Review: REI Trailgate Shelter
When camping in my Honda CR-V, I use the REI Trailgate Shelter to provide a large covered space for my camp kitchen.
How I use the Trailgate Shelter
From late fall to late spring (aka… the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest), I camp frequently in my Honda CR-V and like to use a covered space for my camp kitchen. I wanted something that was portable and didn’t require any permanent attachments to my vehicle. The Trailgate Shelter packs down small in the included stuff sack and weighs just over six pounds, so it’s compact for taking on camping trips.
The shelter can be setup on the back of a vehicle or on the side (which is how I prefer to use it), and provides a generous amount of protected space that is tall enough to stand and walk under. There’s plenty of room for my camp table, a large camp chair, and cooler – and there’s still room to open the car doors when needed. The pole and stakes create an alcove-like space that works well for protection from the wind as well.
Specs
- fabric: 75-denier polyester with 1,500 mm polyurethane coating
- covered area: 99.2 square feet
- floor dimensions: 100.5″ x 93″
- peak height: 75 inches
- packed size: 7.9 x 26.8 inches
- weight: 6 lbs. 2 oz.
- includes: 1 aluminum pole, 6 stakes, 2 guylines
For lighting, I hang a lantern from the loop in the center of the canopy pole, and add a string of lights (using mini binder clips) for more light and cool camp vibes.
Setup is fairly easy: insert the hoop pole through the sleeve and stake the sides and back, then attach the top of the canopy to the vehicle wheels via long straps with buckles. While not difficult to setup, it would be easier with two people. Regardless, I’ve set this up by myself every time so far. After inserting the pole, I set the shelter against my car, place the top of the canopy over the car roof and use the straps to attach it to the wheels. Once I have it attached, I position the shelter as needed and stake the back.
I also add a couple of bungee cords connected to straps on the top of the canopy so the top lays flat.
So far, I’ve used this shelter on trips with rain and wind and it held up well in the inclement weather. I didn’t need to use the extra guylines that it comes with – but in heavy wind I would recommend doing so.
Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.