Best Camping Tents of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Great living space
• Plenty of storage options
• Sturdy in bad weather
• Easy to set up

Reasons to Avoid

• Price on the higher side
• Not the lightest option for backpackers
• Ventilation could be better for hot weather

The Important Specs

• Seasons: 3-Season
• Best Use: Camping
• Footprint: 10 x 8.6 feet
• Tent Material: 75D Polyester
• Number Of Doors: 2
• Max Interior Height: 6.8 feet

Review Roundup

The North Face Wawona 6 is not just one of those run-of-the-mill tents you'd stumble across in a department store. Oh no, this is the real deal. It's a 6 person tent that oozes durability and practicality, making it a stellar choice for families, or larger groups.

Once set up, customers have highlighted the cavernous amount of space within. This tent is all about comfort, room to move, stand, sleep and even party if that's your campsite style. With a peak height of 80 inches, you rarely have to hunch over, even if you’re on the taller side.

Customers have raved about the smart design features too. For example, it comes with a large vestibule, essentially an external cover that provides an additional storage space, perfect for dirty gear, or as a sheltered spot to chill out. Some customers have even compared it to having an outdoor garage, a luxury in the camping world.

Rain protection is another massive plus of the Wawona 6. Many customers have commented on staying bone-dry even in severe downpours, all thanks to the high-performance waterproofing technology The North Face fused into this tent. The full-coverage rain fly extends right down to the ground for all-around protection.

However, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. Despite many positive responses, some customers have mentioned that setting this tent up can be a bit of a challenge, especially for first-timers. The design differs from some more traditional models and can therefore require a bit of head-scratching at first. But once you’ve done it a time or two, pitching becomes much easier.

There have also been a few grumbles about ventilation. While the breathable mesh canopy is usually enough to maintain a comfortable temperature and air flow, it has been noted that in particularly humid conditions, the tent gets a little muggy.

All in all, customer feedback suggests that the North Face Wawona 6 really hits the mark when it comes to camping needs. It's a tower of durability, space and practicality, but like every product, there are a couple of nuances to be aware of. Even with these minor potential setbacks, many customers continue to extol the virtues of this tent making it a worthy contender if you're on the market for a new camping home-away-from-home.

Reasons to Buy

• Spacious interior perfect for families or group camping
• Exceptionally strong in adverse weather conditions
• Great ventilation reduces condensation inside the tent
• Comes with plenty of practical features like gear loft and multiple storage pockets

Reasons to Avoid

• Might be too bulky for backpack camping
• Higher price than some competitor models
• More complex setup needing at least 2 people

The Important Specs

• Materials: Polyester (fly), nylon (floor), aluminum (poles)
• Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 80 inches
• Peak Height: 74 inches
• Doors Quantity: 2

Review Roundup

The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 comes into the camping world with a big bang. Off the bat, this tent screams 'roomy shelter' that most camping enthusiasts crave. Unfold it and witness a nice, spacious area that comfortably holds around 6 people. We're not talking tiny, shoulder-to-shoulder sardine can style; we're talking comfort and space to move around.

The design is a mix of classic, reliable framework with an eye-catching, domed style. It's sturdy and built to endure the fickle nature of outdoor elements. Stiff winds? Pfft, not an issue. This tent remains as firm as a dedicated camper on a quest to enjoy the wilderness.

Undoubtedly, the designers thought about practicality in diverse weather conditions. It boasts of full-on coverage rainfly that effectively keeps the inner space snug and dry, even during the mother of all storms. However, it's worthy to mention that in hot and humid conditions, ventilation could be improved. A few reviewers mentioned it could become stuffy in there, which might turn high-heat-tolerant individuals a bit cranky.

Don't worry, though! REI thought about this and in the design, you'll find multiple low and high-level vents. You'll need to be proactive and open these, especially when cooking. Oh, and that reminds me, it has a fairly large vestibule that accommodates not only your dirty boots but also a small camp kitchen when it's raining cats and dogs.

Setup is relatively painless, REI labels the tent poles and the clips, which is a surefire way to eliminate any guesswork. Reportedly, two people can set it up in around 15 minutes. A single person might need a bit more time, but it's totally doable, not something to worry about at all.

For gadget addicts who can't resist a bit of modernity even in the wilderness, it does sport several pockets and loops scattered here and there inside the tent. Quite handy to hang your light or stash away your stuff neatly.

In terms of value for money, there's a spread of opinions. Some believe it's a nifty package and don't mind the price tag. Others opine that its hefty cost doesn't match up to the offered features. Economy seekers might want to consider alternatives, but true connoisseurs seem pretty happy with it.

Well, no tent is perfect, right? But the REI Base Camp 6 is a serious contender in its category. Despite some minor hiccups, it offers a solid mix of comfort, durability, and functionality that often scores high in camper's books.

Reasons to Buy

• Spacious interior with high ceiling
• Sturdy and weather-resistant
• Integrated porch light
• Comfortable for families

Reasons to Avoid

• Not ideal for backpacking
• Higher price point

The Important Specs

• Rooms: 1
• Dimensions: 96 x 85 x 77 in
• Packed Size: 21 x 9 in
• Peak Heigth: 77 in
• Season Rating: 3

Review Roundup

The MSR Habitude 4 stands out as a real player in the camping world, thanks to its impressive blend of space, durability and ease of set-up. Here's a tent that doesn't forget that while we love to get out there and connect with nature, we also like a tinge of home comfort. It's big and spacious, offering enough room to stretch out. It can easily fit a queen-sized air mattress with additional space for gear. No more claustrophobic nights in tiny tents, folks!

In terms of set-up, online reviews rave about how straightforward it is. For even the most novice camper, the central support frame with simple color coding makes it a breeze. Trust me when I say, you won’t be spending frustrating hours wrestling with poles and instructions that look like they are coded in an alien language.

Weather? The MSR Habitude 4 is a winner there too. It's been commended both for its strong resistance to water - and we are not just talking drizzles. It's strong enough to withstand heavy rains and winds, giving you peace of mind even when the weather decides to throw a tantrum. The build material seems to be very durable too, with many users commending its toughness.

Then, there's ventilation. The designers obviously didn’t fall into the temptation of sealing up the tent in the quest for water resistance. The Habitude 4 comes with a good number of mesh windows, meaning you won’t be waking up in a steam room if the night was a tad warmer than usual.

But it's not all roses with the Habitude 4. There are a few niggles pointed out by online reviewers. Mainly, the point of contention is its weight. Coming in at around 12 lbs, it's a bit hefty to carry around, making it less than ideal for backpacking treks where every ounce counts. It’s more suited for car camping or locations where you don’t have to haul it a long distance.

Another minor quibble raised online is the absence of a footprint. It doesn’t come packaged with one, which for the price tag, some felt was a misstep. However, you can buy it separately. A footprint is not absolutely necessary for every camping scenario, but it does help in adding an extra layer of insulation and protection to the tent.

In a nutshell, the MSR Habitude 4 has garnered multiple thumbs up from users across the web. It delivers on space, weather resistance and ease of set up, but falters slightly on weight and the absence of a footprint.

Reasons to Buy

• Affordable
• Extra headroom
• Durable
• Spacious
• Weather resistant

Reasons to Avoid

• May be too tall for windier conditions
• Took a bit longer to set up
• Lack of vestibule space

The Important Specs

• Capacity: 6-Person
• Materials: Polyester, Polyguard, and mesh
• Dimensions: 10 x 9 feet
• Center Height: 6 feet
• Pole Material: Fiberglass
• Season Rating: 3-Season

Review Roundup

The Coleman Skydome 6P is a game-changer for those of us with constrained budgets but big appetites for outdoor adventure. A sturdy, reliable, and surprisingly roomy option, it's a clear winner in the bang-for-your-buck department.

Setting up this tent is as hassle-free as it gets. Its quick, 5-minute setup is an absolute boon for those of us with little patience for fiddly camping equipment. The product comes with pre-attached poles, making the assembly process pretty much straight-forward.

Online customer reviews highlight the tent's roominess, with many remarking on the impressive headroom. It's taller and more spacious than the average tent, enabling most of us to move around with ease and even stand up straight.

Buyers also praise the endurance of the tent, particularly the WeatherTec system and strong frame designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 35mph. As for the WeatherTec system, it uses patented welded floors and inverted seams to help keep water out, so you stay dry when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

However, it’s not all roses with the Skydome 6P. Some customers found the zippers to be a weak point, with a number of them reporting issues after several uses. And while the tent scores highly on space, the layout might not appeal to everyone. It’s a single room design, which some family campers found less convenient than multi-room alternatives.

There have also been occasional gripes about the tent's ventilation, with some folks finding it a little stuffy on hot nights. The ventilation issue does seem to be a relatively uncommon complaint, though, and might easily be overcome by planning your sleeping arrangements and door positioning for better airflow.

Reasons to Buy

• Quality material and design for durability
• Great weather resistance for all seasons
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Easy to set up
• Packed with useful features and amenities

Reasons to Avoid

• Slightly higher in price compared to similar tents
• Can be a little hot in summer seasons

The Important Specs

• Doors: 2
• Dimensions: 8 ft 2 in x 7 ft 2 in
• Packed Size: 8 in x 21.5 in
• Peak Height: 52 in
• Sleeping Capacity: 4 person

Review Roundup

The Marmot Tungsten 4P is a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts and for good reasons. With plenty of room for up to four people, this tent is known for its spaciousness. Collegiate outdoor clubs and family campers particularly love the generous accommodations it provides. The tent has been praised for its two large, D-shaped doors that provide easy access and its two vestibules that are a godsend storage space for your gear. There's less clutter inside and you can sleep without tripping over anyone's backpack.

When it comes to setup, the Marmot Tungsten 4P shines. Many folks who bought this tent have said that setting it up is straightforward, with color-coded poles and clips that make the process a piece of cake. People have mentioned setting it up in the dark within 10 minutes or so. They love how it's user-friendly, even if you’re not an experienced camper.

As for its build and structure, users complimented its freestanding design. They indicated that the tent stands well on its own, even in windier conditions, thanks to the pre-bent poles that create vertical walls for improved living space and stability. In terms of the durability, the rugged fabrics used have been applauded by users for their resistance to wear and tear.

Another feature that buyers appreciated is the zone pre-bend construction of the sleeping area. It’s designed to create vertical walls resulting in a more roomy sleeping area and greater headroom. Reviewers have commended this unique feature, saying that it indeed makes the interior space feel more livable.

However, some users have mentioned that while the Marmot Tungsten 4P performs well in mild to moderate weather, it might not fare as well under severe weather. There were few notes about it not being fully waterproof in torrential rains and that the rainfly may not cover the doors adequately during heavy downpours. Plus, although being breathable, the tent may get a bit too hot during summer days.

The weight of the tent was another point of criticism from a few users. A tent that sleeps four, it can be a tad bit heavy for long backpacking trips. This has been mentioned by few backpackers who otherwise praised its comfort and space. Most agreed that it’s a fantastic tent for car camping or short hiking trips.