After extensive research, we found the best 6-person tent is Coleman Carlsbad 6-Person Dome Tent. The best instant model is the Caddis Rapid 6 and if you’ll settle for nothing less but the top-notch quality, the MSR Habitude 6 wins the competition.
If you prefer to share your camping adventures with your friends or family, 6-person tents are great to meet your needs. However, there’s a vast sea of available options out there. With so many different styles and shapes, it can be difficult to make the decision.
Well, we are here to provide tips and guidelines on how to choose the best one. We’ve spent hours narrowing the choices down and making it easier for you to make the final call.
Our top pick is the Coleman Carlsbad 6-Person Dome Tent. This tent comes with many perks and no significant shortcomings.
It’s a well-rounded product, but it stands out of the crowd for two great features: a generous screen room and a darkroom sleeping area. Whether you’re a morning grouch or like to have a siesta in the afternoon, bright sunshine won’t bother you in this tent.
Also, the darkness brings freshness, so your tent will stay relatively cool even in the scorching sun.
It’s spacious, it’s liveable, it can withstand a decent amount of winds and rain. I rest my case.
The Caddis Rapid 6 offers a super-easy and quick setup. So do all instant tents. But, this one comes with a couple of more fantastic features. It’s very tall and roomy, while the strength and durability of the materials are nothing short of impressive.
Such a quality usually goes with a much heftier price tag.
Speaking of premium quality and features, the MSR Habitude 6 can’t be overlooked. Every little detail on this tent gives an impression of superb quality. And it’s not just an impression.
Clearly, it was designed to satisfy users in every single department. This tent is strong and robust, but also delicate and refined at the same time. Yes, it is expensive, but you’ll never wonder why.
Of course, we have in mind that different people have different priorities and desires. Therefore we have compiled a comprehensive list to suit everybody’s needs, as well as a buyer’s guide to explain how we made our decision.
Without further delay, here it is.
Best 6 Person Tents – Top Recommendations
Best overall: Coleman Carlsbad Dome Tent
Best budget option: Coleman Sundome Tent
Best instant 6-person tent: Caddis Rapid 6 Tent
Best quality: MSR Habitude 6 Tent
Best extra tall 6-person tent: Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6-Person Tent
Best basic and affordable 6-person tents:
- OT QOMOTOP Tents, 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent – super-quick setup; very affordable
- Coleman Sundome Tent – budget option, but very reliable
- Coleman Carlsbad Dome Tent – best value for money
- Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6-Person Tent – very tall cabin tent
- Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room – very roomy tent with a screen room and hinged door
Best middle-range 6-person tents:
- Kelty Wireless 6 Tent – highly waterproof tent with 2 vestibules
- Caddis Rapid 6 Tent – exceptional craftsmanship and materials plus instant setup
- Coleman Cabin Camping Tent with Weatherproof Screen Room – an airy and fully protected tent
- The North Face Wawona 6 Tent – sturdy and reliable with a large vestibule
Best premium 6-person tents:
- REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent – luxurious tent
- Marmot Limestone 6P Tent – no bells and whistles, impeccable performance
- MSR Habitude 6 Tent – premium quality for glamping experience
If you are feeling indecisive, we have included a comprehensive buyer’s guide with all the criteria we used to select the tents on this list.
OT QOMOTOP Tents, 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 6/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 7/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 6/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 9/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 6/10
Best for: campers who want a budget tent and easy setup;$
Want to start your camping adventures in high spirit? Don’t want to splurge on a tent? The OT QOMOTOP 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent might be your best bet.
For starters, it’s super-easy to set it up, even for the first-timers. It says “60-second setup” although it is a bit of a stretch.
However, it is as simple as it gets. Once you unfold the tent, you just have to raise it by extending 4 pre-attached poles. You can do this in 60 seconds, and the main structure is all set.
But that’s not all. You should also set the rainfly over the top of the tent. And then, stake it down to make sure it’s stable. One person can do it all, in up to 5 minutes.
It’s a solid tent. No bells and whistles, but it’s a bargain.
When it comes to capacity, the size matters more than the declaration. This tent has a base of 10’ by 9’ which is enough for 3, 4 people. It’s possible to cram 6 sleeping mats/bags in, but it would be uncomfortable with no spare room for any stuff.
The maximum height of 5’ 6” is decent. Obviously, some campers won’t be able to stand upright, but it’s tall enough so no one will feel claustrophobic.
So, if you don’t push it with numbers, it’s a comfortable and roomy tent. Nearly vertical walls provide additional space. The roof is all mesh for stargazing on clear nights.
There’s also a ground vent at the back of the tent. Together with a mesh roof, it provides excellent airflow. Great ventilation prevents condensation. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about stall air or getting your stuff wet from condensation inside the tent.
Considering the price range, this tent comes with a couple of nice additions and features. There’s a doormat to leave your muddy boots in front of the tent.
If you’re not ready to give up your gadgets while camping, no problem. The tent has an E-port to bring the power inside. It is protected and closable so no water or critters can creep in. So, you can recharge your devices in case you need them.
It is also well-designed to protect you from rain. The rainfly covers the roof only, but the water-repellent fabric and tub-like floor should keep the inside of the tent dry.
Truth be told, the waterproof rating of 600 mm is low, so don’t expect it to handle heavy rain and downpours.
Pros:
- Quick and easy setup
- Very affordable; great value for money
- Excellent airflow
- Bathtub floor
- Power cord port
- Doormat
- Great choice for beginners
Cons:
- Low water resistance rating
Coleman Sundome Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 6/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 7/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 7/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 9/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for: campers who want a basic and affordable tent that gets the job done; $
If you want a reliable, no-frills, and budget-friendly tent, the Coleman Sundome Tent is one of the best of its kind. It’s one of the best-selling tents for a good reason.
Let’s make this clear: it is by no means the best tent out there. But, as an entry model, it offers great value for money and exceptional quality.
It’s pretty roomy with a 10 by 10 ft floor plan. So, you can probably squeeze in two queen-size air mattresses or 6 people. To make it comfortable, downsize the number of occupants by 2 or 3. Now, it’s a cozy and spacious tent.
It is also tall, measuring 6 ft at the center of the tent. Dome tents have sloped sides, so you probably won’t be able to stand when you move away from the center. Still, it’s tall enough to allow comfort while changing clothes.
The airflow is great thanks to large mesh windows and ground vents. Actually, the two sides of the tent are all mesh from halfway up. So, no worries about condensation or low airflow.
As for the weather protection, you’ll get a lot considering the price tag. This is predominantly a summer tent, so don’t expect it to handle tough and stormy conditions. The rainfly only stretches halfway down the tent, so the lower part is exposed.
Still, the tent performs well in light to moderate rain. A large number of users have corroborated the claim. A thick, bathtub floor ensures that water won’t come in from the ground.
The tent is also tested to withstand winds of around 35 mph. That’s great, but I would take it with a pinch of salt. Dome tents usually fare well in windy conditions due to their aerodynamic shape. Still, the taller it is, the more it catches the wind.
So, it’s not the tent to go to when climbing Mt Everest, but for car camping trips or festivals, it will provide excellent protection and shelter.
Oh, and I didn’t mention the setup. It’s very quick and easy, taking less than 10 minutes.
If you like this tent but wish for a couple of additional features, Coleman also offers the enriched version – the Elite Sundome Tent. It is a bit more expensive but comes with more space, self-rolling windows, a hinged door, LED lantern, and more.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Can handle some rain and wind
- Standing height (peak height 6 ft)
- Easy setup
- E-port
Cons:
- Not so good for colder weather
Coleman Carlsbad 6-Person Dome Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 8/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 8/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for: families or campers who like to sleep in; $$
Would you like to stay up late and avoid a rude awakening by the morning sun? The Coleman Carlsbad Dome Tent is designed for night owls and morning sleepers.
The rainfly and windows are made of a special fabric that blocks the sunlight and, thus, heat. The bottom part of the tent is just “normal” fabric, so it’s not a complete blackout tent. Still, it’s very dark inside, and the light won’t wake you up.
The setup is conventional but easy. With pre-attached poles, it takes 10 to 15 minutes to get it done.
This tent comes with a great set of features. It’s a basic tent, with no bells and whistles, but it offers 2 advanced features that make a huge difference. Aside from the aforementioned dark room tech, it comes with a spacious screen room.
So, you get a dark room to sleep in and a lovely porch to lounge in during the day.
The bedroom has 10’ by 9’ feet, making it comfortable for 3, maybe 4, people. The screen room measures 10’ x 5’ to give you plenty of room to sit and socialize.
Like all Coleman’s tents, it is tested to make sure it holds in rainy and windy conditions. Unfortunately, we don’t know how much rain it can handle, but that’s another commonplace for Coleman tents.
According to the vast majority of users, it handles light and moderate rain impeccably. Still, it was designed for fine weather with a screen room and mesh panels. So, if you need a tent for the rainy season, look somewhere else.
For the most part, the rainfly doesn’t cover the porch area. There are no flaps, so it’s basically unprotected (mesh won’t repel the rain). There are drains on the floor, near the entrance to the main room. But, the floor should be angled if you want to avoid puddles after the rain.
It would be more convenient to place drains near the screen room doorway. This way, the porch is pretty useless in rainy conditions. If you want to keep your stuff dry, that is.
As for the wind, it will stay strong and stable in 35+ mph winds.
Pros:
- “Darkroom” fabric for better sleep and cooler tent
- Spacious screen room
- Easy to pitch with pre-attached poles
- Can handle rain and winds
- Power port
- Expandable carry bag for easy packing
- It looks good
Cons:
- Screen room has no protection against the rain
Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6-Person Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 7/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 6/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 7/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for: Tall campers or families who want a roomy tent for milder weather; $$
Tired of walking in your tent hunched over as if you’re 200 years old? You’re not alone. The Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6-Person tent is designed to meet the needs of tall campers as well as those who want ample headroom for more comfort.
The peak height of 7 feet will allow you to walk into every corner of the tent standing tall and smiling. Unless you’re among the tallest basketball players.
Ample space and volume is probably the major selling point of this tent. The floor plan dimensions of 10 by 10 ft provide enough room for 3 to 4 campers to enjoy full comfort. There will be plenty of spare room to store your stuff and gear.
It’s a cabin-style tent, meaning it has almost vertical walls providing more space. Combined with a tall ceiling, it appears to be really large.
The roof is all mesh. Whether you like stargazing or you just like to feel a breath of fresh air, you can have both in this tent. Mesh windows are pretty large and come with waterproof covers.
Having said that, they have no tippers, but toggles. Therefore, the combination of wind and rain will probably lead to some leaking through the windows.
Speaking of the rain, the fly covers only the top of the tent. Also, the waterproof rating of 1200 mm is mediocre, to put it mildly. In simple English, this is not a tent for rainy days. It is designed to perform in mild weather. It can handle light or moderate rain, but not for too long.
It’s not the best choice for windy conditions, either. But, there’s always some kind of trade-off. The height and vertical walls provide lots of space, the opposite of a windproof design.
On the upside, steel vertical poles are strong. If properly staked, your tent won’t turn into a flying kite. Still, don’t count on it if you plan camping in stormy and windy conditions.
Another piece of advice – get some ground tarp to put it beneath the tent. The floor fabric is not very thick. If you want it to last, back it up with the tarp.
Overall, this model is a cozy, roomy, and comfortable family tent for camping in nice and dry weather. It has a basic level of protection against the elements and that’s it. Keep that in mind if you want to get the best out of this tent.
Pros:
- Spacious tent with near-vertical walls
- Standing height throughout the tent (7 ft peak height)
- Mesh roof and large mesh windows for great ventilation
- E-port
- 2 storage pockets and 2 gear hammocks
Cons:
- Thin floor
- Not the best for windy conditions
Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 8/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 7/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 6/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for: Families or groups of campers who want comfortable and liveable tent; $$
To have a home-away-from-home, you need a tent with separate sleeping and living areas. The Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person tent comes with a screen room to meet your desires.
It’s the size of the rooms that makes this tent comfortable and liveable. The sleeping area measures 11’ by 9’. It can easily fit 2 queen-size airbeds with some spare room for your stuff.
So, 4 people can have full comfort with plenty of room inside the tent.
The screen room is 9 by 6 ft providing your living area in nice weather. If you love camping but you hate bugs and mosquitos, the screen room is an answer to your prayers. You can enjoy views and have a cup of tea or coffee without those small, pesky intruders.
It’s a large tent, but the setup is pretty easy. There’s a learning curve, but once you get the hold of it, 2 people can erect the tent in 15-20 minutes. Even one person can do it if it’s not windy.
Oh, and how about walking freely around your tent? A tall ceiling will allow it for most people.
This big tent has an all mesh roof for great ventilation and a view of the skies. Mesh windows and the screen room will make it very airy even without ground-level vents.
A hinged door is a classy feature for easy entry/exit and a home-like feel.
There’s also an E-port to get the electricity inside the tent.
As for the weather protection, the Weather Master lives up to its name. It can handle some heavy rain according to my personal experience and a large number of satisfied users.
The rainfly doesn’t fully cover the tent. But, it creates awnings alongside the length of the tent, preventing the rain from entering through windows. Also, it only partially covers the porch area, making it a weak spot.
Note that the porch area has no floor; it just stands on the bare ground. The walls are exposed, and the rain easily gets into the screened area. There won’t be any puddles, but your stuff may get wet.
That being said, the inner tent completely zips up so no water from the screen room can enter the sleeping area.
Pros:
- Roomy and airy
- Tall ceiling – 6’ 8”
- Spacious screen room area
- Hinged door
- Very good weather protection
- 2 awnings on opposite sides protect windows from the rain
Cons:
- Floorless screen room is not fully protected from the rain
- Heavy at 32 pounds
Kelty Wireless 6 Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 8/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for: groups of 3-4 campers who want a reliable and waterproof tent; $$$
Kelty knows how to build waterproof and durable tents. It’s as simple as that. So, if you’re looking for a tent that can handle the weather, the Kelty Wireless is a great choice.
To begin with, it’s a breeze to set it up. It takes between 5 and 10 minutes to get the job done. Quick setup is not just about time. If you have ever tried to pitch the tent when it was raining, you know what I am talking about.
Now, it’s a spacious tent (118” x 106”), but it’s not larger than most of its counterparts. It’s the 2 vestibules that set it apart.
There are two doors with vestibules on the opposite sides of the tent. So, you can place your boots and gear there and the inner tent is all clear for sleeping or sitting around.
Of course, the vestibules are fully protected. Otherwise, they would be useless in case of rain.
The tent is 6’ 4” tall at the center point allowing you to stand up. However, the dome shape comes with heavily sloped walls, so you won’t be able to walk far from the center. Still, it’s enough to feel comfortable or stand up to change clothes.
The whole structure is protected by the full-coverage rainfly. The waterproof rating isn’t mind-blowing at 1200 mm for the fly and 1800 mm for the floor. The numbers never lie, but they don’t tell the whole story either.
The tent actually performs great in rainy conditions. Apart from the waterproof rating, rugged floor and sealed seams play an important part in keeping the tent dry.
So, don’t take the numbers for granted. User ratings will usually tell you more. In the case of Kelty Wireless, the rain record is impeccable.
When the storm is gone, you can remove the rainfly. Roughly, the upper third of the tent is all no-see-um mesh for you to enjoy bug-free views.
No-see-um mesh is a very fine and durable fabric that will keep even the tiniest insects away from the tent. “Normal” mesh will protect you from mosquitos and flies, but not from the no-see-ums (although you can see them).
On the downside, the ventilation is mediocre with the rainfly on. You can improve it, though, by unzipping the door partially.
Pros:
- Very fast setup
- Full-coverage rainfly
- 2 doors
- 2 vestibules for storing your stuff
- Waterproof
- No-see-um mesh
- Night-light pocket
Cons:
- Not the best ventilation with the rainfly on
Caddis Rapid 6 Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 7/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 7/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 9/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 9/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 6/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 6/10
Best for: campers who frequently change camping place or just want instant setup; $$$
Are you indecisive about choosing the perfect camping spot? Or you just hate pitching a tent? The Caddis Rapid 6 Tent might be your perfect match.
It takes less than 2 minutes to set this tent up for the first time. Some people have reported doing it in under 60 seconds! So, it doesn’t get much faster than that.
You’ll need a few more minutes to stake it down, although it’s a fully freestanding tent. It means it can stand on its own. Still, due to the tall height and straight walls, I would recommend staking it down if there’s any chance of wind.
Speaking of height and shape, this cabin-style tent offers a decent room. It’s billed as a 6-person tent, but I’d max it up to 4. It measures 10 x 10 ft, providing plenty of room for 2,3 or 4 people.
The maximum height of 6’ 8” means you can forget about hunching over and twisting your neck to avoid bumping into the ceiling.
I was very impressed by the craftsmanship and materials quality. Typically, car camping tents use 75D or 150D fabrics. D(Denier) value shows how thick and thus durable the material is. The Caddis Rapid has 190D for walls and the fly, and 210D floor fabric.
Therefore, it is very sturdy and durable.
Cabin tent design doesn’t excel in high winds. However, this model has thick steel poles to improve the strength and stability. Also, it comes with lots of guylines and stakes to improve the rigidity in windy conditions.
In the waterproofness department, it leaves most instant tents behind. The waterproof ratings of 1200 mm for walls and 1800 mm for the rainfly and the floor, provide excellent protection from the rain.
Truth be told, the rainfly doesn’t cover the whole tent, but it extends almost fully on three sides. Only the front door side is exposed, covered by a small overhang. But most of the cabin and instant tents come with smaller flies covering only the roof.
On the downside, it’s pretty heavy, but it shouldn’t be an issue for car camping. The carry case is also very long and bulky (50” x 9 x 9)
Pros:
- 2-minutes setup. Rapid indeed
- Tall ceiling (80”) and vertical walls
- Durable and strong fabric
- Thick steel poles for greater strength and stability
- Power cord access
- Freestanding structure
Cons:
- On a heavier side (25 lb 8 oz)
- Bulky when packed
Coleman Cabin Camping Tent with Weatherproof Screen Room
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 8/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 7/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 6/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for: 3-4 campers who want a waterproof tent with a screen room; $$$
You love tents with screen rooms, but you hate running like crazy to move away all of your stuff before the rain begins? The Coleman Cabin Camping Tent with Weatherproof Screen Room is your solution.
Many tents have screen rooms, but most of them aren’t waterproof or lack the floor, making them virtually useless when the rain comes. This tent comes with a “ta-da” exclamation.
In rainy conditions, you can fully seal the screen room and use it as the rest of the tent. I have to admit, I have a thing for screen rooms, but it takes a waterproof one to complete my perfect tent ambiance.
But, that’s just the icing on the cake. This tent is very roomy for 3 to 4 people. You can freely walk into it and throughout, thanks to the generous ceiling height of 6’ 4”. Also, the tunnel shape comes with vertical walls, so you don’t lose any space due to sloping.
The main room measures 10’ by 9’ and the porch area adds another 40 sq ft for maximum comfort. It also provides versatility to organize the space as well as your stuff.
Mesh windows are huge providing fantastic panoramic views. Yes, the roof is also all mesh for stargazing on clear nights. So, whether you sit in a sleeping area or on the porch, no bugs will bother you.
Needless to say, with all that mesh the ventilation is great. So, it’s an open and airy tent with a lovely view.
But if the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can quickly transform it into a stronghold. The rainfly covers the whole screen room, the roof, and roughly halfway down the walls. It extends enough to keep the water away while maintaining great airflow.
If the rain is accompanied by strong side winds, you can zip up window covers to prevent the rain from entering the tent. These covers are also useful if you want privacy on dry and sunny days.
Speaking of winds, the tent can handle them up to at least 35 mph.
So, this is a well-rounded product that performs great in nice weather while offering great protection if the weather gets ugly. Coleman has got it all covered with this model.
There are even a couple of more convenient features such as color-coded sleeves for easier setup. Or power port to extend the cord and recharge your devices.
If you think that this tent can do it all – it can’t. It’s predominantly a summer tent, not so great when it gets colder. With so many openings and lots of space, it would be impossible to keep the warmth inside in colder weather.
Pros:
- Roomy and comfortable
- Protected screen room
- Standing height (6’ 4”)
- Mesh roof and panoramic mesh windows
- Exceptional airflow
- Color-coded pole sleeves for easy setup
Cons:
- Heavy at 27 lb
- Not good for colder weather
The North Face Wawona 6 Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 8/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 7/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 8/10
Best for: up to 4 campers with lots of gear who want sturdy and reliable tent;$$$
Want to take your bike on a camping trip? Or need a separate living area protected from the elements? The new, refreshed version of The North Face Wawona 6 offers plenty of living/storage space.
The upgraded edition comes with a rainfly, unlike the previous single-walled version. A large, two-door vestibule is the most prominent feature of the tent. Whether you want to hide your bike, or cook, or just sit around, the vestibule offers enough room and comfort.
But first things first. The main room measures 10’ x 8’ which is enough to accommodate up to 4 campers. It’s a dome-shaped tent with an impressive maximum height of 80 inches. Sloped walls slightly diminish the usable space, but then the vestibule comes into play.
The new design and color-coded sleeves provide an easier setup. It takes between 10 and 15 minutes to get it done.
There’s a caveat, though. Attaching the rainfly is a bit hard to do. A pin and hook setup means there’s no clicking sound when poles fit into the grommets. One needs some effort and care to set it properly.
The inner tent has lots of mesh. The air circulation is great. On hot days, you’ll get plenty of breeze inside the tent. This may become an issue in cold weather. Retaining the warmth might be a mission impossible.
But, it’s a 3-season tent designed to shine in nicer weather. And make no mistake, it will handle inclement weather as long as it’s not too cold.
There’s no info on waterproof rating, but user reports are pretty glorious. Many users raved about not getting a single drop of water inside the tent in heavy rain and downpours.
The rainfly doesn’t fully extend to the bottom of the tent, and the rear window is pretty exposed. However, it seems that the wall fabric is waterproof enough to repel the rain.
Even though it’s a tall tent, it can handle some strong winds well. The updated version features stronger DAC aluminum poles to provide stability and strength.
The craftsmanship appears to be excellent, and I believe that this tent is built to last.
The floor might be a weak point of the tent. It is waterproof and features a bathtub design, but it’s not very thick. Truth be told, The North Face recommends purchasing a separate footprint to extend the life of the floor.
Pros:
- Spacious vestibule
- Durable
- Standing height
- Excellent ventilation
- Can withstand heavy rain and strong winds
- Wall and ceiling storage pockets
- Strong DAC aluminum poles
Cons:
- Awkward rainfly setup. It’s easy to figure it out but it takes some strength and strain to get it done.
REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 8/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 7/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 9/10
Best for: 2 couples or a couple with kids who don’t mind spending more to get premium quality and great functionality; $$$$
If you prioritize top quality over price, the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent is worth checking out. It comes with a hefty price tag, but it offers a lot in return.
This model has a great blend of top-notch basic (and most important) characteristics and convenient, advanced, glamping features.
To begin with, it’s a roomy tent. The floor area of 83 sq ft can accommodate 3 to 4 people. A tunnel shape with vertical walls maximizes the space while a tall ceiling (75”) allows you to walk inside the tent.
It’s good but not extraordinary, right? Many tents offer similar space and height. Well, it’s the functionality that sets this tent apart from the crowd.
It comes with a vestibule that provides extra 29 sq ft. The rectangular shape allows for better organization and the ability to fit mattresses. It can become a two-room tent with a room divider. And there are 2 doors on the opposite ends of the tent.
See my point? Let me elaborate.
You can use the vestibule area for storing boots and gear and get more space inside the main room. The vestibule is actually the extension of the rainfly, so it’s fully protected.
You can use 2 poles and guylines to transform the vestibule door into a generous awning. So, you get a porch with a sunshade on a sunny day.
The room divider can be set in 2 different positions. So, you can get 2 equal rooms or asymmetric rooms configuration. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when organizing the space.
2 doors provide separate entrances/exits for both rooms.
The rainfly covers the whole tent with the exception of the rear door. It’s left for the purpose so you can purchase a separate mudroom should you decide to extend your tent and get even more space.
By the way, the rainfly versatility is impressive. It comes with 4 top vents for better airflow in rainy conditions.
You can partially roll it up from the back or each of the sides. So, when it’s dry, you can set it in several different positions. What you get is a great versatility for adjusting privacy and airflow levels.
Pros:
- Spacious and very functional
- 29 sq ft vestibule
- Customizable, almost full-coverage rainfly
- 2 doors
- Removable room divider
- Myriads of storage pockets ( I think the number is 22!)
Cons:
- Thin floor
- Not the best in strong winds
- Very pricey
Marmot Limestone 6P Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 9/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) –8/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 7/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 9/10
Best for: groups of 3-4 car campers who want a sturdy and waterproof tent; $$$$
A leaky tent is probably the most common campers’ nightmare. If your top priority is to enjoy your camping trips even if the weather turns ugly, look no further. The Marmot Limestone will keep your party and stuff dry and safe.
This model stands out for exceptional weather protection, but it’s a great tent overall.
The floor plan of 120” by 100” doesn’t include 2 vestibules at the front and the back of the tent. The sleeping area of 83.3 sq ft provides ample space for a family or up to 4 campers.
Dome tents usually slope down, immediately downsizing the space a little bit. However, the Marmot Limestone has a great design with pre-bent poles, creating almost vertical walls and maximizing the space.
The vestibules add 25 and 16 sq ft, extending the tent. They have sloped walls, so they are too small to be used as living areas. But, they provide plenty of room to store gear. Vestibule doors can be used to create awnings.
Mesh roof and partially mesh walls provide plenty of airflow and views when you remove the rainfly. However, if you want to keep the rainfly on you can open both doors to get a cross circulation of the air.
There’s a small flaw in this strategy as the back door has no mesh panel. So, you’ll have to choose between mediocre airflow and letting the bugs in.
The rainfly also has velcro vents near the top to allow the heat to get out of the tent. These vents are smartly designed not to let the water in, even in case of horizontal rain.
Speaking of rain, many users have reported staying bone dry in torrential rains. While this tent is not particularly designed to battle the weather, it certainly excels at it.
Even more impressive is the stability in strong winds. While tall tents tend to catch more wind, the Marmot Limestone handles it exceptionally well. It‘s probably due to the aerodynamic dome shape and strong DAC aluminum poles.
I have almost forgotten another nice feature – very easy setup. One person can erect this tent in less than 10 minutes. The poles and the rainfly are color-coded to make it fool-proof and super easy.
Pros:
- 2 vestibules
- Full-coverage rainfly
- Standing height (6’ 4”)
- Easy color-coded setup
- Excellent waterproofness
- Can handle strong winds
- 8 pockets
Cons:
- Not the best ventilation with the rainfly on
MSR Habitude 6 Tent
- Space & comfort (30%) – 8/10
- Weather resistance (25%) – 8/10
- Build quality and durability (15%) – 9/10
- Ease of setup (10%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (10%) – 8/10
- Company history and reputation (10%) – 9/10
Best for: Families who want a lightweight and durable tent for car camping trips; $$$$
This family-oriented tent is a great choice for remote campsites adventures. It’s not light enough for backpacking, but for car camping trips, it’s a feather-light tent. The MSR Habitude 6 provides an excellent blend of luxury and protection against the elements.
Yes, it is pricey, but everything on this tent is made to enhance your camping experience.
For starters, it’s super easy to set it up. One person plus one helper can erect this tent in 5 to 10 minutes tops. Clear instructions and color-coded poles make sure you can’t go wrong.
It’s a double-layered structure with a full-coverage rainfly. The fly extends in front of the entrance creating a vestibule area of approximately 25 sq ft.
The inner tent is cozy and roomy. You’ll have about an 85 sq ft area with a high ceiling at 6’ 5” in the middle of the tent. It’s a dome tent with sloping walls, but it’s still very spacious.
As soon as you enter the tent, it feels luxurious. Impeccable zippers, quality mesh pockets, hanging loops, integrated light, all details give an impression of top-notch quality. Yeah, the looks can be deceiving, but not in this case.
The ripstop polyester is robust and durable. The rainfly has a 1500 mm waterproof rating while the floor has a whopping 10000 mm rating. Seriously, this tent is a beauty from the inside and the beast from the outside.
It will handle the rain and moderate winds. The floor will survive the deluge.
But, don’t fly too high. The tent is not designed for inclement weather. It shines in milder weather. Premium materials and craftsmanship ensure that you’ll be protected from occasional showers and gusts of wind.
The carry bag is also small and compact (23” x 10”) for the category.
Without the fly, there’s plenty of mesh to provide airflow. However, the only downside of this tent is the lack of proper ventilation with the rainfly on. The entryway has only a small top portion made of mesh and the vestibule in front of it.
It’s not a big deal, but if night temperatures drop too much, condensation may occur.
Pros:
- Lightweight for a car camping tent (14 lb)
- Roomy interior
- Full-coverage rainfly
- High-quality materials – ripstop polyester and aluminum poles
- Reliable YKK zippers
- Built-in porch light
- Compact carry bag
Cons:
- Low airflow with the rainfly on
Buyer’s Guide – What to Consider When Buying a 6-Person Tent
The number of options for 6 person tents can be overwhelming, so we’ve included a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will guide you to a decision.
Size and Capacity
We are talking about 6-person tents, so there’s no need to consider capacity, right? Well, no, it’s not that simple.
The declared capacity shows the maximum number of people you can fit into the tent. It’s a super-tight fit. So, it is possible, but not comfortable.
As a general rule of thumb, you should subtract at least 2 people from the rated capacity. It will allow you to have more comfort and enough room to store your gear.
But, if you want to get it right, focus on the size. 6-Person tents vary in floor size, but typically they offer around 90 sq ft of floor area. Usual floor dimensions are from 8’ by 10’ to 10’ by 10’.
Even with the vertical walls, these dimensions will barely allow you to place 2 queen-size airbeds into the tent.
Conventional wisdom has it that backpackers need 15 sq ft per person while car campers and families need 20+ sq ft per person. Generally speaking, the more the better. Backpackers will rarely, if ever, look for 6-person tents.
Thus, a 90ish sq ft area provides enough comfort for up to 4 and a half people. So, 4 people will have just about enough sleeping and storing room. 2 or 3 persons will have luxury, space-wise, of course.
Many models will offer some additional spaces like vestibules or screen rooms. While these additions don’t necessarily increase the sleeping area, they enhance the comfort, storage space, and liveability.
It also comes down to your camping style and preferences. If you like longer camping trips and a home-away-from-home experience, you’ll need more space. So, you should look for larger tents with large vestibules or screen rooms.
Weight
6-person tents vary a lot when it comes to weight. While we all like our tents to be lighter, it is not a key feature. Simply, 6-person tents are mostly used on family and car camping trips.
So, a few extra pounds won’t make it a monumental effort. Especially, if a carry bag comes with wheels or shoulder straps.
Speaking of carrying bags, I would pay attention to their size and shape. A bulky or very long carry case can be difficult to fit into your car along with all of your gear.
Height
High or low tent ceiling affects the comfort more than it looks like. Whether you’re changing clothes, setting the table, or just hate bumping your head, tall tents will provide a more pleasant experience.
Also, a sheer volume provides more air. Generous space and height differentiate a livable tent from a simple shelter.
Fortunately, a majority of 6-person tents are tall and allow you to stand up. There’s a trade-off, though. The scaling up of the height makes the tent heavier (more fabric and longer poles) and more unstable.
It’s also challenging to keep tall tents warm in colder weather.
At the end of the day, it comes down to your camping style. Mountaineering and backpacking trips require ultra-light tents that can withstand adverse weather. So, short tents will suit these activities better.
As for car camping trips, you’ll probably prefer additional comfort and livable space.
Shape
6-person tents come in all shapes. Each type has upsides and downsides and suits different camping styles.
6-Person Dome Tents
Dome tents usually have two or three flexible poles. They are anchored at the base of the tent and cross in the center to create a familiar, dome-like structure. 2 poles give a square-base dome, while 3 poles give a hexagon.
Typically, they are lightweight, easy to set up and break down, and reasonably small when packed. A dome shape is also aerodynamic, so these tents are pretty stable and good in windy conditions.
A caveat: with the size, particularly height, stability decreases. The taller the dome tent, the less stable it gets in strong winds.
6-Person Cabin Tents
Cabin tents shine in nicer weather (pun intended). They are designed to offer maximum, home-like comfort. Therefore, they have nearly vertical walls and high ceilings.
So, your portable cabin in the woods will allow you to stand up and move around inside the tent. Vertical walls provide more space and usually feature large mesh windows. Cabin tent roof is often made of mesh for stargazing and great airflow.
Cabin design allows lots of versatility as well. They often come with room dividers, screen areas, and awnings for better organization or privacy. Some of these tents even feature AC ports to allow you to use a window AC unit for cooling.
On the downside, they are usually heavier and not the best in inclement weather. Rainflies often cover only the roof leaving the walls and windows exposed to rain. And vertical walls catch wind putting a lot of strain on the structure.
6-Person Tunnel Tents
Tunnel tents are another great choice for family and car camping adventures. They offer similar benefits like cabin tents.
Typically, they have ample headroom, near-vertical walls, and separate areas for sleeping and living/storing/cooking. Also, they are usually easy to pitch.
Due to their shape, tunnel tents fare better in winds than their cabin counterparts. Usually, they provide excellent protection against rain as well. The rainfly covers the whole tent or most of it.
Tunnel tents commonly don’t have as many mesh panels as cabin tents. It’s also more challenging to provide excellent airflow with the rainfly on.
Material Quality
When it comes to material quality, make no compromises. Materials ultimately decide how your tent will perform and how strong and durable it will be. We have a more comprehensive guide on how long tents should last, but below are some highlights:
The most common fabric for 6-person tents is polyester. It is a lightweight, affordable, and relatively strong, and durable material.
Nylon fabric is another option, although it is more common in backpacking tents. Compared to polyester, it is lighter, slightly stronger, but also more expensive.
Neither polyester nor nylon comes with insulating properties.
Canvas (cotton) used to be the most common tent material but it’s pretty rare today. It is breathable and insulates the tent much better than nylon or polyester fabric. However, it is more expensive, very heavy, and bulky.
The type of material is only the first part of the equation. The final quality depends on manufacturing techniques and coating.
Look for the D (Denier) count of the fabric. It’s a number that shows fiber density and consequently the strength and toughness of the material. The higher the number, the stronger and more durable the fabric.
However, a higher thread count comes with more weight, so it takes some balancing between ruggedness and weight.
Strong polyester tents usually have a 75D or more while nylon tents with a 20D value or more, offer a similar level of strength. The Caddis Rapid 6 is an example of a tent with extra-strong fabric.
Also, the ripstop sign indicates that the fabric was made to be more tear-resistant and durable. Like the MSR Habitude 6 tent.
Finally, it’s the coating that gives the fabric waterproof properties and UV protection. PU (polyurethane) and silicone coatings are the most common in polyester and nylon tents, respectively.
Besides fabric, pole materials are equally important. Commonly, poles are made of aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. There are also some new pole materials with improved properties such as carbon fiber. However, they are expensive and therefore pretty rare.
Aluminum poles are lightweight, strong, and flexible. However, they can corrode and they are relatively expensive. They don’t break but bend if overloaded.
Fiberglass poles are the most common ones due to the solid quality-to-price ratio. Although not as strong and flexible as aluminum poles, they are decent in fair weather. If overloaded they tend to snap and shatter especially in cold environments.
Steel poles are very strong, but also very heavy.
6-person tents use all these pole materials. Dome tents and tunnel tents need flexible poles. Therefore, you’ll see many of them featuring aluminum poles. Although, most budget models will come with fiberglass poles.
Cabin-style 6-person tents commonly come with a combination of vertical steel poles and fiberglass poles for the roof.
Weather Protection
Even if you prefer summer camping, rain can still ruin your trip if it enters the tent. 6-person tents typically don’t rate very high when it comes to inclement weather.
They are mostly designed for family and car camping trips with a focus on comfort and space. Making them super-waterproof in the face of storms and heavy rain would be overkill. You probably won’t use a 6-person tent to climb high mountains with unpredictable weather patterns.
Still, you don’t want your tent to leak in the lightest drizzle. Or to be blown away by the moderate summer wind.
The best way to check the tent’s weather performances is to check out user reviews. But, the specs can also tell you a lot.
The waterproof rating will tell you how much water pressure the tent can handle before it starts to leak. It is measured in mm and shows the height of the water column the tent can resist.
A 1000 mm is considered the lower limit to consider a tent waterproof. Lower ratings can still provide water resistance but to a smaller degree. For example, a simple umbrella has a waterproof rating between 400 and 500 mm.
A 2000 mm rating means that the tent can withstand long moderate rain or some downpours. At a 3000+ rating, you’ll get a beast capable of dealing with pretty much anything falling from the sky.
Or not, if the tent has weak spots. Even the highly waterproof fabric won’t prevent leaking if the seals and floor aren’t reinforced. Seals need to be seamed (taped, welded, inverted) to handle the water.
The floor needs to be more rugged with a higher waterproof rating. It withstands more wear and tear due to direct contact with the ground. Also, the rainwater can build up on the ground exerting more pressure than the rain itself.
You can read more about how to tell if tents are waterproof.
Ventilation
Camping in groups is fun, but the more people inside the tent, the more warmth they produce. Therefore, you should look for a 6-person tent with great airflow.
A constant breeze of air will make the tent airy and fresh. Mesh panels and additional vents provide airflow.
Fortunately, a majority of 6-person tents come with plenty of mesh. It’s a 2-purpose feature. You’ll get better views and better ventilation. Mesh roof is great for stargazing, but it’s also a huge opening for hot air to escape.
Another very important reason to consider the airflow is condensation. It occurs when moist and warm air from the inside hits the cold fabric of the tent (because it’s cold out there).
However, good ventilation is the best way to prevent it. So, look for tents with many mesh panels.
The rainfly will protect you from the rain, but it can limit the airflow. It’s important to have a rainfly that doesn’t fit tight on the roof of the tent and comes with air vents.
Additional ground vents are great to provide high-low air circulation.
Setup
Pitching a tent can be a bother. Yes, I know some old-school guys will say that setting up the tent is a part of camping magic. Still, I prefer a quicker setup.
Have you ever tried to pitch a tent in stormy weather? Oh boy, it can be troublesome. So, it’s not just about saving time. A fast and easy setup can save you from the fast-approaching storm.
6-person tents come in so many styles, so the setup time also varies a lot. Some of them are instant, like the OT QOMOTOP Instant Cabin Tent. So, if you really want to make it fast and simple, there are plenty of options.
Truth be told, a quick setup is not a mandatory feature. Most 6-person tents are at least easy if not super-fast to pitch. Color-coded poles and sleeves are great to help you get it done quickly.
Additional Features
So, we have covered most of the important aspects of 6-person tents (or all car camping tents for that matter). Still, there are many more features that can enhance your camping experience.
It boils down to your preferences, but I’ll mention a few.
- Screen rooms and vestibules can make a great difference providing more space and liveability.
- Built-in lights
- Room dividers for privacy and better organization of the tent.
- Storage pockets. You can have your small items easily accessible.
- Multiple doors to avoid crawling over each other for night bathroom breaks.
- Carry bag with straps or wheels for easier transport.
Final Verdict
Congratulations for making it this far! Hopefully, we have provided some great options for you and tips on how to choose a 6-person tent.
The Coleman Carlsbad Dome Tent won our hearts even though the competition was tough. Simply, it offers a wide range of great features at a reasonable price.
It’s really a full-package tent. Being above the average in every single department makes it the best overall.
Although, the darkroom fabric and a large screen room are the jewels in the crown. In this tent, you can sleep for as long as you want, stay cool (pun intended), and relax no matter what.
You can find a better tent, but not a better overall value.
