The REI Co-op Flash 3 is a freestanding, double-wall dome tent for three, built around three aluminum poles and priced toward the lightweight end of group backpacking shelters. Trail weight is 1575 g — about 525 g per person, competitive for a freestanding design rather than the trekking-pole shelters that usually claim the lightest weights.
Both the 20D fly and floor use recycled silicone-coated ripstop nylon, keeping fabric weight down while retaining durability, and a full-mesh inner canopy maximizes airflow in fair weather, backed by two adjustable vents when the fly is closed. Two doors and two vestibules (0.67 m² combined) give each occupant independent entry and gear storage rather than climbing over a tent-mate. Floor area is 3.8 m², about 1.27 m² per person — tight but workable once packs are stashed in the vestibules.
Setup uses a pitch-inner-first sequence typical of double-wall dome tents, and a footprint is sold separately. For groups wanting a freestanding three-season shelter without single-wall compromises, the Flash 3 balances low weight against the added complexity of a multi-person tent.
Specifications
Color
Green
Tent Type
Dome
Season Rating
3-season
Intended Use
Backpacking, Thru-hiking
Freestanding
Freestanding
Wall Construction
Double-wall
Setup Type
Pitch inner first
Packaged Weight
1772 g (3.91 lb)
Minimum Weight
1575 g (3.47 lb)
Floor Area
3.8 m2
Head End Width
178 cm (5.8 ft)
Foot End Width
163 cm (5.3 ft)
Peak Height
102 cm (3.3 ft)
Capacity
3
Number of Vestibules
2
Vestibule Area (total)
0.67 m2
Number of Doors
2
Pole Material
Aluminum
Fly Material
Nylon
Fly Denier
20
Fly Coating
Silicone (SilNylon/SilPoly)
Floor Material
Nylon
Floor Denier
20
Floor Coating
Silicone (SilNylon/SilPoly)
Floor Type
Bathtub floor
Mesh Coverage
Full mesh
Fabric Technology
Ripstop
Seam Sealing
Not applicable (silicone)
Number of Vents
2
Guy Point Count
4
Guy Lines Included
✓
Stake Count (included)
10
Footprint Available Separately
✓
Weight per Person f(x)
591 g (1.30 lb)
Minimum Weight per Person f(x)
525 g (1.16 lb)
Floor Area per Person f(x)
1.27 m2
Total Living Space f(x)
4.47 m2
Vestibule to Floor Ratio f(x)
18 %
Space Efficiency f(x)
2.14 m2/kg
Where to buy
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Category context Tents (363 products)
Weight
Standard weight· mainstream zone 976–2584 g· ranked 193 of 364