SectionHiker.com Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs 
The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is a one-person double-wall tent that only weighs 31 oz. Despite its low weight, the interior is remarkably livable, with vertical sidewalls, numerous internal pockets to keep you organized, and a roof vent to help minimize internal condensation. A large vestibule provides plenty of extra gear storage, while the dual-zippered door makes it possible to vent the top while keeping the bottom sealed for wind protection and better privacy.
Specs at a Glance
- Trail weight: 31 oz
- Capacity: 1 Person
- Type: Double wall
- Design: Semi-freestanding
- Doors: 1
- Poles: 1 hubbed poleset
- Dimensions of inner tent: 31″ x 25″ x 83″ (long) x 39″ (height) as measured by sectionhiker.com
- Minimum number of stakes to pitch: 6, 7 recommended
- Materials: PU-coated 15d nylon ripstop fly and floor
- Color: Olive
- Footprint: Sold Separately (30d nylon ripstop)
Semi-Freestanding Tent Design
The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is a double-wall semi-freestanding tent. The tent has a single hubbed pole with three arms: two for the back corners and one for the middle of the front side, with integrated two rooftop arms to create vertical sidewalls. This means that the inner tent can stand up by itself, although the front corners should be staked out to maximize the interior space. The tent will still stand if you don’t stake out those front corners (like on a wooden platform), although it won’t be as spacious or strong.
The poles slot into color-coded grommets at the base of the tent and the fly drapes over the top, secured with clips (called jakes foot connectors), while the front of the fly can share the stakes used to peg out the corners of the inner tent. Line locs adjusters on all of the fly guy outs ensure a tight pitch. It really is a very fast and easy tent to pitch.
Door and Vestibule
The Quarter Dome SL 1 has a large D-shaped door which makes it easy to get in and out of the tent. The door does not block the vestibule storage, so any gear you store under it can still stay dry if it rains.
The vestibule door has a two-way zipper so you can open it a crack for added ventilation or to peek outside without having to open the door all the way. This provides additional privacy, a better sense of security at night, and weather protection.
Livability
The interior of the Quarter Dome SL 1 is roomy, with room for a wide sleeping pad if you have one. There are two pockets in the rear corners for storing items up off the floor as well as two ceiling pockets that can be used to hold a headlamp or other small items. Gear loops hanging from the inner tent seams provide still more storage, while vertical sidewalls provide an air of spaciousness.
The floor is tapered with the greatest width at the “door-end” (31″) and the narrowest at the foot-end (25″), providing more than enough space to store your shoes, clothes, and the contents of your pack if you want to keep them inside the inner tent with you. The length of the inner tent is 83″ and the peak height is 39″, making it very easy to sit up in the tent or change clothes without giving yourself a black eye or punching a hole in the ceiling.
If you’re wondering why our dimensions are different from those cited by REI on the tent’s product page, it’s because we base our measurements on the size of the inner tent (covered, usable space) and not the area covered by the rainfly, which is usually greater. Most tent manufacturers measure tent sizes this way, but that doesn’t make it right or useful.
Footprint
There is a footprint available for the Quarter Dome SL 1, although it is sold separately. If you camp on abrasive surfaces like sand, rock, or pressed dirt campsites, I’d consider carrying a footprint to protect the bottom of this tent which is made with fairly thin material. The footprint also lets you set up the tent without the inner tent if you wanted to use the fly as a lightweight shelter, like a tarp.
More Recommended 1-Person Backpacking Tents
| Make / Model | Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 | Double Wall | 34 oz / 964g |
| NEMO Hornet OSMO UL 1P | Double Wall | 29 oz / 822g |
| Zpacks Altaplex | Single Wall | 15.4oz / 437g |
| Durston X-Mid Pro 1 | Single Wall | 15.5 oz / 440 g |
| Gossamer Gear The One | Single Wall | 17.7 oz / 503g |
| Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo | Single Wall | 26 oz / 740g |
| Slingfin Portal 1 | Double Wall | 40 oz / 1134g |
| Tarptent Notch Li | Double Wall | 21.5 oz / 610g |
| Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL 1 | Double Wall | 27.8 oz / 788g |
| Tarptent Dipole Li 1 | Single Wall | 20.8 oz / 590g |
Recommendation
The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is a great backpacking tent because it can fit into a lot of smaller tent sites, including wild sites, that larger tents won’t fit. I really like the olive colors that the tent comes in because they blend in better with the landscape, which is good for privacy, and they’re darker, which helps me sleep better. The Quarter Dome SL 1 is easy to set up and has plenty of interior space inside to spread out and relax. Plus it packs up really small, which lets me use a smaller and lighter-weight backpack to carry my gear. I think that the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is a solid value for the money, especially since it’s less expensive than many other tents that are quite similar to it.
REI Quarter Dome SL 1 Tent
Comfort
Ease of Setup
Weather Resistance
Durabilty
Weight
Packed Size
Disclosure: The author purchased this tent.
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I agree, I have owned and used this tent a lot for the past six months, this is the most functional, easy to set up two wall tent I have ever used. Just a bargain as well. Sad to see REI is apparently discontinued it ? Thank you for the look see . Cheers
II don’t know why you say that. It’s still available and for sale. maybe you mean the old orange version.
Good point. I have old orange version and that’s the one replaced by this new version. Mine still holding up well after 5 years.
That’s strange, a couple weeks ago there site said it was no longer available ? Good news ! It’s a fantastic tent !
REI does that when they’re out of stock. I wish they just took backorders.
In many cases REI will do backorders, but only if you call on the phone and talk to a customer service person.
It’s the Covid supply chain thing. Shortage of workers. Shortage of shippers. Plenty of hoarders. Hit Reset to 1978 and here we are.
Hi Philip,
Thoughts on this vs. the REI Flash Air 1 tent? And which packs down smaller?
Thanks!
Because the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is semi-freestanding you’re virtually guaranteed a perfect pitch all the time. That’s not going to be the case with the Flash Air 1 where you have to do more work (if you use trekking poles) to get a good pitch. The Quarter Dome sl 1 is also a double-wall tent, so your gear will never come in content with internal condensation. They both pack down small (I pack my loose in my pack because they take up less space that way). The Flash air 1 is fine if you want a trekking pole tent. I feels somewhat cozier (smaller) and you need to be more concerned about internal condensation mitigation with airflow, but that’s to be expected. Just depends on the kind of experience you want.
Good to know, thank you!
Excluding price, would you rate this tent higher than the MSR HUBBA NX? This seems to have a very similar footprint and similar vertical walls and weighs a half pound less. Is there anything about the MSR that would justify purchasing it over this on performance alone before you even take into consideration $90 price difference?
This Quarter Dome seems like a great deal.
While the hubba hubba NX 1 is heavier, it will probably wear a bit better because its made with heavier fabric and doesn’t have a PU-coating so it will last longer. I’d also feel perfectly comfortable using the Hubba Hubba without a footprint, since its 30d, whereas I’d be more inclined to use one with the Quarter Dome SL 1 which has 15d floor. The hubba hubba also has four poles on the inner tent, instead of three, which makes it better for use (ie. the inner is fully freestanding) on challenging surfaces such as rock or sand, where tent stakes are a pain in the ass. Personally, I like the interior feel of the Quarter Dome more than the Hubba Hubba NX 1. But it’s not as clear cut as you make it sound.
Thanks for the reply. I haven’t met anyone who has had a Hubba 1p or 2p that hasn’t loved it and have been considering it as an option for solo trips since my Tarptent Saddle 2 takes up so much space. Seeing this tent made me reconsider a little. I do like the green color as well for low visibility as compared to the MSR red.
Hello, I bought this instead of a Big Agnes last minute because of the price point.
It just seems like a great value and I love the color for here in the North East.
I never owned a Big Agnes but the Quality seems comparable to the MSR Hubba that I had.
I am looking forward to using it this Fall.
One issue I’ve run into with my 2 year old quarter dome SL2 is difficulty getting the rainfly to pitch taut. Either the door section or the vestibule section winds up flapping. It looks like the door on this edition is structured the same way. Do you notice any issues?
Not at all, actually. The SL 1 has a grommet above the door that attaches to one of the roof poles which helps you get a tight pitch. Make sure that is in use. There are also the clips at the base of the poles with adjusters. Not sure how it works on the SL 2.
We now have a SL2 in the family. I’ve only set this tent up once where I could stake it out but I did notice this problem. The SL2 has grommets on the body and the fly so my guess is it’s the same as the SL1 in that regard. The issue maybe that there are three staking points on each vestibule on the SL2. One on the foot corner, the “normal” center one and an additional one on the head door jamb flap. This makes it a bit more challenging to get the fly pitched correctly. Also and possibly more to the point, I think the center adjuster on the fly may come with a line that is a bit too short, encouraging a staking position that is too close in. Extending the center adjuster line may fix the problem. The most flexible solution would be to replace the adjuster line with a longer one…I think it is 1.3 mm cord… but my guess is adding adding about 3 inches of reach to the loop end would be enough.
I’ve seen that the fly will not be properly situated if it’s velcro loops aren’t fastened to the poles. The issue that I was having because of that was the fly would actually contact the inner tent, especially in the rain.
I think this is a similar issue to what OldGuyot is referring to: In the world of 2-minute tent set-up videos done in back yards, tent manufacturers think we only pitch on level ground. I have had to extend lines, especially door lines, because they don’t reach far enough to get past a depression. That means I end up with the same angle I’d get by staking too close to the tent. I’ll take ~2 feet of line, make an extender with a loop on either end, and girth hitch one of the loops to the existing stake loop, still able to use the original stake loop if the extension is too long for the site. It’s also easy to unhitch and put on another line if needed elsewhere.
Almost bought this tent but went with Dans xmid 1. Sometimes wish I had had gone with something more freestanding with a smaller footprint. Sure love the two doors on the xmid.
The X-mid is big. Good in wind, but big.
Free standing? I have to wonder why. I bought the X-Mid 1p – 200 dollars – shipped to europe, took it to chamonix and bivouac’d at over 2000m in a windy environment and it performed superbly.
Given the price and structure I’m happy i did not go down the Hubba or Big Agnes route; there again i always use walking poles so I save on that weight too…maybe it’s my age 8-)
I own both tents and agree that the XMid is better for very windy conditions, but it requires a huge amount of space to set up and is not suitable for densely forested trips.
Philip, why do you say the X-Mid is not suitable for densely forested trips? Falling pine needles? Requires too much space?
Requires a huge amount of space.
https://sectionhiker.com/drop-x-mid-1p-tent-review/
Thanks! I just put a BIG request in to you, hope to see your response. Also, since you love your S2S Ether light so much – new intel (at least to me), they’re releasing a new “Extreme” version of their Ether Light. R=6.2. Men’s Reg is 720g.
Thanks again!
Are you able to compare this tent to the Exped Mira-1?
The Mira 1 is a nice tent. I reviewed it a while back.
https://sectionhiker.com/exped-mira-1-hl-tent-review/
Different pole structure, but not overly awkward. Much stronger in wind, because the poles run through sleeves and not clips, so it will flap less. I like the fact that it has two gear vestibules, including one accessible from inside the tent although it’s not a door. Better gear coverage that way. It also pitches in small forested spaces. Interior dimensions are similar, including height Slightly more durable fabrics. It’s nice that REI is now selling it. Exped makes some really nice gear, although it has a much more European flavor that Americans might find strange.
I had been researching double wall, freestandingish tents that used tent poles, for a long time, hoping to move up from my beginner Big Agnes Fairview1. I chose this one, and while it is delicate, I am happy. Some splashback got in from a thunderstorm, it happens, but so much lighter and bigger than old tent.
I was out this weekend and had to camp on a platform in the rain. Wished I’d brought this one instead of the single wall tent I’d brought along.
Just an FYI, Amazon carries tent stakes designed to slip between tent platform floorboard. Probably worth getting if you know you’ll be pitching a tent on one. They may be available elsewhere if you’re trying to avoid buying via that source. Also, while I don’t own this tent, I do have other REI tents. In March 2019 I bought a similar tent from a competitor which markets its own products. Barely a year later I set up the tent in my living room for a photo contest. I have only used that tent once for a bike packing weekend. When I went to set it up, the shock cords were slack. I called the company which told me that since the one year warranty had just ended, I would need to purchase the new shock cord, plus pay for postage! Well I was shocked! REI would have replaced the poles or at least sent new cord free of charge. I know because of how they have handled past tent issues. The other company has lost my business. Customer service and backing one’s product count for a lot.
We reviewed them over the summer.
https://sectionhiker.com/fishbone-tent-anchors-for-wooden-platform-campground-camping/
In many cases REI will do backorders, but only if you call on the phone and talk to a customer service person.
How’s this for a taller person? I am 6’3″ and 185lbs. My local REI has one in stock and I was thinking of setting it up if they will let me but, getting a solid pitch indoors isn’t the same as getting it nicely staked out.
The inner tent is 83″ long (we measured it). I’m 5’11” and have plenty of length space. I think you will too.
Thanks for the response! I am always leery of manufacturer’s listed specs and I really appreciate your taking real measurements. Head and foot ends look pretty vertical as well which is always very helpful.
I have the older (orange) version and LOVE IT. I bought it for a cycling trip but have also used it for backpacking and car camping. We experienced a lot of rain on that six day/four night cycling trip, each night in a different campground, and this tent kept me warm and dry. I simply can not express how roomy this tent feels. I think your review was honest anb picked up on all the attributes of this tent. My only warning is to not leave this tent unattended in even a light breeze unless it is staked down and/or there is gear in it because even a light breeze can send theis tent, when empty and not staked down, sailing away.
Good point. I have old orange version and that’s the one replaced by this new version. Mine still holding up well after 5 years.
How does the REI Passage 1 tent compare to the Quarter Dome SL 1 tent?
The primary difference is the weight. The passage is much heavier and probably best used for camping rather than backpacking. It’s also a lot less expensive.
What do you like better between this and the Tiger Wall UL1?
Definitely the Quarter Dome SL. Keep trying if REI doesn’t have it in stock. They do still sell it when they have it.
Thanks, I’ve eliminated the Tiger Wall (in case I decide to go (semi) free-standing). I’ve added it to my cart (it’s now available again). BUT GOTTA ASK: weight is pretty critical to me to physically able to do the trips I want to do & I’ve been leaning hard toward the Notch Li. I know, diff price point. But 19 oz vs 31 oz. If I can manage it financially, which would you go with? Notch Li or REI QD1?
PS- I’ve acquired the HMG SW 3400 based on your rec & so far extremely pleased. Also the Tanager. This is the last big purchase. And yes I continue to sing your (well earned) praises on forums. THANKS!
It really depends on where you camp and how you camp…weather conditions, surface, space, snow, etc. I happen to like the Quarter Dome because it is extremely easy to pitch just about anywhere in forested campsites and has excellent ventilation. It’s dark inside so I can sleep and there’s plenty of headroom. And the weight doesn’t bother me one bit.
The Notch Li and most Dyneema shelters are microwaves in the sun and I also think you’ll find the Notch Li a little confining at the ends, headroom-wise. But the biggest issue I have with all of Tarptent’s models that have pitchlocks at the ends is packability. You’re not going to be able to fit it horizontally in your backpack. That’s kind of a showstopper for me. I own a Protrail Li specifically because it doesn’t have pitchlocks. The Pitchlocks are brilliant, but they’re a pain in the ass.
Thanks Philip!
I own a ‘veteran’ earlier model Notch–Philip knows how ‘veteran it is! It has Pitchlocks and I carry it horizontally under the ‘brain’ on my Granite Gear Crown2 60. I keep things I may use during the day in the brain or under the Y strap that goes over it. I realize my solution is pack specific.
You feel the SL2 is on par with the SL1?
Thanks.
You never know for sure. I suspect it’s two back-to-back SL 1’s basically.
I have recently purchased the SL2 and it is a fantastic and versatile all purpose tent. The interior space feels very comfortable with the vertical walls and the “domed” pre bent Hub poles. The vestibules are definitely large enough and the footprint was compact so I don’t anticipate issues finding a suitable site.
We actually packed in two adults and two kids (8 and 4) I got the tent for a fun backyard night of camping, to “test the tent” and while it was cozy, we actually fit easily into it. I slept head to toe, with my head at the foot end, and even on a 3” pad and a pillow under my head, I had a lot of room. Really speakers to the usable space of the tent.
For what’s it’s worth, we had decent condensation on the fly, but hard not to when you have 4 active bodies, and both vestibule doors were closed. None of our stuff was wet, and we were all warm on a night that dipped into the 40’s.
Overall fantastic tent, and if you keep the pole bag seperate (with stake bag inside of it), the tent, fly, and footprint can easily fit into a 3L stuff sack, so fitting it horizontally into your bag is a big plus!
While I’m looking for a 1P tent for fast packing, solo bikepacking and hiking adventures in the 1-1.5lb range, I’m definitely still considering the Quarter Dome SL1 for that purpose as it’s just a great tent and worth the weight penalty for the fantastic cost.
Other considerations are the X-Mid 1P, but footprint size is huge, or the notch but I hear mixed reviews about its packability and usable living quarters inside the inner tent.
YMMV, but if you could spare the slight weights penalty, this SL1 or SL2 , is a great option!
One other thing to note, I bought an Exped Ultra 3R Duo LW pad for the SL2. At 40oz it’s lighter then 2 LW Nemo Tensor pads, and fits the tapered inner perfectly, giving an amazing almost “custom fit” feel for two people. 5lbs for a compete two person setup isn’t ultralight, but damn close, and the comfort can’t be beat!
I took this tent on AT section hike from PA through NJ, great tent, surprisingly roomy (6’4” & 250) and light. Taking it to VA for section hike in May. I’ve heard that it has been discontinued by REI, bummer, good backpacking tent.
I’m pretty sure it’s just sold out. It’s so popular that they sell out fast and then it looks like its been discontinued on their website but it isn’t.
I purchased this tent over 1 year ago on sale for $189. What a tremendous value. I’ve used it in Georgia in December, May, and I’ll be section hiking the AT in a couple of weeks from Amicalola Falls to the parking lot at Fontana Lake. Around 170 miles in 9 days. This tent has performed VERY well. Easy setup, remarkably comfortable due to the vertical sidewalls and decent ceiling height. The side pockets and overhead pocket are perfect for the phone, battery, and other stuff I normally sleep with. The vestibule is plenty big enough to fit all my gear (general a 36 liter Gossamer Gear pack or a LiteAF Curve 40L). I have a massive old 70L Dana Design that would overflow. Overall the small footpring, flexible setup, and reasonable weight…at this price is an outstanding value. Highly recommended.
I love this tent too. It’s amazingly comfortable and I love the overhead pockets. Always out of stock, so if you see it available you need to buy it immediately!
REI Quarter Dome SL1: tub only 4 inches deep. Were they assuming that the tent will never be used in a dusty windy environment? Not crazy about the 15D fabrics.
MSR Hubba NX1: love the heavier fabrics but 84″ length and 36″ height? Designed for hobbits perhaps? Thanks but no thanks.
BA Copper Spur UL1: Flimsy fabrics, somewhat cramped vestibule, not crazy about the door/awning design, no guyout point in the foot area, but two in the head area… Really?
Would love to see a SL1 design with 20D fly/30D tub and AT LEAST 2x taller tub in the torso area. Will gladly buy it if they keep the weight to 39oz or less trail weight. One could only wish. At this point I am thinking of just buying the Portal 2P and calling it a day
I have been using the Quarter Dome 1 since March 2018 and love it for backpacking and cycle touring. It kept me dry during numerous rainstorms and a downpour while cycle touring. While I love this tent, I do not consider it a four season tent and would want something a little stronger with solid rather than mesh inner walls when camping above timberline or in the winter.
The Quarter Dome is somewhat different than the SL 1. Are you sure you’re talking about the same tent?
This may be apples to mangoes but what are your thoughts comparing this to the “one”…. just curious because both are referenced in the current newsletter…oh and my experience with two tents…decades long I must say…Seattle guy, shopped at original store, which I miss until join it in the no longer here pile…
It is an apples to mangos comparison Both are nice tents, but they will appeal to very different audiences. The One is 17.7 oz, a single wall tent, that requires two trekking poles to errect. The Quarter Dome Sl 1 is a semi-freestanding double wall tent that weighs 31 oz.if you’re in Washington, where it rains all the time, I expect you’d want the REI tent to keep the internal condensation inherent in a single wall tent off you.
REI Quarter Dome SL-1 and SL-2 both on sale right now. Excellent deals. Supplies probably won’t last long. These are the tents I usually recommend to new backpackers.
I hear that trekking pole tents can be better in stormy weather due to the sturdier trekking poles compared to the typical freestanding tents poles.
I like the SL1 design but wind stability is my main concern. How does it fare in windy/exposed conditions compared to, say, a standard notch?
That kind of broad brush-stroke generalization is pretty meaningless. If you want a bombproof tent that’s livable, a dome shape is almost always better than a trekking pole stent because the sides are curved. Believe me, looking up at the wall of a trekking-pole pyramid-shaped tent 4″ from your face for 24 hours while the internal condennsation drips on your face is overrated. Pole strength is often a factor when it comes to snow loads. That is unless you plan on sleeping in a tent in sustained 50 miles an hour winds (this wind speed will prevent you from walking). Then the only thing you want is a tent from Hilleberg which is made for those conditions. Can this tent survive a brisk wind if its staked out. Yes, no problem. But if you know you’re going to be in even more challenging conditions, use your head and buy a tent intended for mountaineering rather than easy low level backpacking and camping at more protected tent sites which is what this tent is intended for. I’ve used plenty of trekking pole tents that would simply fall over in serious wind, not because of pole shape or strength, but because of the surface area and shape of the tent. They are sails.