REI Co-op Arete ASL Tent Review

Bottom Line

The REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 is a versatile and budget-friendly tent that bridges the gap between three- and four-season performance. It’s well-suited for shoulder-season adventures, ski touring, and winter camping below treeline.

The tent’s lightweight design, spacious interior, and reliable weather resistance make it an excellent option for both beginner backpackers and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. It handles rain, snow, and cold effectively, though its height makes it less wind-resistant than expedition-grade models.

While the Arete ASL 2 excels in affordability, ease of setup, and livability, its small vestibule and single door limit gear storage and accessibility, especially during extended trips. Ventilation is solid for a four-season tent but it is still prone to condensation in humid conditions.For adventurers seeking a durable, adaptable, and cost-effective shelter, this tent is a strong choice. Explore more top-performing models in our guide to the best four-season tents.

How We Tested

We tested the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 over two months in Colorado’s rugged backcountry, including ski tours and shoulder-season backpacking trips in the Sawatch Range. From snowy alpine campsites below 10,000 feet to dry but windy foothill trails, we evaluated its durability, weather resistance, and livability in real-world conditions across various challenging environments.

Comfort

The REI Arete ASL 2 has surprising interior comfort for such a lightweight, all-season tent. With 32.9 square feet of floor space and a 43-inch peak height, the tent provides plenty of room for one person (plus gear) to sit up and move around and enough room for two people as long as they don’t mind being close together.

Our testers appreciated how the interior dimensions accommodated taller users—one tester, standing at 6’2”, found it easy to change clothes and organize gear without feeling cramped. The included overhead storage pockets and hanging loops were convenient for keeping small items, like headlamps and maps, accessible during extended stays. This was one of the few tents we found comfortable with two people inside. 

However, the vestibule is a noticeable limitation. At just 8.7 square feet, it’s smaller than most in its category, with limited space for storing boots or gear. On a snowy night in Colorado, we struggled to keep our boots and packs dry while having enough room for cooking. While functional, the vestibule could benefit from added capacity to improve gear storage during bad weather.

Weight & Packed Size

With a minimum trail weight of 5 lbs. 10 oz. and a packed weight of 6 lbs. 5 oz., the Arete ASL 2 is heavier than most of the tents we tested but lighter than many full-on expedition models. It’s still robust enough for cold-weather adventures.

During testing in Colorado’s foothills and higher elevations in the Gore and Sawatch ranges, we found the weight to be manageable, especially when shared between two people on ski tours and backpacking trips. While it’s not an ultralight option, the weight is well worth it for the tent’s durability and reliable all-season performance.

There’s room for improvement in terms of packed size. Compressed to 20 x 6 x 6 inches, the Arete ASL can be challenging to fit into a backpack. Due to its length, we found the pole set particularly tricky to pack.

For adventurers seeking a reliable, all-season tent that’s portable without being excessively heavy, the Arete ASL 2 has a solid mix of weight savings and durability. While it’s neither the lightest nor the smallest in its class, it remains a practical choice for winter backpacking, ski touring, and mountaineering below treeline.

Weather Resistance

Despite a lack of heavy snow, we thoroughly tested the Arete in cold temperatures and relentless winds. For four consecutive nights, we camped in White River National Forest, where temperatures dipped into the teens with steady winds of 30-35 mph. The Arete kept us noticeably warmer than a three-season tent would have and handled the high winds better than we expected.

However, it’s not without flaws. The fly doesn’t extend fully to the ground, allowing blowing snow to enter the vestibule in high winds. While the four-pole design adds stability, the taller profile isn’t as storm-ready as true expedition models. Fully guying out the tent enhances its performance, but the limited number of included stakes means you’ll need to purchase extras to achieve this.

Ease of Setup

At first, we thought the Arete ASL 2 might be trickier to pitch than some of the simpler tents we’ve tested. And sure, it’s a touch more involved than the most straightforward options out there, but not by much. We managed to set it up solo in just a few minutes—without even glancing at the instructions the first time.

The one part that might take a little practice is sliding the poles through the dead-end pole sleeves. It’s a bit more effort than popping pole ends into grommets, but this design adds stability, so we didn’t mind the trade-off. The color-coded poles, webbing, and fly make it super easy to figure out what goes where, even if it’s your first time.

Once you get the hang of it, the Arete ASL 2 is quick and straightforward to pitch. Anyone familiar with modern tents will have no problem setting it up.

Durability

The REI Arete ASL 2 holds its own in durability, especially for the price. The 40-denier ripstop nylon rainfly feels solid, though the 70-denier nylon floor seemed a bit thin and brittle. We pitched on snow without a footprint to save weight but regretted it—next time, we’ll definitely bring one, and we’d recommend you do the same to protect the floor.

The aluminum poles are sturdy, and while the dead-end pole sleeves add stability, they can be a little annoying during setup. That said, the Arete exceeded our expectations in terms of wind resistance. Its taller shape does make it more prone to gusts, but it held steady in 30+ mph winds during testing. Dual guy lines (you’ll need to attach them) and reinforced stake-out points add strength, but extra stakes for these points are a must if you’re expecting rough weather.

While not expedition-level, the Arete ASL 2 is a durable option for winter camping, ski touring, and below-treeline mountaineering—just handle it with care.

Versatility

This tent lands somewhere between three- and four-season models, fitting snugly in the 3+ season category REI gives it—and that feels spot on. It’s not as stormproof or rugged as a dedicated single-wall four-season tent, but it also doesn’t have the lightweight, breathable design of a summer backpacking tent. Instead, it strikes a middle ground that works for various conditions.

The Arete ASL 2 can handle winter camping below treeline in a pinch, offering better warmth and protection than a standard three-season tent. At the same time, it works well as a warm-weather tent, thanks to the sizeable zippered skylight roof vent that allows for excellent airflow.

Overall, we’re impressed with this tent’s versatility. It’s not perfect for extreme conditions or ultralight trips, but it’s a solid option for a wide range of adventures—especially at this price point.

Should You Buy the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2?

Our testers consistently appreciate the value REI Co-op tents deliver, and the Arete ASL 2 is no exception. While $450 isn’t exactly cheap, it’s significantly more affordable than many of the other tents we tested without compromising on quality. For the right buyer, it’s an excellent investment.

So, who’s the right buyer? The Arete ASL 2 is perfect for those who camp during shoulder seasons or enjoy high-altitude, cold-weather summer camping. It’s an ideal choice for anyone dipping their toes into winter camping, offering a great introduction to the world of 3+ season tents. Whether you’re into backpacking, ski touring, or winter peak bagging, this tent fits the bill.

If you need a true four-season tent for extreme conditions or to withstand 60 mph winds above treeline, this isn’t the tent for you. But if you’re after versatility and value, the Arete ASL 2 is a fantastic option that bridges the gap between three- and four-season designs.

What Other Four-Season Tents Should You Consider?

If you’re exploring four-season tents, there are a few other options worth considering alongside the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2. Each has its own strengths, depending on your specific needs and priorities. For a detailed comparison of these models, check out our guide to the best four-season tents to find the perfect match for your adventures.

MSR Access 2 Review: This tent is more than two pounds lighter than the Arete ASL 2 and better suited for those prioritizing weight savings. It provides comparable insulation and weather protection for sub-treeline conditions but isn’t as spacious or durable in extreme winds or snow compared to bulkier models. Its MSRP is also quite a bit higher. 

NEMO Equipment Kunai 2 Review: The Kunai 2 strikes a similar 3+ season balance with a strong emphasis on versatility. It’s two pounds lighter than the Arete ASL 2 and offers better ventilation for mild-weather camping. However, it’s more expensive and has a smaller interior, which might feel cramped for extended trips.

Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 Review: For budget-conscious adventurers, the Tasmanian 2 is an affordable alternative. It’s heavier and bulkier but delivers reliable protection against harsh weather. While it lacks the refinement and features of higher-end models, it’s a solid entry-level choice for winter camping.