Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Quarter Dome T1

Unplanned but effective test: When one of our crew was camped beneath a tree in Yosemite last winter, a howling storm caused it to drop a heavy load of snow and even branches onto this three-person tent. The damage: nada. Credit the 75-denier polyester fly, which is just one ingredient in this tent’s all-around tough-on-the-elements performance. “Even in whipping 40-mph winds—and with no guy outs—the tent didn’t bend,” our tester says. Stability is enhanced by full-length pole sleeves, which ensure even tension for the four DAC 9mm Featherlite poles (though the structure is solid, the mesh sleeves tended to snag). Thanks to a large, zippered vent, condensation remained low even when humidity spiked to 70 percent outside.

The dual vestibules are 16 square feet each, providing plenty of space for a trio’s gear, and carbon-fiber corner struts enhance headroom. “I could easily sit at the front entrance in the rain and cook without hitting my head,” says our 6’1” tester. Inside, the 53-square-foot interior—brightened by dual windows—proved plenty big. Bonus: Slip a headlamp into one of the corner Light Pockets, and it lights up the white canopy like a lantern.

Downside: weight.

$530

10 lbs. 5 oz



www.nemoequipment.com
The tent has 1 pole assembly comprised of 3 poles joined by 2 hubs.