REI Co-op

Base Camp 4

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Overall

#46 in

Camping Tents

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Sentiment score93% positive
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Last updated: Jun 11, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconAntaios7544
about 2 months ago

I use an REI Basecamp 4, which I like quite well. It handles wind and rain quite well for its size. A couple of years ago, they updated it and I can't speak to the new model.

Reddit Iconbored_and_agitated
9 months ago

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

Reddit Icongraybeardgreenvest
about 1 month ago

If you do not need to stand up in the tent, I second the Stormbreak 3, the only other tent in the non light weight category of domed tents would be the Half Dome 3 by REI. If you want to stand up the NF Wawona 4 is amazing… as is the REI BaseCamp 4. I am pretty sure all of these tent will be on sale starting the 15th

Reddit IconImpressive_Profit_11
5 months ago

A quality tent that is easy to set up. We have the REI Base Camp 4 and I love it. A good sleep system - bags/ pads/comfy pillow I bought a Buddy heater a couple of years ago and it's incredible. BougeRV fridge - No more filling with ice or throwing out wet food! A Jackery to power the fridge, phones, etc. Moji lights are incredible A reusable 2.5 gallon spout container for water with a cheap collapsible sink on the ground under it. The container becomes a faucet for washing hands or filling water bottles. The sink catches any runoff. I love my Lodge DO. We can cook almost anything in there. Your kids will need a kite. Buy a cheap one that's easy to fly. We have an entire bag of camp games.

Reddit Iconjdzzz2000
about 1 month ago

2 I camp solo. I have a DAC truck tent for my Tacoma that has a camper shell and I have a 4-person REI Base Canp when I’m at the same spot for multiple days and want luxury

Reddit IconSuper_Jay
3 months ago

I don't have any experience with the Westward, but I don't personally buy new REI brand tents anymore ever since I bought a $500 Wonderland 6 and had a pole break on the very first use. REI build quality and materials have taken a nosedive in the last 5 years or so, which sucks but I'm not going to gamble on my shelter. Especially when I'm paying $500 for gear, I expect it to be reliable and to last. (My old REI Base Camp 4 held up for 15+ years without any issue, too! Unfortunately it seems like REI is coasting on their prior reputation nowadays.) EDIT: Just looked up the Westward on their site and saw that it's so new to their product line that there aren't any reviews at all. I'd steer clear of any brand-new product like this, since any design flaws or cheap materials won't be apparent until you're using it. Personally I'm not trying to be a guinea pig for any manufacturer.

Reddit IconTemporary_Nobody
4 months ago

I have a REI basecamp 6 that holds up well to wind. We camp on the east coast a lot and it’s regularly 20-30 mph winds. There’s been more than once where our tent was the only one still standing after a big storm. If it’s just you and the dog you could probably get the basecamp 4.

Reddit IconTrailTeck
4 months ago

If you’re coming from a Hubba mindset, you’re going to be happiest with a “real” freestanding 4p that has a solid rainfly, full-coverage fly, good vents, and a bathtub floor. A lot of the big “family” tents leak or sag in storms mostly because of fly coverage + poles + poor staking. A few that are commonly recommended in that $400–500 range and actually do well in heavy rain: big agnes copper spur hv ul4 More technical build, good materials and design, solid in storms if you stake it properly. It’s lighter than you need for car camping, but it’s a nice bridge from backpacking to family camping. Downside is the lighter fabric needs a bit more care with a kid + dog. msr habitude 4 More “family friendly” shape with good headroom and still msr quality. Not as light as the copper spur, but it’s designed to be livable and handle weather well. nemo aurora highrise 4p (or aurora 4p) Roomy and easy to live in, good rain protection when fully guyed out. More comfort-oriented but still better-built than the typical big-box family tents. rei base camp 4 More storm-forward design. If you get real downpours and wind, this style tends to feel more confidence-inspiring than the super airy “summer family” tents. A couple practical notes for “midwest surprise storms” regardless of tent: * prioritize full-coverage fly + lots of guy-out points, and actually use the guylines * practice staking and tightening the fly before you need it * footprint is optional, but a groundsheet cut slightly smaller than the tent floor helps keep water from pooling under you * for kid + dog, interior space matters more than the “4p” label; some 4p tents feel like a tight 3p once you add a dog Quick question: are you mostly camping in wooded state parks (less wind, more humidity/bugs) or more open sites (more wind)? That can push the choice toward a more ventilated tent vs a more storm-focused one.

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