REI Co-op - Base Camp 4

Car camping? REI Basecamp 4

The Basecamp 4 is solidly constructed and seems similar in shape to the classic north face VE 24, but is much bigger. The vestibules are huge and I think you will like the ventilation. It seems like it could be staked out substantially and endure snow loads and wind well. I suspect the fabrics will be beefier than those found in the big Agnes, but I have no direct experience with that particular big Agnes tent. I think the REI Basecamp is a quality tent for a family car camping tent, and it’s the biggest tent that I own.

There's definitely a luxury tax on it for the brand and aesthetic/vibe, but it's also an incredibly well made tent. I think only the REI basecamp 4 is more sturdy in a storm, well that and expedition style tents but that's a whole different category. The poles are super thick and feel really strong, materials are thick and sturdy, stitching on mine is really clean and even. Tons of guyout points that make me feel secure. Lots of ventilation to avoid condensation. I feel like this will last me years, and I love camping so I've taken it out a bunch this season. I did get mine on sale at REI though, I paid $400 something I think

The Basecamp is a bomber tent. Not truly for winter, but it's strong, and has a full fly that will withstand almost anything mother nature throws at you. A key difference between the 4 and 6 is the peak height is 63" for the 4, versus 74" for the 6. And since it's a dome, it won't have the same vertical walls and space as some other campground friendly tents. Just for comparison, the REI Wonderland 4 has a peak height of 75" peak height. It has more poles, and will challenge you when you first set it up, but once you figure it out it's not bad at all. Decent weather coverage, lots of windows and mesh. a Snow Peak Alpha Breeze is a 4 person, with a 73" peak height, more vertical walls, while still having very good fly coverage. The Nemo Aurora has a peak height of 74" for a 4 person tent. It doesn't have the full fly that the Basecamp does, but it does have good coverage and is a very good tent. The North Face Wawona is maybe closest to the Basecamp in size, peak height. Built to handle fairly bad weather too. If you want weather protection, and height, the Big Agnes Bunkhouse should be on the Outlet, and you could use a 20% off outlet coupon. Meaning instead of the outlet price of $419, it will be $335.

My family of 4 sleeps pretty luxuriously in a basecamp 6, the basecamp 4 should be fine for one person and easier to set up. It is just over 5' in the center so you wouldn't be able to have a dance party, but you'd be able to easily stand up and put your pants on or whatever

I also have the basecamp 4, but can’t comment on the BA. It is a well constructed durable tent and the weight reflects that. It has a full rain fly and large vestibule so great in the rain. You may find setting it up alone to be a bit more difficult than other options as it uses sleeves instead of clips for standing up the tent. Very large tent and will be plenty of room for 2 people and a dog. If you’re 6’ or less you can stand up in the center pretty comfortably. Biggest downside is the weight and size. If you plan to fly with this tent, it makes it a real tight pack in my 90L duffel. BA is a great brand for sure but I’d go with the less expensive of the two.

I can 2nd the REI base camp. The quality vs price is very hard to beat. We have our older model (don’t remember which exactly ) away and I’ve missed it.

Basecamp is a great tent with a garbage warranty and repair policy. REI only warranties for 1 year, they don't repair tents and don't sell parts. For this reason alone I would take the Bunkhouse hands down. BA has a lifetime warranty.

Basecamp is an incredible tent

If a ten person tent is your jam go for it. I have a six person tent I use for the campgrounds. I will only put it up if I am staying at least three days. I use my REI four person for anything less than that. We don’t spend much time in the tent. It’s just for sleeping.