The North Face - Wawona 6

We just got a Wawona 6 this season, and for us, the vestibule is amazing. The vestibule is big enough for two camp chairs and a table, which means that if there are just 2 adults and a couple of dogs, you don't need any secondary shelter. two adults (even with the dogs) would make the 6 a palace with tons of room for gear for an extended basecamp. It can be easily set up by one person in 30 minutes with no practice (assuming you have enough experience to understand how a tent works), 15 once you've done it a few times. If you want your tent floor to last a long time (with any tent) the simple answer is to get a footprint and use it every time. The Wawona 6 footprint is basically unobtanium for some reason, although I've heard rumors that it is regularly available at some North Face stores, despite not being available from their website or any resellers. However, the REI Skyward 6 footprint is an almost perfect fit. The only issue I had is that there isn't quite enough tension on the Skyward 6 footprint to keep the tentpoles in the gromets. However, that is easy to work around by putting the tent poles through the footprint before the tent. Sounds like it would cause a problem, but it doesn't. Of course, the foot print for the 4 and 8 are both readily available. Keep in mind that the vestibule is a separate unit for the 4 and 8. It's only attached to the fly on the 6 for some reason. Also, it is only *sort of* double wall construction. The end with the vestibule is full mesh from the tub to the poles, but the other sides are 60-70% single wall. That said, while condensation could be an issue, rain won't. I've seen people test the Wawona 6 in multi-day torrential downpours and 2" of standing water with not a drop leaking. As far as I'm concerned, there are only two downsides to the Wawona 6 1. It's big and heavy, so it's gonna suck for backpacking. The only way it would be doable at all is if you split the tent up between you, and carry very large packs. Ideally you would want 3 people to try to pack the thing. One for the tent, one for the fly, and one for the poles. 2. It's expensive for a car-camping tent. Full retail is right around $500. (I picked it up for 40% off during REI's 4th of July sale). On the other hand: 1. Spacious tent with a big enough vestibule to use as your non-sleep shelter, and a 100% 'out of the rain' entry way. 2. Very easy setup for its size. 3. Excellent waterproofing 4. Tons of thoughtful features like a back door, lots of pockets, loops for hanging lights, color-coded pole sleeves and gromets, extra vents, straps for tightening 5. A really good sale can bring it down to $300, and it's a really great tent at that price.

On my first trip with my Wawona 6, we had bad unexpected storms pop up both nights. We knew it was supposed to rain a bit, but the forecast didn’t say storm! But in anticipation of the rain, we set up the tent properly, guy-lines and all. The Wawona performed excellently. It didn’t budge or leak. Meanwhile, our camping buddies were in a Coleman dome that was staked down, and it blew over. It pulled half the stakes out and tossed everything around inside.

I have the Wawona 6. It fits on the pads in PA parks with the vestibule set up off the pad. It works remarkably well. I love this tent! Got it on sale for $300.

I've got the Wawona 6 and love it. It's really convinced me that concerns about needing a full rain fly are overblown. I did a \*ton\* of research before buying, and found plenty of people online saying they're "concerned" about rain intrusion, but couldn't find any examples of people actually experiencing it. Check out [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Y_iXNrJsI) (this girl's channel has a lot of really good camping gear reviews and tests). She sets the Wawona 6 up in a torrential downpour for three straight days. So much rain that at one point the ground couldn't hold anymore and it's just sitting standing water a couple inches deep. By day three, one of the walls got slightly damp to the touch on the inside, but otherwise everything stayed dry, which is about the best you can reasonably ask for. She has another video where she does a similar test with a Big Agnes tent with a full rainfly (I think the Bunk House, not sure), and while the rainfly worked fine on it, it had much more significant water intrusion through improperly sealed seams.

We've got 6 tents and the only 2 that get use are the half-done 2+ (backcountry), and the Wawona 6 for car camping or canoe in (no portage). Somebody mentioned this above but IMO multiple good 2 person tents are much more usable than a 6-8 person tent.

You don't need the full coveratge rain fly. The tent works remarkably well as is. We've camped in high winds and pouring rain. No issues.

Wawona 4 is a very well thought out tent and a perfect size imo. The 6 is big, maybe too big if you plan on doing designated sites with tent pads. The 4 Fits a queen mattress. Amazing cross ventilation with the rain fly on. You won’t be disappointed if you get it.

The 4 and 6 are both sweet tent for sure.

Up until last season my car camping 4person kelty that I literally got fifteen years ago. It still functions fantastically in dry conditions and I'm sure if I seam sealed it and reapplied waterproofing it would still be a great three season option. We used the leak as an excuse to get a North Face Wawona 6 but if we we car camping somewhere dry without a lot of space for the footprint we will use the kelty. All that to say they slap really hard for the price and are very durable. They don't tend to be ultralight but they are good quality

North Face Wawona 6. We have one and the reviews were great, including wet weather experiences. The tub held up well in reviews. Our only regret is not picking up the 8 and vestibule when they were on sale. We have huge cots that eat up a lot of space. We got our for around $300 at REI on sale.

Piling on another recommend for the Base Camp 6. We currently own 7 tents for various uses and some I should sell. I'm a gear hoarder. I have REI, TNF, Big Agnes, Columbia, Kelty and two Mountain Hardwear. Our 2 car camping tents are a decade old REI Base Camp 6 for winter and if we expect winds and a current model The North Face Wawona 6 for summer. The BC6 can be a bit stuffy if the fly is not fully staked out or the fly bottoms aren't rolled up (which is a great feature) in hot dry weather. The W6 doesn't have a full fly and I don't trust it in a heavy downpour although in testing when fully staked out so the water from the fly doesnt run onto the mesh portion it in theory perforns better in rain. The BC6 isn't as tall as the W6 and the poles aren't as thick. The W6 has thick overbuilt poles. The W6 has a nice large front vestibule you can sit in or park bikes in but the BC6 has a good size front vestibule for a packs or a large cooler and a small back vestibule. I can't fully stand up in the BC6 like I can in the W6. The W6 is roomy with a high profile and straighter walls but the BC6 is a bomb proof shape. The only thing I don't like about the BC6 is that the older model I have has small clear vinyl windows that can't be covered. There isn't total privacy. The new ones don't have that problem. With the vestibule on the W6 closed there is total privacy. With it open it offers decent privacy as the vestibule opens at a right angle to the full mesh front of the main body of the W6. The W6 has junk pole, stake, and tent bags. The BC6 has a very nice bag with backpack shoulder straps and pitch instructions printed on the bag. The BC6 footprint also comes in a nice bag with instructions on it and it all fits easily into the tent bag. Both have ample pockets for storage inside, but the W6 has lots of pockets on the rear door, that is more window than door, and may not be convenient if the window is being used. The W6 foot print is not obtainable anymore although I think it has always been difficult to find. The REI Skyward 6 footprint fits the TNF W6 fine, and in some ways is better than the correct TNF foot print. It doesn't fit well into the TNF Wawona bag well but the bag really doesn't hold the tent well either. The W6 footprint has a small extra flap in the vestibule for shoes but I prefer the Skyward 6 footprint with nothing for the vestibule and using a Wawona large tarp for shoes that I can move as needed for chairs or bikes or however I need to arrange the vestibule in the moment. I'll keep a Yeti cooler in the vestibule and sit on it for taking shoes off. In the day when wearing the shoes I'll roll up the tarp and then have full space for camp chairs in the vestibule. My ideal car camping tent would be a slightly taller REI Base Camp 6, including the great tent bag, with a huge front vestibule like the TNF Wawona 6 and if possible a way to dry pitch it like my Mountain Hardwear and Big Agnes.

I have the Wawona 6, the "portable chateau". Don't judge me. It's essentially the same as the Wawona 4. We use it car camping and used it quite a bit last year during very hot weather - high 90s F. I think it's a pretty ok tent but I actually found the ventilation to be inadequate. Without the fly you don't have much privacy in the front and there really isn't good airflow with it on. They certainly tried - there are little vents and the windows up very wide but they are up high on the sides so you don't get much of cross-breeze. I was trying to take naps in the afternoon and it was always *way* hotter than the already hot 'outside'. Also, the fly is the absolute bare minimum for any kind of rain. Despite all this I think it's a good tent and was a really good value.

We have this tent. Very comfortable for 4 with sleeping pads. 6 would be snug. Has a huuuge vestibule

Getting the rainfly onto the wawona 6 by yourself can be a pain in the ass but I’ve done it plenty of times camping with my son. He’s too young to be of any help with a task like that. Attaching the fly to the back of the tent first and then throwing it up and over is how I’ve always done it. That tent is a castle. I love the space you have in the vestibule but it can be a pain setting up something with such a large footprint in some sites so make sure you book one where it will fit. I actually just ordered a marmot limestone 4p so I can have something smaller for when I won’t have the luxury of using the wawona and its massive vestibule.

Absolutely. For years I, then we, had smaller backpacking tents. Then I got a great deal on a North Face Wawona 6 and it’s been amazing. Before we had a kid it was great to just have space to be able to stand up or hang out in if it rained. Then we had a kid and it was big enough for his pack-n-play. I’ve had backpacking tents that took more time to set up so aside from the space it takes up when packing, which isn’t too much more than a regular tent, there aren’t any downsides really. I’ll even take it when I go out by myself if I’m going to be somewhere for a few days.

That’s what we have, pretty easy for me to put up by myself and when my son was born we could easily fit my wife and I’s stuff, two dogs and the pack-n-play.

When car camping, think comfort. I have a hiking tent, but I also have the North Face Wawona 6 Person Tent https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/camping-tent/the-north-face-wawona-6 For the times when the desire to stand up or leisurely stretch out is desired.

Nice! I have the same tent. Funny story. I made the cardinal sin of setting up for the first time on site. I couldn’t get the vestibule pulled evenly to stake it. Considering it’s also the rain fly (and it started raining and getting dark), I improvised and pulled some guy lines out at and staked it anyways. After calming down and assessing later- I think I crossed the curved vestibule pole with the forward most tent pole. Was solo camping, so my small brain had to work by its lonesome. Things I learned: packing extra stakes and paracord saved me. Even though the vestibule wasn’t perfect (my fault), I LOVE how it allows for flexibility with all weather camping. Extra gear, chairs, etc stays dry. Tent stays clean with shoes and crap to leave outside. I am definitely into tents with a porch. All tent manufacturers need better instructions. They are a joke with their meaningless diagrams. I was able to laugh at myself though.

I have the wawona 6. Used it once so far. Didn’t get it set up correctly, but that was my own fault. YT some videos and you’ll get an answer on the interior floor footprint. There’s a girl who lives somewhere tropical that does a bunch of tent reviews- maybe she even reviews the other tent you’re considering. Anyways- No to two queens. But I used an ExLarge single cot, 2 yoga mats (all side by side) and still had another full “row” for gear. Nothing touching the side walls. Bonus for me is the standing height. I realize it’s a super big tent for one person, but would still be really roomy for two people and a dog bed. I like to keep my gear hidden when I solo camp. The atrium is a super bonus. I put a canvas tarp o the ground for a clean spot for gear and shoes. There’s about 4-6in between the ground and the side walls, enough to keep stuff dry (outside of horizontal rain) and nice for added privacy with the doors closed. Was easy throw my chairs and stuff under when it rained a few times, as opposed to packing things up in the car. I like it. Just need to learn how to set it up properly. Even though I didn’t, I improvised and understand how nice it WILL be. Cheers!

Absolutely love my wawona 6. I’ll be camping in it this weekend. My family of 4 is comfortable in it.

As others said large tents limit camping options. My Wawona 6 I’ve even had to avoid some spots not many but it happens. I’d look at modular or pod tents that connect to each other. Shiftpod comes to mind with their tunnel connectors but they are expensive, they have like literal tent cities of these.

Nicest tent with best fabric I’ve ever seen is an Overlandish Basecamp. It’s a hub quick setup tent. Saw it at Overland Expo. Port holes for AC or Diesel Heater, Triple Layer Insulated fabric looks like quilted material and triple layer windows. It’s costly though but if was camping a lot I’d get it. I own a North Face Wawona 6 that is pretty good for a regular tent with typical fabric.

Off topic but I got a wawona 6 last year for 70% off at a North face outlet mall and I love the thing. What more would you want your tent to do? I think the wawona 6 is fairly easy to set up so I could imagine the 4 is easier. Do they make portable showers?

Second this tent, have had for 4 years in the Appalachians. We have been caught in a couple of nasty storms out of the blue and also regular showers, with no issues whatsoever. Fits 2 queen air mattresses for family of 4. Can’t say enough great things about this tent!

DAC poles, lifetime warranty and full coverage rainfly. Marmot Halo 6p Marmot Limestone 6p MSR Habbiscape 6p Eureka Spacecamp 6p Big Agnes Bunk House 6p Sierra Designs Nomad 6p The North Face Wawona and Nemo Highrise are also good but they don't have full coverage rain flies. Buy additional guyline and upgrade your tent stakes. The stakes that come with lost tents are not good.

If you want a bargain the Eureka Spacecamp 6p is a great buy at $259. Very storm worthy and has a full coverage fly unlike the Wawona. The Wawona is a good tent if you want the porch vestibule area. The Limestone Ilis Marmot's classic done tent. I used to own this and iw rock the Halo 6p. REI Basecamp is a great tent with a terrible 1 year warranty and no after sales support from REI. Aurora Highrise doesn't have a full coverage rainfly; I would skip this one. Between the MSR tents the Habiscape is newer and a better design with larger vestibules. The Big Agnes Bunk House 6p is fantastic with it's awesome stuff sack, nice vestibules and tall peak height. The Marmot Halo 6p is a killer storm worthy tent and the one I went with.

All all good choices. The Wawona 6p can be had for $299 assuming you can find one in stock. The Wawona has a large vestibule porch area but is large to setup. It does not have a full coverage rainfly. The Wawona 4p doesn't come with the really big vestibule of the 6p, you have to buy an optional vestibule accessory to get that. The Aurora Highrise doesn't have a full coverage rainfly and I would avoid it. The Big House is basically the Bunk House without the Big front vestibule or the really nice carry bag. It has a more basic stuff sack. You can buy an optional vestibule for this. Habitude/Habbiscape are similar. The Habbiscape is a newer design and is a little bit larger. Only a single door and vestibule on this tent.

North face Wawona 6 is awesome.

I’ve used it in AZ for a lot of camping up to a week. Also for a long weekend during the monsoon season and stayed dry. The porch add-on is currently 1/2 price at REI with good reviews..

We have the Wawona 6 and love it- only downside is if you really open it up for airflow you do have to get outside to close it up if it starts raining. This has been inconvenient about once. On the privacy front, if the air is still you do need to open up the rear window/ door/ whatever you want to call it to get air moving well, which means it's generally helpful to pitch the tent so that side points towards privacy. We do a lot of walk in campsites so this hasn't been a huge deal. Having camped in both the Limestone and the Wawona 6 in rain with a kiddo, the much larger vestibule of the Wawona makes dealing with wet gear and muddy shoes vastly more civilized- we can keep a few chairs and a ton of hooks in the Wawona and have plenty of space for people and gear and taking gear on and off and etc.

I camped forever with a half dome, ostensibly a 2 person tent but really a solo tent, and even brought my kids a few times. Finally bit the bullet and bought a 6 person tent (north face wawona) and the only question I had for myself is why I didn't do it sooner.

When solo I’m ultralight and sometimes even cowboy camp with no tent. BUT… when car camping with my partner we always go big. Used to use the Marmot Limestone 6, but recently switched to the North Face Wawona 6 (the huge vestibule is a game changer.) being able to set up shop inside the tent, stand fully upright, and comfortably fit a queen sized mattress all make a world of difference. In short, yes, it’s 1000% worth the bigger tent for car camping as a couple. I’ll never go back to small tents in that scenario.

I love this tent. This extensive review got me to buy it. https://youtu.be/G6Y_iXNrJsI?si=O75CeT3P8UpmdYUl

I have the wawona 6 and I’d say it’s overkill for one person. It’s doable to set it up alone but it will take more time , especially taking it down and packing it neatly. I’d go for a 4 person tent if you’re solo and want space.

Yes, 100%. North face Wewona was on sale for a little over 200$ last year. 6 person. Great for car camping. As a couple, we can stand up and get out on either side of the air mattress. Two doors an a great vestibule .

We just got the North Face Wawona 6p tent and wow! We have so much more room, can stand up, and the dogs can spread out. It’s perfect!

Agreed, I recently got one on sale. This tent may meet most of your needs. The fully screened inside is slightly small for a 6p, but the massive vestibule is a huge and you can easily fit 2 chairs (maybe a 3rd small one) plus a big dog in there on a rainy day. The back window is large and can be used as a small door as well. The rain fly only comes 1/2 way down the tent, and can be rolled up to expose the side windows so it can be well ventilated on hot days.

I agree to at least look at the wawona 6p. It's on the smaller size for a 6p tent and the vestibule is huge, big enough for 2 chairs to sit in fully covered if it's raining. I got it for me and the wife (and our dog) and love it it's only slightly bigger than our kelty trail 4p but the giant vestibule makes it worth it without feeling overwhelming. Our first couple trips together were also squeezing in my old 2p tent. For a stove, I upgraded from my jet boil to a camp chef Everest which has worked wonders for the last 7 years. It has more BTUs and gets hotter than comparable 2 burner stoves, but still has a great low setting for simmering.

I love my North Face Wawona 6. It's a 4-seasons tent that I picked up on sale for about $375.

I’m in az and car camp a lot, got the NF Wawona 6 with the vestibule and like the size and functionality.

Hey campers, I'm reposting this as my first try got taken down. But I'm new here and would definitely like to contribute in the future by posting camp setups and gear review. I recently picked up the Wawona 6 from The North Face and couldn't be happier. Here's my 2 cents. I'm used to backpacking tents and smaller tents in general. For reference I've used the Stormbreak 1 and REI Flash Air 2 for backpacking. For car camping, I've used the North Face Trail Lite 3 and Marmot Tungsten 4. This is my first large tent and I don't think I'll go back when it comes to car camping. The luxury and space is unbeatable. My favourite thing about the tent is the large vestibule, it's so useful for storing all your gear especially when it's raining. I normally put up a tarp when it rains, but now I don't have to as I can fit a small dining/chill area right inside the vestibule. I also like to use cots when car camping. For this setup, I'm using 2 cots that have legs so we're pretty high off the ground. Its also nice to not have to squat or crouch when moving around or entering/exiting the tent. I've yet to experience any cons to this tent other than it's very cold on cold nights due to large windows and lots of mesh for ventilation. But this tent is definitely designed for summer. Although we did use it for below freezing nights, it was no problem since we used our winter sleeping bags and down layers. Overall I think this is a great tent for a small family or older people that may have trouble getting low to the ground. Or if you're like me, you can use it for 2 people and a dog to experience maximum space. At regular price I think it's a touch expensive, but If you can find this tent on a deal I think it's well worth it. If you have this tent please share your experience. I'm willing to answer any questions to the best of my ability. Happy camping!

In terms of setup, here’s a copy paste of my reply to a similar question in this thread: I have been able to assemble this on my own before. I wouldn’t say it’s hard but I wouldn’t say it’s easy. Somewhere in the middle. The hardest part is getting the initial “X” structure through the pole sleeves and into the grommets which pitch the main inner tent. If any parts of the poles snag on the sleeves it can get a bit cumbersome. That being said I was able to pitch it in about 10 minutes alone but helps to have a friend. Hope that helps! In regards to finding enough space, it might be a bit more challenging if you’re at a smaller site. So far I’ve only camped with this tent on large sites, prioritizing flatness for the main tent body and less for the vestibule.

I have been able to assemble this on my own before. I wouldn’t say it’s hard but I wouldn’t say it’s easy. Somewhere in the middle. The hardest part is getting the initial “X” structure through the pole sleeves and into the grommets which pitch the main inner tent. If any parts of the poles snag on the sleeves it can get a bit cumbersome. That being said I was able to pitch it in about 10 minutes alone but helps to have a friend. Hope that helps!

Larger tents aren't always better tents or truly more spacious tents. The cheaper and bigger they are, the less actual usuable room them have. My North Face Wawona 6 *easily* fits 4 people, and a boatload of gear extremely comfortably. It fits me and my partner (who are both tall), with ease. We fit a full double air mattress, basically 2 night stands, and would still have room for a dog bed if we weren't cat people. And we can stand up. And it's incredibly well put together and durable and takes all of 5 minutes to put together by myself. A 10 person one is 3x the effort, and absolutely requires 2 people to put up.

Yeah the Wawona 6 is pretty nice I have one. It’s one of the best tents we have used in a no facilities camp site. The vestibule is tall enough to stand. We use it as a mud room/ changing area to keep the inner tent clean. We put in a large outdoor mat that allows water to go through so you can easily strip down and take a sponge bath. The inner tent is talk enough so you can just walk right in. Its got plenty of ventilation and even in torrential rain, it remained quite dry inside.

Plus one for the Wamona 6 ***bonus *** you can stand up in the tent and vestibule and has a large vestibule to store gear, change and wash up if you are camping in a somewhat remote area. We have a mat we put down inside the vestibule so you can take off your boots and other dirty clothes before you get inside the tent itself.

We use The North Face Wawona 6P for 3 people and it’s nice. The vestibule and tent is tall enough for an average person to stand in with no problem. It would give you plenty of room for your dog to move around at night and even have their own dog bed. I also like Big Agnes tents. Most of the ones I have seen have the ability to be set up without the tent. The footprint, poles and fly work together to create a shelter. This can be great when you want something quick, or it’s not too buggy and you want to sleep in the open. Outdoor Gear lab is a good source for information. It helped me choose the Wawona 6p. Unfortunately, the 4P is pretty much the same cost as the 6p if you want the vestibule addon. Which I highly recommend its a good place to strip down, check for ticks, store your extra gear. Its big enough to put a cot, or some chairs to sit in if you want.

The Wamona 6 stands up to loads of rain too.

I love TNF Wawona 6

The vestibule is one of the defining features of this tent. If you use the vestibule on this one, but want one smaller, there is always the wawona 6. That should be fine for 2 adults, 2 dogs, and gear. Otherwise, there are plenty of other 6 person tents that could be even smaller overall if you don't need the wawona vestibule.

I lean towards the Wawona 6 for the patio. I personally ended up going with the Wonderland X on sale (<$400). Neither will fit 2x queen mattresses and have much room for anything else. Queens are 60x80 so both would literally be wall to wall to fit both with about 10-20" available space. Bear in mind if they are directly against the walls if they are too thick they may not fit properly as most walls slope inwards. Far better if you need individual mattresses to get 2x Full at 54x75 ish which would still be plenty roomy for 1 person + 1 dog each. Or a Queen + twin at 38x75 for 1+2 dogs and 1. (don't know why I thought you had 2 adults and 2 dogs, might have confused another post) Could also go Queen + Full for adults/children if that is the case. Wawona is 120x90 floor 76" peak height Wonderland 6 is 120x100 floor 78" peak height Weights are comparable with the Wawona slightly lighter at 20lbs vs 22lbs but negligible difference as you'll most likely be using this for car camping anyway. Wawona 6 has a usable vestibule with room to sit under to have some shade in the day or when raining while the wonderland is only big enough for gear. To me this makes up for the slightly smaller floor.

The Wawona 6 is BALLER. I got mine on clearance too and I'm still mad about it being stolen.

I bought the Wawona 6 earlier in the year (for $50 more...) and am pretty happy with it although admittedly haven't really put it through its paces yet. A couple notes: It is HEAVY at almost 21 lbs. This is a car camping tent trending towards glamping, but thats what I need to convince my wife to get out there with our 6 and 3 year olds. The rainfly pitches with that vestibule which obviously needs a large space to pitch. The tent pitches without the fly but the entire front of the tent is mesh so you would have zero privacy. With the fly, this thing seems incredibly stormworthy.

Vestibule is required when using the rainfly

I have had no issues with my Wawona 6 in the rain.

Rain and wind, it's a tank. For being so tall, it's surprising how well it performs.

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

100% worth it for car camping. We are looking at getting a Wawona 6. We already use a Coleman Skydome 6p for the two of us.

I believe you're referring to Liz, channel name is "Camping Guidance". Her reviews are phenomenal and a great resource for those shopping for tents. I bought a Wawona 6 as a result of her reviews and demonstrations. https://preview.redd.it/hooque6e9aqe1.png?width=1008&format=png&auto=webp&s=bf5ed8b86615a51d26d48af48586fb76a9a92c64

I'd agree with that assessment. It's definitely a three-season tent only.

We just borrowed a friends Wawona 6 and will be buying one ourselves to replace our old car camping tent.

I recently upgraded to the Wawona 6. The vestibule is great. It's worth considering.

I watched a guy on YouTube use this in a storm and it leaked. Not a lot but water did breach. I will say I love my Wawona 6! I really wanted the Habitude 6, but oh well lol.

We have a wawona 6 and it is my palace! We have a comfy megamat duo in there and still room to do a full yoga routine (including standing up) in the tent if it is raining outside. 

I just used it at the phish festival this past weekend and it was incredible

I had a Wawona 6, I loved that tent, but when it gets windy there is too much mesh and sand can be blown in. I returned it after a few trips and got the Base Camp 6. If you are not going to hike in the Kodiak 10x10 or 10x14 are good options. Depending on where you camp the 10x14 might be too big for some campground tent pads.

No, on my Wawona the mesh starts around 6" off the ground. On my REI Base Camp 6 the mesh is only in the top 4" or so and the door and windows can zip close.

In that price range my top two would either be a Wawona or the REI Wonderland. Both have space to stand up inside, more roomy design that the Base Camp style l, and do great in even super rough weather with a couple guy-lines staked out. Go for at least a 4P, but we have a 6P, and it was worth it the few times we've been stuck inside it for hours waiting out a heavy rain storm.

Wawona 6 is definitely going to be more of a struggle to do solo, but not impossible. Maybe a bit overkill unless you're bringing glamping-level amounts of gear with and plan to hang out in the tent. For 1-2 people where weight isn't a factor, I think I'd actually lean towards some of the newer Coleman or even Walmart designs that include a divided layout, where you can even use the front portion as a screen-tent for eating or hanging out bug-free but not have to bring a separate screen shelter along. If your itinerary while car camping is more active and you're in the campsite mostly just for sleeping and dinner, then I think a pretty standard 4 person will do just fine. If you don't need super harsh weather capability, maybe consider something like the Coleman Peak1 4-person with a peak height of 70 inches.

I got one, have only camped in it twice, but it's been great so far. I'd the vestible was somehow at least bug proof I'd 100% recommend it. I'd sleep in that vestible if I could, it's like the perfect dad compartment... Anyone have some neat tips to make this part sleepible? I mean one could just wrap themselves in bug netting. Not sure if it's big enough for a portable hammock unless vestible doors are open

I was in the same position, I went with wawona because the sale price was too nice, and it has an incredible warranty. Idk about the others warranties tho. The rainly/vestible needs some tinkering by them tho, it should be split/modular, and the main door should have a double layered door like it's secondary door has. Not deal breakers but certainly annoying

If you want a “good” tent you will need to spend more than $400 unless you get lucky. However if your girlfriend wants a big tent and previously bought an outbound one, she doesn’t seem too concerned about having a really good tent (I don’t mean that in a rude way, but outbound is not considered quality and people looking for “good” would never consider one, and most people looking for something really technical are buying at most a 3 person, it’s just how this works). I’d just get the same one if she was happy with it. That said, as another suggested, if you keep an eye on sales you may be able to get her a slightly fancier tent like the north face Wawona for a good deal, and if she knows about good gear she’ll probably be stoked, because the wawona is just about the only tent people will suggest as a good big tent. Depends on whether you are looking to just replace/make things right, or try to treat her at the same time. Either way is fine.

Do you care about wind resistance or weight? Tall tents are nice but don’t resist wind well.  Wawona or limestone are both good. Use a tarp or footprint underneath.  If you care for it, some tents have an awning, like https://www.rei.com/product/202983/rei-co-op-wonderland-mud-room

I never buy anything that is trying to be sold to me by an “influencer“.  I’m sure they are pretty neat in the way they go up, probably a lot less so when you are putting them down. I highly doubt they would last as long as a similarly priced normal tent. More moving parts always equates to more problems.   I guess if you have space in your car/truck/trailer for it, the extra cash, and dislike of a regular tent then go ahead.  I will stick with my lightweight REI, or my Wawona for more comfortable car camping. If I wanted a more convenient solution I’d get a rooftop or a teardrop trailer. 

6'4" here, also Halo 6. Upgraded from a first gen NF Wawona, which I could also stand up in.

Look at Northface Wawona and Marmot Limestone. Both are solid, seam taped and built like bomb shelters. The Wawona is taller, 6'2 in the middle, so slightly taller than Limestone. But if you want standing room being 6'4, you might have some tough time finding one for 4 person.

That's how we fell in love with the Wawona by watching Liz!