REI Co-op Arete ASL Tent Evaluation

Backside Line

The REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 is a flexible and budget-friendly tent that bridges the hole between three- and four-season efficiency. It’s well-suited for shoulder-season adventures, ski touring, and winter tenting beneath treeline.

The tent’s light-weight design, spacious inside, and dependable climate resistance make it a wonderful possibility for each newbie backpackers and seasoned out of doors fanatics. It handles rain, snow, and chilly successfully, although its top makes it much less wind-resistant than expedition-grade fashions.

Whereas the Arete ASL 2 excels in affordability, ease of setup, and livability, its small vestibule and single door restrict gear storage and accessibility, particularly throughout prolonged journeys. Air flow is strong for a four-season tent however it’s nonetheless susceptible to condensation in humid situations.For adventurers searching for a sturdy, adaptable, and cost-effective shelter, this tent is a powerful alternative. Discover extra top-performing fashions in our information to one of the best four-season tents.

How We Examined

We examined the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 over two months in Colorado’s rugged backcountry, together with ski excursions and shoulder-season backpacking journeys within the Sawatch Vary. From snowy alpine campsites beneath 10,000 ft to dry however windy foothill trails, we evaluated its sturdiness, climate resistance, and livability in real-world situations throughout numerous difficult environments.

Consolation

The REI Arete ASL 2 has shocking inside consolation for such a light-weight, all-season tent. With 32.9 sq. ft of ground area and a 43-inch peak top, the tent offers loads of room for one particular person (plus gear) to sit down up and transfer round and sufficient room for 2 folks so long as they don’t thoughts being shut collectively.

Our testers appreciated how the inside dimensions accommodated taller customers—one tester, standing at 6’2”, discovered it straightforward to alter garments and manage gear with out feeling cramped. The included overhead storage pockets and hanging loops had been handy for maintaining small gadgets, like headlamps and maps, accessible throughout prolonged stays. This was one of many few tents we discovered snug with two folks inside. 

Nonetheless, the vestibule is a noticeable limitation. At simply 8.7 sq. ft, it’s smaller than most in its class, with restricted area for storing boots or gear. On a snowy night time in Colorado, we struggled to maintain our boots and packs dry whereas having sufficient room for cooking. Whereas useful, the vestibule may benefit from added capability to enhance gear storage throughout unhealthy climate.

Weight & Packed Dimension

With a minimal path weight of 5 lbs. 10 oz. and a packed weight of 6 lbs. 5 oz., the Arete ASL 2 is heavier than a lot of the tents we examined however lighter than many full-on expedition fashions. It’s nonetheless sturdy sufficient for cold-weather adventures.

Throughout testing in Colorado’s foothills and better elevations within the Gore and Sawatch ranges, we discovered the burden to be manageable, particularly when shared between two folks on ski excursions and backpacking journeys. Whereas it’s not an ultralight possibility, the burden is nicely value it for the tent’s sturdiness and dependable all-season efficiency.

There’s room for enchancment by way of packed measurement. Compressed to twenty x 6 x 6 inches, the Arete ASL could be difficult to suit right into a backpack. Because of its size, we discovered the pole set significantly tough to pack.

For adventurers searching for a dependable, all-season tent that’s transportable with out being excessively heavy, the Arete ASL 2 has a strong mixture of weight financial savings and sturdiness. Whereas it’s neither the lightest nor the smallest in its class, it stays a sensible alternative for winter backpacking, ski touring, and mountaineering beneath treeline.

Climate Resistance

Regardless of an absence of heavy snow, we totally examined the Arete in chilly temperatures and relentless winds. For 4 consecutive nights, we camped in White River Nationwide Forest, the place temperatures dipped into the teenagers with regular winds of 30-35 mph. The Arete saved us noticeably hotter than a three-season tent would have and dealt with the excessive winds higher than we anticipated.

Nonetheless, it’s not with out flaws. The fly doesn’t lengthen absolutely to the bottom, permitting blowing snow to enter the vestibule in excessive winds. Whereas the four-pole design provides stability, the taller profile isn’t as storm-ready as true expedition fashions. Absolutely guying out the tent enhances its efficiency, however the restricted variety of included stakes means you’ll must buy extras to realize this.

Ease of Setup

At first, we thought the Arete ASL 2 is likely to be trickier to pitch than among the easier tents we’ve examined. And positive, it’s a contact extra concerned than essentially the most easy choices on the market, however not by a lot. We managed to set it up solo in only a few minutes—with out even glancing on the directions the primary time.

The one half that may take a bit of observe is sliding the poles by way of the dead-end pole sleeves. It’s a bit extra effort than popping pole ends into grommets, however this design provides stability, so we didn’t thoughts the trade-off. The colour-coded poles, webbing, and fly make it tremendous straightforward to determine what goes the place, even when it’s your first time.

When you get the hold of it, the Arete ASL 2 is fast and easy to pitch. Anybody conversant in fashionable tents may have no downside setting it up.

Sturdiness

The REI Arete ASL 2 holds its personal in sturdiness, particularly for the worth. The 40-denier ripstop nylon rainfly feels strong, although the 70-denier nylon ground appeared a bit skinny and brittle. We pitched on snow and not using a footprint to avoid wasting weight however regretted it—subsequent time, we’ll positively deliver one, and we’d advocate you do the identical to guard the ground.

The aluminum poles are sturdy, and whereas the dead-end pole sleeves add stability, they could be a little annoying throughout setup. That mentioned, the Arete exceeded our expectations by way of wind resistance. Its taller form does make it extra susceptible to gusts, but it surely held regular in 30+ mph winds throughout testing. Twin man traces (you’ll want to connect them) and bolstered stake-out factors add power, however additional stakes for these factors are a should in case you’re anticipating tough climate.

Whereas not expedition-level, the Arete ASL 2 is a sturdy possibility for winter tenting, ski touring, and below-treeline mountaineering—simply deal with it with care.

Versatility

This tent lands someplace between three- and four-season fashions, becoming snugly within the 3+ season class REI provides it—and that feels spot on. It’s not as stormproof or rugged as a devoted single-wall four-season tent, but it surely additionally doesn’t have the light-weight, breathable design of a summer season backpacking tent. As a substitute, it strikes a center floor that works for numerous situations.

The Arete ASL 2 can deal with winter tenting beneath treeline in a pinch, providing higher heat and safety than a regular three-season tent. On the identical time, it really works nicely as a warm-weather tent, due to the sizeable zippered skylight roof vent that permits for glorious airflow.

General, we’re impressed with this tent’s versatility. It’s not good for excessive situations or ultralight journeys, but it surely’s a strong possibility for a variety of adventures—particularly at this value level.

Ought to You Purchase the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2?

Our testers persistently admire the worth REI Co-op tents ship, and the Arete ASL 2 isn’t any exception. Whereas $450 isn’t precisely low-cost, it’s considerably extra reasonably priced than lots of the different tents we examined with out compromising on high quality. For the correct purchaser, it’s a wonderful funding.

So, who’s the correct purchaser? The Arete ASL 2 is ideal for individuals who camp throughout shoulder seasons or take pleasure in high-altitude, cold-weather summer season tenting. It’s a super alternative for anybody dipping their toes into winter tenting, providing an incredible introduction to the world of three+ season tents. Whether or not you’re into backpacking, ski touring, or winter peak bagging, this tent suits the invoice.

If you happen to want a real four-season tent for excessive situations or to resist 60 mph winds above treeline, this isn’t the tent for you. However in case you’re after versatility and worth, the Arete ASL 2 is a implausible possibility that bridges the hole between three- and four-season designs.

What Different 4-Season Tents Ought to You Think about?

If you happen to’re exploring four-season tents, there are a couple of different choices value contemplating alongside the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2. Every has its personal strengths, relying in your particular wants and priorities. For an in depth comparability of those fashions, take a look at our information to one of the best four-season tents to search out the proper match on your adventures.

MSR Entry 2 Evaluation: This tent is greater than two kilos lighter than the Arete ASL 2 and higher fitted to these prioritizing weight financial savings. It offers comparable insulation and climate safety for sub-treeline situations however isn’t as spacious or sturdy in excessive winds or snow in comparison with bulkier fashions. Its MSRP can also be fairly a bit larger. 

NEMO Gear Kunai 2 Evaluation: The Kunai 2 strikes an analogous 3+ season stability with a powerful emphasis on versatility. It’s two kilos lighter than the Arete ASL 2 and affords higher air flow for mild-weather tenting. Nonetheless, it’s costlier and has a smaller inside, which could really feel cramped for prolonged journeys.

Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 Evaluation: For budget-conscious adventurers, the Tasmanian 2 is an reasonably priced various. It’s heavier and bulkier however delivers dependable safety towards harsh climate. Whereas it lacks the refinement and options of higher-end fashions, it’s a strong entry-level alternative for winter tenting.