up layout, and enough floor space to comfortably fit two sleeping pads. The tent is too heavy for more serious or mileage-focused trips, and we have reservations about overall refinement and limited headroom, but it’s a nice option for those on a budget. Plus, it makes a nice crossover tent for camping.
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 Trailmade 2
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Backpacking Tents.
The REI Co-op Trailmade 2’s footprint is right in line with what I expect from a two-person backpacking tent. Its floor measures 88 by 52 inches, which is standard for the category, and it easily fits two 20-inch-wide sleeping pads side by side. Depending on how you arrange things, it can also work with one or two 25-inch-wide pads. The non-tapered floor design allows for head-to-toe sleeping, which noticeably improves personal space and privacy—I appreciated this setup when sharing the tent with a partner on a backpacking trip to Malachite Lake in the Washington Cascades’ Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
For comparison, many premium shelters have smaller floor dimensions to save weight. Take my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, for example, which has a tapered 88 by 52/42-inch floor. This means that it is narrower at the foot end of the tent, cutting some materials and weight in the process.
Footprint dimensions aside, the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 does struggle with livability due to its pole structure and ceiling height. The X-shaped pole configuration creates a single high point rather than extended headroom, and with a 40-inch peak and steeply sloped walls, space for sitting upright is limited. When I shared the tent, only one person could sit up comfortably at a time.
For comparison, the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 costs $60 more and uses the same 88-by-52-inch floor plan, but adds a ridge pole that flattens the ceiling profile. That design change allows two occupants to sit up at the same time, highlighting how pole structure—not just floor size—defines overall livability of a backpacking tent.
The Trailmade is clearly designed with budget in mind rather than backcountry performance. The packaged weight comes in at 6 pounds, 4 ounces, which includes the footprint, burly stakes, poles, a thick canvas stuff sack, and guylines with tensioners. You can trim that down to a trail weight of about 4 pounds, 10 ounces by leaving behind more than a pound of components, including the footprint, but even then it remains firmly in the heavyweight category for backpacking tents.
That heft was immediately apparent to me, as premium backpacking tents often weigh half—or even a third—as much. I’m used to carrying my ultralight Copper Spur, which weighs 3 pounds, so when I was handed the Trailmade to pack for a backcountry trip, I was honestly appalled by how heavy it felt. The bulk stood out just as much as the weight. Its packed size is roughly 8 by 18 inches, and my first thought was how I would fit it into my backpack (if going with a partner, you may want to split the components of the tent up into different packs).
While heavy and bulky by modern backpacking tent standards, the Trailmade does fit right in with other entry-level designs. The REI Trail Hut weighs 6 pounds 4 ounces and packs down to 8.3 by 17.7 inches, while the Marmot Tungsten 2P weighs 5 pounds 14.2 ounces and packs to 24.4 by 5.9 inches. Higher-end options, however, compress much smaller, such as my Copper Spur (19.5 by 4 in.). Still, the Trailmade’s double-wall design allows the tent body and fly to be split between two packs to help manage bulk. Overall, in terms of weight and packed size, it sits squarely within the range of other budget options.
It’s worth noting that the steel stakes included with the Trailmade are some of the heaviest we’ve come across in the backpacking world. The 10 included stakes weigh a whopping 12.5 ounces total (1.25 oz. per stake), adding nearly a pound to the tent’s weight. If you are willing to upgrade, REI sells higher-quality aluminum backpacking tent stakes that weigh just 0.4 ounces each, so you’ll save a significant 8.5 ounces total by swapping (the packaged weight is now down to 5 pounds 10 ounces, and the footprint can stay behind too, in our opinion). We don’t love the extra $27.50, but if you plan on getting a lot of use out of your Trailmade, that may be worth it. For more on this topic, see our deep dive on backpacking tent stakes.
The Trailmade is designed for standard three-season use and should perform reasonably well in rain and wind. The bathtub floor does a good job blocking splashes and runoff, and the thick, PU-coated polyester fly feels durable and confidence-inspiring. On a backpacking trip to Malachite Lake, my camping partner and I didn’t encounter any precipitation, but we did wake up to heavy morning dew. Even then, the floor and fly kept moisture out of the interior.
That said, the fly coverage isn’t perfect. With no guy-out points at the head or foot, the damp, dewy fly rested directly against the tent body. I wasn’t crazy about this (I love a taut pitch), and while water didn’t make its way inside, this setup does increase the risk of moisture transfer during prolonged rain. As a result, the Trailmade feels better suited for the occasional downpour rather than frequent wet-weather use. The thicker fabrics help, but backpackers who regularly camp in precipitation-heavy climates may want a more premium design.
Wind performance is a mixed bag. The X-shaped pole layout of the REI Co-op Trailmade is basic but capable in blustery conditions when the tent is oriented with the head or foot facing into the wind rather than the side. If positioned poorly, heavy gusts can overwhelm the structure, and the tent is difficult to tension fully, often resulting in a saggy pitch even when guyed out. The fly also flaps in the wind, which can create excess noise and, in particularly strong gusts, can act like a sail. Still, the thicker fabrics resist flapping better than ultralight materials, and the reduced amount of mesh in the tent body helps block blowing dust and debris compared to mesh-heavy designs.
Many budget backpacking tents are made with thick, durable fabrics, and the Trailmade fits that mold well. With little emphasis on cutting weight, REI Co-op is able to use thicker, longer-lasting materials throughout the design. The fly, floor, and canopy are all built with 75-denier polyester, which is more abrasion-resistant than most lightweight nylon fabrics and less prone to sagging over time, especially when wet.
The overall construction of the REI Trailmade feels exceptionally robust for a $200 tent. The burly poles and stakes inspire confidence, the thick fabrics add long-term protection, and the included footprint is a nice touch at this price point. In the backcountry, the Trailmade felt nearly indestructible compared to lightweight, mesh-heavy backpacking tents like the notoriously delicate Copper Spur I’ve used in the past.
This tent is well-suited for backpackers who prioritize longevity and toughness over shaving ounces. It also has strong crossover appeal, working well for car camping (provided you just want to sleep in your tent and don’t need a roomy design. And unlike thin ultralight backpacking tents, it’s a design you can knock around without much worry.
Thanks to its simple, symmetrical X-shaped pole design, the Trailmade’s setup is hard to mess up. You insert the poles into the corners, cross them at the top, and clip the tent body onto the poles. The rainfly is also symmetrical and attaches to each pole end with adjustable buckles, which keeps the process straightforward. REI Co-op even prints clear setup and guying diagrams directly on the stuff sack, reinforcing how beginner-friendly the overall design is.
That ease does come with a tradeoff. While pitching the tent is quick and intuitive, I struggled to achieve a truly taut pitch. Also, no matter how much I adjusted the fly, the seams never lined up cleanly with the poles, and the panels at the head and foot remained saggy. In calm conditions, this was mostly an aesthetic issue, but in the wind, the loose fly contributed to increased flapping and reduced stability.
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Longevity
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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
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Bluesign Approved
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Solution-Dyed Materials
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Responsible Manufacturing
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Repair Services
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Resale and/or Recycling Services
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Carbon Footprint Tracking
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Annual Impact Report
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Ventilation is another weak point of the REI Co-op Trailmade tent. The rainfly includes only two small vents at the top of the tent, which provide limited airflow, and the coated polyester fly fabric is not breathable. Despite being a double-wall tent—where condensation is usually less of a concern—I found that moisture buildup did, in fact, occur.
To elaborate: In warm, rainy conditions, condensation can accumulate, making the interior feel humid and a bit swampy. You can improve airflow by partially unzipping the fly doors from the top, but that comes at the cost of reduced weather protection during heavy precipitation. On dry, clear nights, rolling the fly doors back made a much bigger difference and noticeably improved ventilation, but overall airflow remains a limitation of the design.
Interior Storage
When it comes to interior storage, the Trailmade keeps things pretty minimal. Inside the tent, storage is limited to two small pockets—one on each side near the doors—and a single overhead loop for hanging a lantern or wet gear. Compared to premium backpacking tents like my Copper Spur, it lacks ceiling gear lofts, large foot-end stash pockets, and media pockets with cord routing. Even when sleeping solo, I missed having additional places to organize gear inside the tent.
Vestibules
Exterior storage is more accommodating. The Trailmade has two vestibules, each measuring 9.5 square feet, which provide enough room for a backpack, boots, and other gear you don’t want inside the tent. The vestibule doors do tend to sag slightly, which has a minor impact on usable space and weather protection, but overall, the vestibules are functional and sufficient for most backpackers.
REI Co-op Half Dome 2 ($329): Tried and True
REI offers an impressive assortment of value-oriented tents, and the Half Dome 2 is the brand's flagship model and a clear step up from the Trailmade. While the two share the same floor dimensions and peak height, the Half Dome adds a center ridge pole that boosts headroom and overall livability, while still cutting 4.9 ounces from the base weight. The Half Dome also swaps the Trailmade’s 75-denier polyester fly for a 40-denier ripstop nylon option that, despite being thinner on paper, kept our testers dry through prolonged rain. By comparison, the Trailmade’s fly is more prone to sagging and feels less confidence-inspiring in wet weather. The Half Dome also improves organization with four mesh pockets, two light-diffuser pockets, and a ceiling webbing loop. If you’ve got an extra $130 to spend, the Half Dome is an easy upgrade to justify. To learn more, check out our Half Dome 2 review.
REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 ($259): Room for Your Head
The REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 and Trailmade are very similar tents, sharing the same 75-denier polyester fly, floor, and canopy, along with a virtually identical packaged weight. Interior storage is also nearly the same, with two small pockets by the doors, a hanging loop, and matching 9.5-square-foot vestibules. Both tents have the same floor area (31.8 sq. ft.), floor dimensions (88 x 52 in.), and 40-inch peak height. The key difference—and the reason for the Trail Hut’s $60 higher price—is the addition of a ridge pole, which significantly improves headroom and overall livability. The Trail Hut’s fly doors can also roll up over the roof, exposing more of the mesh body to help with condensation. That said, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind hunching over, the Trailmade remains the better value pick. For more, read our review of the Trail Hut 2.
The Trailmade offers a lot of value for new and occasional backpackers. You get a surprisingly durable build, an easy-to-set-up layout, and enough floor space to comfortably fit two sleeping pads. The tent is heavy and offers limited headroom, but it’s a great option for those on a budget.
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
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
Is the Trailmade 2 for You?
The Trailmade is best suited for backpackers on a tight budget who are just getting into the sport. It’s too heavy for longer or more serious trips, but the thick materials and beginner-friendly setup make it a good option for short weekend outings in good to moderate conditions. Plus, it’s an inexpensive way to try your hand at backpacking before investing in higher-performance equipment later. With its crossover appeal for car camping, the REI Co-op Trailmade 2 delivers strong value for the price.
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