REI Co-op - Base Camp 6

REI basecamp 6. I too have a family of four and we’ve weathered some incredible thunderstorms in it. I do take precautions as far as making sure runoff rain water doesn’t get under it. Mine is 12 years old and I have no plans to replace it

I got a 6p REI Basecamp on Craigslist for $100 that still had its tags on it, not sure if you can find such a good deal but it rocks for car camping, hella storm proof too

We have an REI Basecamp 6 and two Kingdom cots. Just enough space for two glampers, and oh, such a good night's sleep.

We had a half dome (still do) and used that for years. After we had our daughter we found a 6 person base camp as a return at REI. It’s been a life changer, being able to stand up and move around, bigger sleeping area and storage. 100% worth it IMO especially for longer trips.

I have a Basecamp 6 I got used from REI. Love it, been holding strong for 4 years now. Negative degree winter, beach camping, high winds. Its been a trooper.

Big Tent Pros: Lots of space, can stand up inside, comfy! Big Tent Cons: More difficult to set up alone. Takes up more space in your vehicle. Needs a larger flat area to set up. I camp solo and got tired of squeezing into my little 2 man tent and having to do complicated yoga just to change clothes. I ended up getting REI's Basecamp 6 person tent and I LOVE it. It takes a little longer to set up and is a little more difficult to do by yourself (especially if you're short like me), but I love having lots of space for me and the dog and my stuff. For car camping where weight isn't important, I just go all out. That said, if I'm car camping in an area where I know flat, open space at the site will be limited, I'll pack my small tent instead. Most of my camping is dispersed desert camping, though, and I usually don't have any trouble finding space.

REI Base Camp 6. Two people + gear, exped megamat max mattress, sheets and blankets bedding. Room for easy access, great tent 10+ years. Room to play cards in the rain. I saw you said you’ve got back packing gear. Car camping lets you bring more or larger items. I think you’re asking the right questions. Good luck!

I actually do like the tent. I don't doubt it would satisfy my needs. However, I'm more worried on warranty for the price I'm paying for it.

We love our REI Basecamp 6. Can fit 2 cots, 2 camp chairs, and the dog bed no problem.

no experience with any of the tents you mentioned, but I wanted to drop in a different suggestion - go straight to a 8 person sized tent car camping means you don't have to be as concerned about the tent pack size and weight tent interior space is always useful, for storage space, for floor space, for head space, which could be helpful for ventilation we used to camp in a REI Basecamp 6 when kids were toddler and baby, now we use a north face wawona 8, kids now pre-teen we were able to even have the kids' friends (two additional kids) camp a night in the wawona 8 and all be comfortable, not cramped second suggestion is to find a tent that has a big vestibule, or garage - exterior covered space is also very useful good luck!

There's really only one 4 season tent in the $250 range -- Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian. Quality ofc isn't the same as other $800 4 season tents out there but for more casual stuff it'll do fine. The Cabela's Alaskan Guide 4 is currently at $300 and it's got pretty good reviews as a 4ish season offering but fiberglass poles are kinda sketchy for 4 season camping. I am a big fan of the REI Base Camp series as a 3+ season, though, if you're talking inches of snow instead of feet and especially if you can get some tree cover. Exceptional sturdiness and fly design that can handle tougher conditions. They don't retail even close to $250 but REI runs sales that should bring the 4 person closer to $350-300ish if you can wait.

As an owner of a Nemo wagontop, REI basecamp and Kodiak canvas.. I approve this message 😂 I’ve owned a lot of tents and Kodiak canvas feels like the one for me, other than being heavy it’s a perfect tent

I swear by the base camp ⛺️

Same. Upgraded to the Base Camp from my Half Dome once I became a family man. Kids got bigger now we have a roomy REI Wonderland. Up to 4 tents now (and a solo lightweight bivvy).

Used to backpack and all my gear was oriented for that. Now 62 and can't quit camping, so we have a standup tent and I have a cot and love both items. I recommend spending a bit more for quality as that also adds to the 'older' experience. I went with a 6ppl REI tent and it is fabulous. 2 adults and 2 standard poodles fit in and I can stand up and not step on a dog on the way out. Totally a good investment IMO. Good luck.