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REI Base Camp 6

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: REI Base Camp 6 three-season tent

The Base Camp 6 is by far, the best tent I have ever had, REI or not, and this is my 7th tent. I wore out the other 6 with long, heavy use.

Pros

  • Very stable even in high winds and rain
  • Lots of room, easy access in and out, easy setup
  • Lots of convenient storage pockets, and light/gear hang loops
  • Great packing/storage bag
  • Sage green color with a splash of burn orange is aesthetically appealing, and fits into nature nicely

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Warm on hot days, with limited ventilation in wet conditions
  • Pricey

Easy to set up with two people, but can be done with one, just takes longer. Color coded poles are a dream.

Very sturdy in high winds especially for such a large tent. "Bombproof."

Does a good job of keeping out the rain and wind. Haven't been in snow and cold yet, but it's so huge that it would be hard to warm up that much space with body heat alone. 

Packs beautifully in a multi compartmented storage bag. A place for everything, and everything in its place. Packs nicely especially in the Thule top box.

The two huge entrances/exits, with giant zippers, tie or tuck away in pockets. The two huge doors and no snag zippers make this a pleasure after 6+ other problematic tents.

There are six equally dispersed inside pockets, one for everyone, and zillions of all height hang loops, perfect for lights, lanterns, wet clothes and junk using mini carabiners. Very Fung Shui.

The 6ft + height is outstanding for car camping, and to avoid stooping for bad backs. I tried the Base Camp 4, and though doable, the bending to change clothes was no fun. This is like a giant motorhome for 2-4 people, and "Party Central" for 6. Almost a Yurt. What an excellent family/close friends/hunting buddies base camp, and even a  good visitors yard tent when cots are used.

Good storage space in both front and rear vestibules. Great place for gear and dogs when the tent is full of people. A little awkward bending required to open the fly from the inside, but acceptable.

I am a long time "tent architectural design student." I have watched tents evolve over the last 50 years. I love dome like tents for their wind resistance and simplicity. Well, this Base Camp 6 is definitely the sturdiest, easiest, most comfortable, feature filled, natural looking, yet simple tent I have ever owned. I have car camped in it for only 2 weeks, now, but that was continuous, and I have no issues yet. The material and construction seem strong and long lasting. Go get one!

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $429 at REI

Base Camp 6 is a well designed, well made family tent. Freestanding with a generous vestibule it is hard to come up anything not to like.

Pros

  • Big
  • Nice vestibule
  • Plenty of headroom

Cons

  • More pockets?

This has an expedition tent look to it. I was a Kingdom fan and thought that it was REI's best offering. I am a convert to the Base Camp. This being a freestanding design you have better options to pitch it.

It is tall enough for a six footer. We tried it out at 20 degrees and surprisingly no condensation. I was impressed with the ease of setup and it stows easy in the backpack stuff sack.

You can get a cheap 6-man tent with fiberglass poles and week zippers light weight materials and cheap clips that break or you can buy a well laid out well constructed and beautifully refined and executed tent like this one.
IMG_5101.jpg

I set up in the yard to evaluate and found same problem as previous reviewer. (Didn't read first.) I actually love the overall design of the tent it's perfect for my needs. However it rained a lot since it's been up and the tie backs are definitley a problem. You do need to shut the door panels to keep the rain from leaking in the screen, but then the water travels around the zipper to the door tie back and drips inside the tent! I had to place tent sponges under area of drip before retiring. I haven't attempted customer service yet but I have found store staff very helpful and honest. I'm sure they will be willing to take it back but that doesn't help fix the problem. Also bought a Marmot swallow and it too had leaks in that rain fly. I'm thinking there is no tent that doesn't leak!

Design: Three-Season Base Camp
Sleeps: 6+
Ease of Setup: Very easy
Weight: 18lbs
Price Paid: $289

I bought this tent to accompany my son to Scout Camp and was the envy of the adult leaders. During 24 hours of rain 3+ inches,everything stayed dry. The fly extends down to the ground and is attached to the tent with quick release buckles. The front vestibule, extending out far enough with enough height, allows me to sit in my camp chair, stay dry and watch the rain come down. Ventilation was good and the built in pockets allowed me to stay organized. Set up and take down is easy with two people. I love this tent for long term stationary camping. This is a big tent -- more than enough for four with a lot of gear. Six people would be a real crowd.

Design: three-season freestanding
Sleeps: 4
Ease of Setup: Very easy for 2, not bad for 1 person
Weight: 20 pounds
Price Paid: $349

I rented this tent from REI for a weekend camping trip. I've been doing a lot of research and thought I'd try out this tent before actually buying it. It worked out beautifully. First time setup was on site in the dark. Had a few friends help out and it was up within minutes.

It thunderstormed on us for two nights straight and not a single drop went inside the tent. Ventilation was good. I've got horrible heat tolerance, but the tent helped me keep my cool. The vestibules proved to be excellent for storing gear and keeping it dry. Great tent, now all I have to do is return the rental and buy one for myself!

Design: three-season, 4-pole dome
Ease of Setup: moderately easy
Weight: 20 pounds

Have used this tent for five years. Love it.

Pros

  • Full rain fly
  • Standing headroom!
  • Easy setup

Cons

  • Footprint costs extra

Perfect car camping tent. Dry in the rain, star view without the rain fly. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $300

Outstanding car camping tent. Roomy (especially when you consider the vestibules), very sturdy and nicely put together--handles wind and rain very well. Easy set-up.

Design: 6 person free standing
Sleeps: 5
Ease of Setup: Easy with solid instructions
Weight: ~20lbs
Price Paid: $269

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Specs

Price MSRP: $399.00
Current Retail: $273.83
Historic Range: $213.93-$449.00
Reviewers Paid: $269.00-$429.00
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