Base Camp 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

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.

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 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.

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.