Review | REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent | Affordable, User Friendly, Ultralight
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- A new for 2023 version of the Flash Air 2 is now available: snp.link/92ec5356 Changes include a small size and weight increase, the use of sustainable materials, and increasing the price to $399. Another similar tent was released called the Flash 2, which is the freestanding sibling to the Flash Air 2. See our full review here: www.adventurea...
Part 2 of our review is here • PART 2 REVIEW: REI Co...
Read our full written review here: www.adventurea...
The REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent snp.link/521b9314 is a 1.9 lb, full sized, 2-person tent that costs under $300. Right off the bat, those specs set it in a class by itself (tents in this weight range usually cost $600 to even $800). As such, it’s a solid choice for any backpacker looking to save weight and cost, even if you’ve never used a tent like this before. But unlike many tents in this rarified weight range, it’s quite user friendly. The design, ease of setup, space, and moisture-management of the Flash Air 2 all work to create a great user experience, even for non-expert backpackers.
Compared to the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent, the REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent is almost a pound less and costs $150 less. On top of that, this is one of the first tents manufactured and sold by a major retailer using a proven hybrid single-wall, double-walled ultralight tent design. Formerly, tents like this were solely the purview of cottage manufacturers like Tarptent or Six Moon Designs. Now you can get a similar tent off-the-shelf and backed by REI’s reputation and excellent return policy.
Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on the these links, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you. I do not receive compensation from the companies whose products are listed. REI provided a sample of this tent for review. I am never under an obligation to write a review about any product. Finally, this post expresses my own independent opinion.
I just got this tent from the rei garage sale for about 120$. It's my first tent that's not free standing so I'm a little nervous to take it out for the first time. its about 4lbs lighter than my other tent so I'm super excited to learn to use it
Thanks for the great review! Alan (or anyone reading this with an opinion): If you had to choose between the REI Co-op Flash Air 2 and the REI Quarter Dome SL 1 Tent to be used by just one person on a backpacking trip, which one would you choose? They are the same weight (1 lb. 15 oz). The Flash Air 2 has more room (28.7 vs 18.9 square feet). But, the REI Quarter Dome is free standing with a rain fly so it should be more stable with less condensation. What do you think? I am trying to decide between the two. Thanks.
In general I would go for the extra room. In addition, The extra volume also helps to reduce condensation as there is almost double the volume for the same amount of water vapor in the tent. Best Alan
@@adventure_alan_co "Double the volume for the same amount of water vapor": that's a real good point. However, I'm still not convinced that the Flash Air 2 would be stable enough in high winds & rain in comparison to the Quarter Dome SL 1. Which is really another way of me saying that I'm not convinced that I am skilled enough to set up the Flash Air 2 to stand up to very windy rainy conditions (LOL). I think a free standing tent is much more idiot proof. REI indicates you can also just set up the Quarter Dome Fly with just the ground cover and leave the inner tent at home (saving weight). The problem I see with this is water coming in under the fly. I have an old Golite Tee-Pee style tent from years ago (big enough for me, my wife, and our 70 lb dog with room to spare) that has the option of an inner tent with mesh etc. or just a bathtub type floor. When we've taken just the bathtub floor, I've never missed the inner tent. although my wife does have an irrational fear that a snake will come in under the fly at night. My argument is that snakes generally are not nocturnal. Anyway, I wish other tents (including the REI Quarter Dome SL 1) would provide that bathtub type floor alternative to a full mesh inner tent.
Great video! Looking for an ultralight 2p tent. I’ve been looking at the Tarptent MoTrail too but this video gave me more useful knowledge on the Flash Air 2, thanks! Greetings from Northeast PA
Right on Nate. Good part of the country. Warmest, -alan
Would you recommend getting a separate rainfly for this tent for people in more rainy climates like the PNW? Curious if medium to heavy rain would be an issue on the single-walled portion. Also, does this tent retain heat decently in cold weather? and finally, with the material being so thin, is the bottom comfortable enough that you don't need a ground tarp?
Forest, the waterproofness of the fly is not the issue with staying dry. So adding another rainfly or tarp is only going to increase weight and complexity of pitch without keeping you much drier. The issue with getting wet is condensation on the tent walls when the tent is closed up in humid conditions. In that case you need to vent to tent -- that is allow for air movement in the tent to bring drier air in and reduce condensation on the tent walls. I cover this in great detail in the review. The groundsheet (or floor) of the tent has nothing to do with comfort. It's just a sheet of fabric. The issue is if it's durable enough to pitch on abrasive and sharp surfaces. In some cases you'll want to use a groundsheet/footprint under the tent floor. Again I cover this in detail both in the video review and our written review (link is in the Description below the video). Finally, since this tent has a mesh interior (at least part of it) it will not be as warm as a true winter tent with a fabric inner tent. But the actual tent does not provide much warmth no matter what the design since it has no insulation. It is your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and warm clothes that keep you warm. The actually have insulation to prevent heat loss. Hope this helps. Warmest, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough reply! Keep making content!
Are there free standing tents that are also of this weight/size you’d recommend?
Really appreciate this review, and even more I appreciate you having the written review as well. I wish more gear reviewers did this dual approach. Thanks!
I appreciate the positive feedback. But doing both formats is a ton of work. Best, -alan
Nice tent but I wish they have bright color.
Do you think this would be a good tent to carry on the AT this spring? Thanks again for the review!!! Happy Holidays!
Yes it would be fine on the AT in the spring. But do pay attention to all the stuff in the video about venting it and maintaining airflow in humid conditions. But then that goes for about any tent. Happy hiking. Best, -alan
Hey Alan, thanks for this comprehensive review! I use the Locus Gear Khufu for solo hiking, but have been shopping/researching a good ultralight 2 person tent for when my wife wants to come along, so this new offering from REI was looking pretty attractive and you've sold me here. I've been a fan of your blog reviews for years, so its great to see you branching into youtube. Only question on the Flash 2 is condensation management (on my way to part 2 now to learn more about that). I previously owned another hybrid tent (Solong 6) and experienced actual puddles by my head! Hoping to avoid that.
Thanks for the kind words Shasta. You'll have to wait a few days for Part 2. Still editing it and sprucing it up for pub. (There was a ton of footage to edit down!). Stay tuned. Best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co I feel your pain re: editing! I'll look for it soon. Cheers!
Need seam sealing?
I generally don't. Not enough leakage to warrant it. -a
It’s over two pounds and it’s $399
Do I need trekking poles for this tent?
jump to 4:01 where the review begins
Make it shorter and more reevent please
Great Review Alan. The tent looks solid. I would say its a solid 8/9. IF rei wanted to make it a 10, then they should have tie outs that pull the outer walls away to give the tent added space with vertical side walls .... As well as an UP grade option to allow for the use of carbon fiber poles in leu of the trek poles if one wishes. thanks ; )
Glad you liked the review CW2. Yes those enhancements would be nice but I think REI was trying to hold a price point. BTW you can get your own CF pole set to the right length for the tent, altho it would likely save you only an ounce or so. Warmest, -alan
This is a good idea- a mid panel guyout would allow for a little more head and foot room
Great in-depth review. First of your videos I've watched. I like this tent but I can't help but think it's a bit of a copy of the Lightheart Gear Duo, right down to the ridge pole concept. And as a copy it is really not that much less ($30). Just an FYI.
Actually, the ridge pole design is significantly different than the Lightheart. And we do include the LH Duo in our Tent Guide www.adventurealan.com/best-tents-backpacking/ and like it quite a lot. And not that many, many people are not comfortable buying from cottage manufactures. It is what it is. Warmest, -alan
Dear Alan, i have this tent and plan on taking it with me on the CDT starting April ‘23. Here is something i just thought of-if I was about to be caught up on trail with a good snow storm coming -ive always thought i’d ride it out. Would this tent be ok for that or is it too lightweight? Keep in mind i would have the proper sleep system, appropriate clothing, etc. (ps-I know its not meant for winter weather. Spring storm although whats the difference when you trying to stay warm n dry?)
I am not sure this is the tent for a proper CDT snowstorm. Honestly, I would think that a pyramid shelter like a Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL would weather a full-on snowstorm better. From our review summary "The Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid XL in DCF is one the very lightest and storm-worthy 1 person tents. It’s been refined and perfected for over 12 years and is one of a few sub-pound shelters capable of four season conditions. Andrew Skurka used this tent for “National Geographic Adventurer of the Hike” through Alaska and the Yukon. It’s also a large enough shelter (very spacious for one) that it can also be used as a two person shelter if you don’t mind sleeping close. In fact, Alison and I recently shared one on a 350 mile bikepacking trip where we were really trying save on space - and a SilNylon Solomid XL takes up about as little space as any shelter on the market. It did just fine! And unlike regular pyramid tents, the asymmetrical layout keeps the sleeping area dry even with the door open. Of course, like most pyramid shelters, there is only one door, no bug netting and no floor (although there is an inner nest that does just that!)"
I returned it to REI for a tarp. In the end the weight savings is what was most important. Thanks for the thorough review though!
I have used a variety of tents over the past 55 years as well as tarps. With Climent heat and changing Heat and Cold zones as well as the types of bugs, critters that move into new zones I have switched from Tarps in the Critter season to the Flash Air 2. It is basically the same shape, ground sheet and weight as my tarp with the advantage of mosquito netting. The downside is the stakes and pull out ropes to trip over in the dark. The upside is in a 75 mph -100mph straight wind I only have two poles to replace on the road, much better than losing three 8 foot collapsing poles on a dome tent. A couple of trimmed tree limbs and I'm back on my way. Plenty of dry storage under door rain flys. More important than weight is minimum bulk. Easy to pack in my bike panners.
How tall are you?
Hi Alan ... do tell ... what's going on with that grey colored almost Hyperlight-like looking backpack you got going on here right next to you? 👀 Is there a change in the works or just experimenting?
OMG, it's a Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus in DCF. Checkout our Best Backpacking Backpacks for 2020 www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-backpacks/ for more info. Best, -alan
THIS!!!!! Finally I've found my dream tent!!!
Glad you found it. Warmest, -alan
me too :-) ...what i wanted
So not being a free standing tent, I am concerned about pitching on hard ground or tent pads. We do camp in parks that make it mandatory to pitch on tent pads. I've had to use rocks to stretch out the fly and tent with my msr mutha hubba. Would this scenario be problematic with the rei flash?
I have pitched many non freestanding tents on platforms including Pyramid Tents, even in Patagonia. It can be done. The key is to have extra cord for tie outs and a bit of creativity. And FWIW one should really stake-out "freestanding tents." I have seen a number of tents literally blow away like tumbleweed - sometimes with a fair amount of gear in them. And of course the fly always needs to be staked out even in "freestanding" tents. Hope this helps. Warmest, -alan & alison
Thanks for the review. I’m currently rocking the Nemo Hornet 2p, which is a very close competitor to this tent in all aspects (weight, price, size, etc). Once it wears out, may consider this one.
Glad it was helpful! Guessing you'll find the Copper Spur a fair amount more roomy. Best, -alan
Very good review.
I really appreciate it.
This tent is almost everything I need.
Unfortunately having to stake it down isn't always an available option here in rocky Washington.
Perhaps I should research other ways to stake it down when the ground is too rocky.
I have always found a way to "stake out a tent." Even on rocky ground even on tent platforms in Patagonia. Consider the better stakes listed in the review of the tent posted on my site. Best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co Thank you Alan. I will look more into it. I camp a lot on Capital Forest in Washington and you can't even reach half inch into the ground. I just heard of Tent Anchors. Maybe there's something there for me.
OK I have this tent and really was wanting part two but I'm not able to locate it. HELP please. I want to watch part two.
In editing as I write. Best -alan
Thanks Alan for your reply appreciate it very much!!!
Any time!
Alan, i did purchase this tent from REI. 🤓 Thanks for the review as it was a big help.
This is basically a knock off of the Alps Mountaineering Mystique tents, and that's ok because that is a solid act to follow.
Alan would you recommend this tent or the Xmid 2p?
If you can handle ordering from Drop, I would likely go with the Xmid 2p. You can read our full review here www.adventurealan.com/durston-x-mid-2p-tent-review/. The main advantage is that it is a fully double walled shelter making condensation far less of an issue. Best, -alan
Does this tent protect against noseeums? Ive had noseeums infiltrate some tent mesh fabrics.
Nice looking tent; a little like my Tarptent Notch which I love!
Right on
Thanks, you saved me from making a mistake tomorrow.
Pack size? Size comparison? No...?
Hi Chris, packed size is 16 x 7 inches. For comparison: at a first level of accuracy, one can assume that weight is roughly equivalent to packed size. In addition, Silnylon packs more compactly than most tent fabrics. Bottom line this 2 lb tent is going to pack smaller than say something like 3 pound UL tent. Hope this helps, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co thank you. I have just bought the zpacks altaplex and hate it!
I’m looking for something of similar size that has enough ventilation that the condensation isn’t to much of an issue, among many other issues I have with the alterpex
Good stuff, really helpful!
Glad it was helpful! Warmest, -a
Alan, do you recommend seam sealing this tent?
Alan, do you recommend this tent be seam sealed?
Great video !!!
Thanks for the kind words!
Hey Alan! Love the R1 and the flash 2, just ordered mine. But what's your green layer under your r1??
Logan, it's an Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie snp.link/9ae33d5a. One of our favorite garments. I am wearing one right now :-). Warmest, -alan
This was a very informative review. Do you think this tent is large enough for people over 6 feet tall?
As someone who is 6'1, this tent was very comfortable, the floor is about 7.3 feet tall
thanks for the awesome video!!
Thanks man. Keep it up and we definitely appreciate you! Subscribed
Thanks for the subscribe! Best, -alan
Would you say that color is green or brown Ad Al?
Somewhere between the two. -a
@@adventure_alan_co Kinda what I thought...different videos and photos display it differently...thanks Big Al
20 minutes and you couldn't show how you set it up?
Hi RT, first expect Part 2 tomorrow! Second, the assumption is that many viewers are not familiar with this type of tent. And/or they may have heard misinformation about them that needs to be set straight (eg. condensation -- it's not the huge issue some make it out to be). So to this is part tutorial on this type of shelter, and part on the best features about it and some things to be aware of. Were this a review of a standard dome backpacking tent it would be much shorter. Best, -alan
creepy