Our top 6P tent picks
| Tent Model | Floor Dimension | Floor Area | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelty Discovery 6 | 130” x 108” | 97.5ft² | 15.3lbs / 6.9kg |
| Slumberjack Daybreak 6 | 129” x 104” | 93.1ft² | 16.6lbs / 7.5kg |
| Marmot Limestone 6P | 120” x 100” | 83ft² | 17.6lbs / 8kg |
| Big Agnes Big House 6 | 118” x 100” | 83ft² | 16.4lbs / 7.5kg |
| NEMO Wagontop 6P | 140” x 100” | 97.3ft² | 16.4lbs / 7.5kg |
| REI Co-op Kingdom 6 | 120” x 100” | 83.3ft² | 21.4lbs / 9.7kg |
| The North Face Wawona 6 | 119” x 101” | 86.1ft² | 20.9lbs / 9.5kg |
| Big Agnes Mad House 6 | 98” x 152” | 94ft² | 20.9lbs / 9.5kg |
Kelty Discovery 6
- Floor Dimension : 130” x 108”
- Floor Area : 97.5ft²
- Weight : 15.3lbs / 6.9kg
Crafted with budget-wary campers in mind, the Kelty Discovery 6 person dome tent is an affordable outdoor living space for families and groups. Featuring a classic dome tent shape, this tent is easy to set up using its burly poles, color-coded attachment system, and pre-attached guylines.
For rain protection, the tent comes with a full-coverage rainfly that’s completely seam-taped, as well as a thick polyester floor fabric material that’s a silicone treated to keep moisture out.
The Kelty Discovery 6 tent’s large front door opens up to reveal a comfortably sized interior for four campers. Inside the tent, there are multiple camping gear storage pockets included helping you stay organized. There’s also an innovative night-light pocket that can instantly convert your headlamp into a tent-illuminating lantern.
What we like
- Gear storage options. Organization pockets and a single vestibule.
- Quick set up. Simple pole design with color-coded tabs.
- Innovative features. A night-light pocket turns a headlamp into a lantern.
What we don't like
- Low ceiling height of 71” (180cm).
Slumberjack Daybreak 6
- Floor Dimension : 129” x 104”
- Floor Area : 93.1ft²
- Weight : 16.6lbs / 7.5kg
For families with young children that like to car camp and hit the trail, the Slumberjack Daybreak 6 Person Tent is a great solution. With a simple pole configuration that allows for a quick and simple setup process, this model is ideal for people that want to spend more time enjoying the outdoors.
With one large front opening that offers excellent access to the tent’s spacious interior, this tent provides ample room for everyone to stretch out and relax. This tent’s vestibule also quickly converts into an awning for plenty of shade on sunny days.
Due to the Slumberjack Daybreak 6’s relatively low ceiling height of 70” (177.8cm), it’s best for trips where the priority is more on portability. With a packed weight of 16.6lbs (7.5kg), this shelter is relatively light by 6-person tent standards, making it a nice option for groups that like to seek out the occasional backcountry adventure.
What we like
- Convertible vestibule turns into an awning for shade.
- Relatively lightweight for this size tent.
What we don't like
- Low ceiling height for a 6 person tent.
Marmot Limestone 6P
- Floor Dimension : 120” x 100”
- Floor Area : 83ft²
- Weight : 17.6lbs / 8kg
When livability is a chief concern, the Marmot Limestone 6-person cabin tent is a top choice. Featuring a 76” (193cm) ceiling height and a massive set of double doors at the front and the back of the tent, this model screams functionality with every design choice.
Although the floor area of this tent isn’t particularly large, Marmot included a number of space-saving features, such as interior removable hanging pockets for camping gear storage. Plus, it comes with two sizable vestibules for added weather protection, as well as ample place to store wet, bulky gear.
As far as set up goes, the Marmot Limestone 6P keeps things simple. It has a color-coded Easy Pitch pole and clip system that allows for a quick pitching process as soon as you get to camp.
What we like
- Tall center height provides plenty of headroom.
- Double doors allow for easy entry and exit.
- Plentiful gear storage in two vestibules and interior hanging pockets.
What we don't like
- Wind-resistance issues. Cabin tent design is less stable in the wind.
Big Agnes Big House 6
- Floor Dimension : 118” x 100”
- Floor Area : 83ft²
- Weight : 16.4lbs / 7.5kg
The Big Agnes Big House 6 Person Tent is a family-friendly option for car camping in nice to moderate weather conditions. Thanks to its high-volume architecture, this tent provides an astonishing 81” (203cm) of ceiling height, making it an ideal option for campers that prioritize the ability to stand completely upright in their shelter.
While it doesn’t have a vestibule included (it’s compatible with optional accessory vestibules), this model does have two large doors for easy entry. The doors also come with mesh windows that can be zipped up for protection from the rain.
One of the coolest parts about this tent is its integrated camping gear storage bins in each corner, which help with organization. Plus, the Big Agnes Big House 6’s rainfly and fiberglass poles can be set up on their own as a quick shade shelter during a sunny day on the trail, at the beach, or wherever life takes you.
What we like
- High ceiling is tall enough for all campers.
- Gear storage bins in each tent corner.
- Easy set up. Color coded system and quick-clip poles.
What we don't like
- Low square footage results in odd sleeping configurations.
- No vestibules. Can be purchased separately.
Nemo Wagontop 6P
- Floor Dimension : 140” x 100”
- Floor Area : 97.3ft²
- Weight : 16.4lbs / 7.5kg
For luxury camping trips with friends and family, the Nemo Wagontop 6P Tent is the place to be. Embodying comfort and class in one unique package, this tent has an innovative flat-top shape that provides a staggering 80” (203cm) peak height throughout the entirety of the interior.
Despite its high-tech shape, this tent is easy to set up, thanks to its single-wall construction and hubbed pole system. It also comes with a huge vestibule for storing gear and can be combined with Nemo’s Garage system for even more room at the front of the tent.
Inside, the Nemo Wagontop 6P doesn’t disappoint. It has 2 panoramic screen windows that provide excellent views and maximum ventilation. There are also numerous internal pockets and hanging loops for organizing your equipment while camping.
What we like
- High ceiling height throughout the interior of the tent.
- Massive vestibule space for storing gear.
- Well-ventilated. Includes 2 panoramic screen windows.
What we don't like
- Flat roof design is not ideal in snow.
REI Co-op Kingdom 6
- Floor Dimension : 120” x 100”
- Floor Area : 83.3ft²
- Weight : 21.4lbs / 9.7kg
Versatile and functional, the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 is a family-style shelter for car camping adventures. It has vertical walls and a great ceiling height of 75” (190.5cm) to allow you to make the best use of all the tent’s interior space.
As soon as you get to camp, this tent starts to show its value, thanks to its strategic color-coding design and easy-to-use pole clips. Once it’s set up, this shelter boasts 2 oversized doors, one of which has a large vestibule for gear storage, while the other has an awning for shade from the elements.
Within the REI Co-op Kingdom 6, there’s a whole lot of bug-proof mesh paneling to allow for ample ventilation on hot evenings. Additionally, this tent comes with a removable wall divider, which gives you the option of creating two separate rooms for added privacy and personal space while camping.
What we like
- Removable room divider for privacy.
- Gear storage. One large vestibule and one sheltered awning.
- Well-ventilated. Lots of bug-proof mesh for airflow.
What we don't like
- Heavy for a 6 person tent.
The North Face Wawona 6
- Floor Dimension : 119” x 101”
- Floor Area : 86.1ft²
- Weight : 20.9lbs / 9.5kg
A veritable outdoor palace, The North Face Wawona 6 Tent is a comfort-focused living space for outdoor adventurers. Crafted with a single-wall design, this shelter is fully waterproof and is ready for camping trips in any weather conditions.
It features a huge front vestibule with two separate entrances that allow for plentiful gear storage and some outdoor living space. If you still need more room to store your equipment, this tent also has a rear vestibule and door for added convenience.
Within The North Face Wawona 6, there is plenty of standing room, thanks to the tent’s 80” (203cm) central height. There are also two large windows for breathability and great views, as well as internal drying lines, stash pockets, and hangers to help you stay organized.
What we like
- Fully waterproof. Perfect for wet and windy conditions.
- Huge vestibules. Two locations for gear storage and entry.
- Large windows. Provide great views and ample ventilation.
What we don't like
- Bulky. Large packed size reduces portability.
Big Agnes Mad House 6
- Floor Dimension : 98” x 152”
- Floor Area : 94ft²
- Weight : 20.9lbs / 9.5kg
If you crave lots of living space in a tent, the Big Agnes Mad House 6 Person Tent might be the best camping tent for you. Designed to be strong, stable, and spacious, this family and large-ground shelter is a 4-season tent solution to any camping need.
Built with a 2-room design, this tent can become a single communal area or 2 separate sleeping spaces, thanks to its removable room divider. With 2 separate doors, this tent is also easy to enter and exit without having to crawl over your camping buddies at night.
Since it’s designed for use all year long, the Big Agnes Mad House 6 has mesh windows for ventilation that can be zipped up if the weather turns sour. It also has a durable Dominico ripstop polyester fly and an Oxford polyester floor, both of which are fully seam-taped and treated to repel water.
What we like
- 4 season tent design for year-round use.
- 2 rooms provide ample privacy and personal space.
- Gear storage options include a large vestibule and interior pockets.
What we don't like
- Low ceiling height throughout the tent.
6 Person Tents Buying Guide
Buying a 6 person tent isn’t easy, since there are so many things to consider when deciding between models.
Here are 7 things to keep in mind as you search for the best 6 person camping tent.
Common types of 6 person tents
There are four basic types of camping tents out there, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Dome tents
Dome tents are perhaps the most common shelter style, particularly for backpacking. These models, such as the Kelty Discovery 6 Tent, provide a good amount of stability in the wind and they tend to be fairly lightweight. However, they usually have lower ceiling heights than the other options.
Tunnel tents
Tunnel tents, such as the NEMO Wagontop 6P Tent are rectangular shelters that are significantly longer than they are wide. The main advantage of this style of tent is that it often provides a higher ceiling height for added livability.
They are also generally stronger in the wind if oriented so the narrower side faces the prevailing wind direction. But, tunnel tents can be trickier to set up on your own because of their elongated shape.
Geodesic tents
Geodesic-style tents, including the Big Agnes Mad House 6 Person Tent, are designed to withstand heavy winds and high snow loads in remote conditions. They are ideal for four-season use and in places that often get harsh weather. However, they tend to be heavy and time-consuming to set up.
Cabin tents
Cabin-style tents provide maximum livability on camping trips. These tents, which include models like the Marmot Limestone 6P Tent, usually have high ceiling heights and near-vertical walls.
Thanks to these high peak heights and straight walls, cabin-style tents are very comfortable to walk around in. That being said, they are less sturdy in the wind and are generally heavier than other options.
Read More : How to Make Tent Camping More Comfortable
Averages 80 to 100ft² floor area
For the most part, 6 person tents have floor dimensions that are between 80 to 100ft². This is a pretty wide range of square footage, so it’s important to note that the floor space in your tent will affect your group’s sleeping arrangements.
For example, with tents on the smaller edge of the floor space spectrum, such as the Big Agnes Big House 6 Person Tent, you’ll generally have to sleep 5 people side by side and one person across at their feet.
Alternatively, with tents with larger floor spaces, such as the NEMO Wagontop 6P Tent, you can generally sleep six campers, in their sleeping bags, side by side. This configuration tends to be the most comfortable, though it often comes at the cost of a heavier tent.
Read More : How to Pick the Perfect Campsite
Head height between 70” to 80”
One of the main features that distinguish 6 person tents from 2 or 4 person tents (besides the sleeping capacity) is their peak height.
Most 6 person tents have a head height between 70” to 80”, which is substantially more than the 40” to 50” one normally gets in a 2 person tent.
Of course, some tents, like the Big Agnes Big House 6 Person Tent 81” (203cm) have slightly higher than average peak heights, which is ideal if you have tall campers in your group. Keep in mind, however, that taller center heights often result in tents that are less stable in the wind, so there is a trade off with this feature.
Doors, windows and vestibules
Doors, windows, and vestibules are some of the most important, yet overlooked features of 6 person tents. Here’s what you need to know.
Doors
With 6 person tents, you have an option between having two doors or one large door. Tents with 2 doors are generally preferred when camping with 6 people, as it makes it easier for everyone to enter and exit without having to crawl over each other.
But, some single-door models, like what you’d find with the Slumberjack Daybreak 6 Person Tent, can still be functional for large groups. This is true long as the door is big enough for people to use without having to crouch down.
Windows
Tent windows, such as those that are on The North Face Wawona 6 Tent, are great because they allow plenty of airflow on hot summer days. They also allow you to look out and enjoy your surroundings when the weather is nice, but they should come with storm flaps so you can stay dry in the rain.
Vestibules
Vestibules are a fantastic addition to any 6 person tent because they provide ample storage space for all your gear. Some models, like the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent, have both a front vestibule and a rear awning so you have plenty of covered gear storage while outside.
Read More : How to Stake A Tent Correctly
Waterproof capabilities
In a tent, waterproofing is a result of the construction of both the rainfly and the tent floor.
For a tent floor, it’s important to look for a model that’s made with a 60D or thicker fabric that’s fully seam-taped and treated with water-repellent silicone or polyurethane.
As far as the rainfly goes, a full-coverage fly, such as what’s found on the NEMO Wagontop 6P Tent is ideal for wet conditions. These rainflies protect the entire tent and are made from a 60D or thicker ripstop fabric that’s seam-taped and polyurethane or silicone-treated for water resistance.
Read More : How to Re-waterproof A Tent
Tent weight between 18 to 20lbs
Due to their larger size, most 6 person tents are heavier than what you’d find with a 2 or 4 person tent. In fact, you can expect them to average between 18 to 20lbs.
For comparison’s sake, lightweight 2 person tents are usually under 6lbs and 4 person tents are generally between 9lbs to 11lbs.
Some tents, such as the Kelty 6 Discovery Tent, are substantially lighter, at just 15.3lbs, while others, like the REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent, weigh in at 21.4lbs.
The difference between lightweight and heavy tents comes down to overall floor area as well as ceiling height. The bottom line is, if you want a light 6 person tent, this often comes at the cost of overall livability.
Price range
There are a whole lot of different 6 person tents out there, but they run the gamut between budget-friendly models that stick with just the basics and premium options that are full of high-end features.
This is what you can expect from your tent at different price points :
- Budget (below $300). More affordable options, like the Slumberjack Daybreak 6 Person Tent, offer the bare essentials of what you need to get outside. Generally, they have budget-friendly fabrics, like polyester, which tend to be slightly less durable. In order to stay affordable, these tents usually sacrifice either durability, interior space, or weight savings.
- Mid-range (between $300 to $600). Mid-range tents, such as the Marmot Limestone 6P Tent, offer slight upgrades from budget options in terms of the quality of materials. At this price point, you’ll start to see tents with more features, including gear storage options, as well as more interior space and overall durability.
- Premium (above $600). The priciest of tents on the market, such as the NEMO Wagontop 6P Tent, features only the finest of materials and often have high-tech, innovative constructions. With premium tents, you can expect a shelter that is durable, well-built, and jam-packed with added features that you generally don’t see in budget or mid-range models. Some of these tents can also strike a nice balance between weight savings and interior space because of the higher quality materials involved in their construction.
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional mountain guide with a master’s degree in outdoor education. She works primarily in the polar regions as an expedition guide, though she can be found hiking, climbing, skiing, sailing, or paddling in some of the world’s most amazing places when not at work.
