REI Dash 2 Tent

I found this to be a great very light, low cost tent that is great for the solo hike and can fit two in a pinch.

I purchased this tent on closeout from REI to use on my solo section hiking of the JMT. I only recall paying about $140 for the tent, which I thought was great given it is under 3 lbs. The final weight of the tent was only 44 ounces or about 2.76 lbs. My final weight only included the tent, the fly, 6 stakes, poles, the pole stuff sack and a Tyvex ground sheet that I had made. I didn't bring the tent or stake stuff sacks, the two or three additional stakes that were provided, or the pole repair tube that was also included with the tent.

I didn't experience any severe weather, so I can't comment how the tent would hold up in a storm but I consider it just as sturdy as the other tents I own. I did think that the tent had very good ventilation and I didn't have any issues with condensation.

I have thought about going with just a tarp on future hikes, but it was very nice this summer on the JMT to be able to crawl in and zip up the tent when the bugs were bad.

As far as packability goes I only used the stuff sack provided to hold the poles and stakes and I would just stuff the tent and rain fly in the bottom of my pack each morning and then continued to pack the rest of my gear from there. I was focused on getting my weight down and didn't included anything unless it was needed and I don't think I will ever use a stuff sack to pack any of my tents in the future except for storage.

I'm very happy with the tent and plan on using it on additional section hikes of the JMT in 2017.

Exceptional semi-freestanding lightweight 3-season tent.

This is a fantastic tent for under 3 pounds. I love the fact that the material is 15 denier ripstop nylon (20 denier mesh). Plenty of mesh for great ventilation.

Although the tent is rated for 2 people, it is best used as a 1 person with plenty of room for gear. I think it would be awesome if REI made a 1 person tent from the same material. I would definitely purchase it. 

This tent pitches very quickly (under 1 minute in a hurry). The semi-freestanding aspect can be a CON to most people but freestanding or not, I always guy out my corners. The Dash becomes very taut when the pegs are used. It handles very nicely in wind and rain. The tub gives plenty of protection from rain and dirt. There is ample mesh which provides great ventilation. 

REI's engineering team hit a home run with the design and construction of this tent. Perfect layout. Plenty of room at the shoulders and slightly narrows down to the feet. I am 6'1" and have just the right amount of head room at the doors (yes, there are 2 doors!). 

A little expensive but not completely out of line in comparison to other lightweight tents.

I love this tent.