This comprehensive review dives deep into the REI Base Camp 6 tent, a six-person dome tent designed for diverse camping conditions. We'll explore its setup process, interior layout, and sleep capacity, examining its practicality for accommodating six individuals and their gear. We'll assess the quality of its doors and the abundance of storage options, both internal and external. Beyond the features, we'll put the tent to the test, evaluating its performance in challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds.This in-depth analysis covers ventilation capabilities, build quality using durable materials and sturdy poles, and the overall aesthetic appeal. Finally, we'll address the ease (or difficulty) of packing and disassembly, considering the tent's overall footprint and storage solutions. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of the REI Base Camp 6's strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your next camping adventure.
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Ease of Setup
The REI Base Camp 6 boasts a fairly average setup process for a dome tent. Compared to simpler tents like the Coleman Skydome, it presents a slightly steeper learning curve. However, it's considerably easier to erect than more complex options such as the REI Wonderland.
The tent's design incorporates four cross poles forming a base, with an additional pole extending the front vestibule. The larger rainfly, while slightly challenging to attach, contributes to the spacious vestibules.
Considering the overall setup complexity, I'd rate it a 5 out of 10 – a fairly average score.
Interior Layout and Space
The interior layout of the REI Base Camp 6 is unremarkable, a typical dome tent configuration. It lacks standout features like the room divider in the REI Wonderland, but also avoids annoying aspects found in some tents with sharply angled walls.
With a floor area of approximately 1008 square feet, it falls within the mid-range for six-person tents. The 72-inch (6-foot) stand height provides ample headroom even for taller individuals (I'm 5'10" and had a couple of inches of clearance).
Overall, the layout receives a solid 5 out of 10 rating.
Sleep Capacity
While rated for six people, it's crucial to remember that this isn't an industry-standard rating. Manufacturers can label tents flexibly, so reviewing actual dimensions is essential. Six sleeping pads fit comfortably, though it might be snug.
I tested fitting six sleeping pads and a queen-size air mattress; both worked, but the latter significantly reduced space. Compared to other six-person tents, the REI Base Camp 6 is slightly larger than the North Face Wawona but smaller than the Eureka Copper Canyon LX6.
Considering its actual capacity and space, I rate the sleep capacity a 6 out of 10 – slightly above average.
Doors
The REI Base Camp 6 excels in its door design. It features two large, equally sized doors – a significant advantage over some similarly sized tents with only one door. The YKK zippers are smooth, durable, and high-quality.
While the doors are excellent overall, the lack of a dedicated storage pouch for the unzipped door is a minor drawback compared to other tents with similar features.
I give the doors a 9 out of 10 score; highly functional and well-made.
Storage
Storage is a standout feature. The REI Base Camp 6 boasts more internal storage pockets than any tent I've encountered. These are conveniently positioned low on the walls, ensuring easy access while seated or lying down.
Beyond internal storage, two external vestibules offer additional space for gear protection. The larger vestibule is even spacious enough to accommodate a full-size camping chair.
I award this tent a perfect 10 out of 10 for its exceptional storage solutions.
Weatherproofing
The REI Base Camp 6 performed exceptionally well in both heavy rain and high winds (15-25 mph). It remained completely dry inside, unlike some other tents tested concurrently, one of which blew away entirely.
Its three-to-four season rating contributes significantly to its superior weather resistance compared to typical three-season tents, suitable for summer conditions.
Weatherproofing receives a perfect 10 out of 10 score; it performed flawlessly under challenging conditions.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a less impressive aspect. Compared to a three-season tent like the REI Wonderland, the Base Camp 6 has considerably less mesh paneling, resulting in restricted airflow.
However, mesh panels are present on the roof and doors, and additional triangle mesh panels offer more ventilation options. Removing the rainfly significantly improves airflow on sunny days.
I give the ventilation a below-average 4 out of 10.
Build Quality
The tent features a durable 150-denier polyester floor, comparable to other tents in its price range (North Face Wawona, REI Wonderland). The aluminum poles are stronger than fiberglass but slightly less robust than those in the Wonderland and Wawona.
Solid stakes are easy to drive into the ground. The tent's architecture, with its four cross poles, provides excellent strength and stability.
Considering the materials, poles, stakes, and overall structure, I rate the build quality a 9 out of 10.
Cool Factor
The REI Base Camp 6 is a fairly average dome tent. While the vestibules are a nice addition, there are no exceptionally unique or remarkable design elements.
Its design is functional but lacks a striking “cool factor”.
I rate its cool factor a 5 out of 10.
Packing
Disassembly was straightforward, although the poles were slightly challenging to remove from their sleeves. The one-ended stuff sack is less convenient than the duffel-style sacks of other tents like the North Face Wawona or Eureka Copper Canyon LX6.
Despite the sack's design, the tent packed well into my Toyota RAV4. It’s slightly smaller than the REI Wonderland but not as compact as a budget tent like the Coleman Skydome.
Considering ease of disassembly and compactness, I rate the packing a 4 out of 10.
Overall Conclusion
The REI Base Camp 6 scored 66 out of 100, placing it firmly in the above-average category. Its strengths lie in its exceptional weatherproofing, ample storage, and solid build quality.
However, ventilation and the stuff sack design are drawbacks. It's ideal for those prioritizing weather protection and overall functionality but may not suit those needing maximum ventilation or seeking a particularly unique tent.
While a good overall tent, consider its limitations alongside its strengths to determine if it's the right fit for your needs.