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So, your 2 or 4-person camping tent isn’t cutting it anymore, huh? The days when you could squeeze your whole family into the small old tent and still enjoy a peaceful night out camping are gone.
Whether the kids have gotten taller, the dog has gotten more smelly or you just want more space to yourself, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Luckily, these family-size tents will give you all the comfort and space you need – while keeping the whole family in mind.
For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading.
Finding a reliable camping tent can prove to be an extremely challenging task by itself. But finding one that fits the whole family can be even more daunting! With tents ranging from single-roomed tents to as many as three-roomed tents, finding the right option involves a lot of variables.
Luckily, with a growing interest in the outdoors, more and more outfitters are coming out with new and improved products. A new focus on camping trips and backpacking is making it easier than ever to find yourself the best six-person tent.
For most people, the two most glaring factors to evaluate when choosing a six-person tent are tent performance and comfort. Finding a tent that performs well even against the most inclement weather will make sure that you stay dry and comfortable. And opting for the most comfortable option will ensure that the whole family stays happy through your adventure.
Ultimately, equipping yourself with the perfect six-person tent will help you and your friends or family will make the most out of your adventure. If you’re looking for a nice place to read up on the best compass reviewsor top-rated coolers in the industrywhile your family plays in the outdoors, there’s a tent option waiting for you.
If you love the outdoors, but can’t stand the early mornings, the Coleman Carlsbad Fast Pitch 6 is an easy choice. While most tents have mesh-paneled walls that let light in at the first hint of sunrise, the Coleman Carlsbad series features dark room technology that keeps out 98.4% of sunlight. This allows you to sleep in later or put the kids to bed earlier, ensuring you’ll have a great time the next day. In addition to getting the perfect night’s sleep, this technology also blocks harmful UV rays better than other tents as well.
If you don’t want to spend your whole time in the dark tent, the Coleman Carlsbad Fast Pitch also comes with a bug-free mesh screen room that offers more breathability, better airflow, and allows for a more comfortable experience on warm summer days.
The Fast Pitch technology by Coleman makes this tent an easy setup, even for one person. Reflective guylines mean that you’ll never trip over your tent when you get up in the middle of the night.
Ultimately, the main draw of this tent is in the dark room technology and a very low sticker price. This is the perfect tent for night owls, those looking for a tent on a budget, and those looking to stick to their sleep schedule while outdoors.
The Marmot Limestone 6 tent is a great tent for those looking to camp in harsher climates, such as the Eastern Sierras or the Rocky Mountains. We enjoyed this tent for the relatively lightweight packaging (around 17 pounds), its ability to handle harsh weather, and its overall durability.
Like the Big Agnes Flying Diamond, this tent is constructed with top-of-the-line material, including aluminum DAC poles and a polyester ripstop rainfly treated with 1800mm waterproof coating. However, the shape of this tent paled in comparison to the Flying Diamond. The dome-shaped walls cut down on overall living space, and the tent was not quite as breathable as the others when the rainfly was on.
This tent has two small vestibules at the front to put gear, as well as a large foot wiping area for shoes. Overall, this is a very durable, long-lasting tent, but lacked the features that made other tents a more enjoyable overall experience.
The Coleman Sundome 6 is by far the cheapest tent in our series, but it still contends with some of the other tents in our list in terms of comfort and overall experience.
The Sundome stands at a max height of 72 inches and has 1 large D-shaped door. The rainfly features many guylines to stake out for sturdiness in moderate wind or rain, but will not fully cover the whole tent when it starts to pour. The tent features two 8.5mm fiberglass tent poles that are easy to set the tent up and cross each other to give the tent a dome-shape.
The Sundome is great in terms of breathability, as it features a small back panel that can be raised for cross-ventilation. It comes complete with inside pockets and a zippered electric access port for running AC power into the tent, making your time inside the tent very comfortable.
While this tent will not handle many conditions other than sunny weather, the extremely small price tag and small added features make this tent tempting for any family looking for a spacious, comfortable experience car camping.
Core Tent is designed with a substantial amount of features that have good benefits. These features help to reduce stress and increase the enjoyment of camping trips.
There is a lot of space within this tent, both vertical and horizontal. The height is around 72 inches, giving you enough room to walk freely. It can also fit two queen sized air mattresses and still have enough room for other things like chairs and tables. The tent is designed to fit six people.
A big wall organizer is attached to the sides of this tent, thereby giving you space to store your belongings efficiently. It also features a small loft space on the ceiling for extra storage. The tent also features vents along the bottom flaps for good ventilation.
You can set it up fully within 60 seconds and take it down within the same amount of time. A carriage bag is included for easy storage and transport. The tent comes with a rain fly that covers the top.
Kodiak Canvas is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the great outdoors. This tent will provide protection against the elements as you enjoy your camping.
It is made of a high-quality Hydra-Shield cotton material with a silicone finish. The custom-woven material is very strong, waterproof and breathable. It can adequately protect you during a downpour while still letting perspiration out.
With a ceiling that is more than six inches high, the tent has a very spacious interior and you can walk around while standing straight. The floor is made of a heavy-duty vinyl that is puncture resistant and can’t be easily damaged.
It has four windows and two air vents for adequate ventilation. It has a gear loft and other spaces for storing your belongings. It can be set up within a few minutes by one person.
The Eureka Copper Canyon is a 6-person cabin style tent that has a fiberglass and steel frame. With an interior peak height of seven feet, it is suitable for people of all heights.
It has steep vertical walls that maximize space for sleeping bags and cots. It features a bathtub floor that wraps around the sides of the tent, ensuring that the interior is always dry.
An e-power port allows you to run an electric cord into the tent for charging your electronics. It is designed with a simple form of assembly, making it easy for one person to set up.
It has mesh pockets placed in strategic places and an overhead gear hammock for storing your things easily.
Coleman Cabin Tent is an innovative product that is designed to ensure maximum comfort while you are outdoors. It has necessary features that will help you feel as relaxed as possible.
The preassembled poles help to cut down the set up time in half. Within a minute, the tent can be unfolded, extended and secured by one person. It features a dark room technology that keeps a greater portion of sunlight out and reduces buildup of temperature.
It is constructed with a high-grade polyguard fabric that can adequately withstand the harsh conditions. It features a Weathertec system with custom welded floors and inverted seams that will keep water out.
This product comes with storage hatches for keeping your items safe and organized. The tent can be packed away into an expandable carry bag for easy transport.
Core Dome Tent is designed to ensure your comfort whenever you are outdoors, regardless of the season. It has several unique features that help to reduce hassle and make your camping enjoyable.
Made with a special fabric that has H2O block technology, it works with the active bead technology to repel water and encourage fast water runoff. It also has seamed and water-resistant seals on the doors and windows.
During the warm season, the taped rain fly can be removed to expose the windows and ceiling. The venting system draws in cool air from outside and the mesh ceiling allows the hot air to escape.
It has an electrical port access which can be fully closed when not in use. It has a gear loft and pockets on the walls for keeping items.
Kelty Trail Ridge is a lightweight option that has enough room to accommodate six people comfortably. With a frame made of aluminum, this tent can withstand high pressure without sustaining damage.
The item is specially designed with steep vertical walls that make the interior more spacious. All sleeping bags and cots will be able to fit the tent comfortably.
It has a stargazing flap on the ceiling that can be opened on a cool night to view the stars. The flap also provides enough protection from the rain when it is clipped down.
The tent is fairly easy to set up and take down. It comes with a carry bag that has a breathable panel for keeping the item safe and dry.
Big Agnes is made to feel like a home with features that ensure comfort. With a height of up to seven feet, this tent is large enough to accommodate six people without having to remain cramped up.
It has a welcome mat on the front door, just like you would have in your home. With steep walls, the spacious interior feels more like a living room.
It has 12 large pockets stashed across the interior that can help you keep your tent organised. It also has two large doors with windows that have two closure options. You can use mesh for good ventilation or the zip-up polyester for full closure.
The color-coded poles and buckles facilitate an easy setup. The fly is connected to the pole with Velcro strips for added protection.
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow is suitable for a recreational trip with your family. The 6 feet 6 inches height provides enough room to walk around.
The wall is made of a Hydra-Shield duck cotton material that is totally waterproof. The floor is constructed with vinyl that is reinforced with polyester, it is puncture resistant, thick and sturdy.
There are doors at the front and rear sides, with screen panels with in-built mesh that allow you to control the temperature. It also has two large windows for more ventilation.
The frame is made of galvanized steel and the rods are solid spring steel. This tent is designed to be used all year round.
Springbar Highline Tent is an easy to pitch option that is spacious enough for the whole family. It maintains a high performance even during harsh weather conditions.
With galvanized steel poles, 12-inch steel nail stakes and steel wire stake loops, this item can withstand the strongest winds and remain unscathed.
A 100% cotton duck canvas has a finish that makes it water resistant. It is also breathable, thereby preventing the buildup of mold and mildew.
A vinyl floor is waterproof and can withstand a lot of impact. It has more than 6 feet of standing height.
Winterial is comfortable for up to seven people with its spacious interior and 12 feet height. Despite its size, it takes less than five minutes to set it up completely.
It is made with polyester and will provide long lasting protection from the elements. With a waterproof rain cap and floor, you can sleep soundly during heavy rainfall without worries.
With up to 10 feet of inner space, you can place mattresses and sleeping bags into the tent for more comfort. It is designed for trips that include the whole family.
The tent has four windows and four mesh vents for adequate air circulation. It also has two zippered doors so you can come and go as you please.
Nemo Wagontop is specially designed to offer more space. It is optimized to provide the most spacious interior possible with a high standing height.
Its poles are locked together with the intersection hub at a specific intersection. This hub connects the pole directly to the tent body, making it sturdy.
The polyester material protects the inhabitants from rain and sun. With large screen windows on all four sides, the tent lets in enough light and air.
With no separate rain fly, it can be easily set up within minutes. Its single-wall construction and taped seams makes it strong and sturdy.
Wenzel Klondike is a family-sized tent that is designed to feel like a home away from home. It has a large front screen awning which feels like a porch and protects you from sun rays.
It is constructed with a unique weather armor, consisting of polyester fabric and polyurethane coating, which makes the material water resistant. It has double-stitched seams, threads and zippers that repel water.
The upright supports are made of steel. Combined with a shock corded fiberglass ceiling frame, this tent will remain stable in any condition.
It has a vent located at the rear and mesh openings at the top for ideal air circulation. Accessory pockets are sewn into the interior wall for storing important items.
Alps Mountaineering uses fiberglass poles connected to steel uprights to provide enough interior space. It features slightly steep walls that provide more usable space.
The canvas is made with a polyester material with coating and factory sealed seams. The floor is also made with polyester oxford material with coating, ensuring that no water comes in.
The tent has mesh doors, windows and roof which can be zipped shut. This provides enough access to fresh air.
With a 7 feet center height, there is enough room to stand and move around. It has a unique hub design with pole clips that make setup easy and quick.
Ozark Trail is a light tent that looks and feels like a cabin. It is ideal for six occupants and has a lot of interior room.
It features a dark rest technology that can help you get better sleep. When zipped shut, the interior becomes dark, giving it the look of a moonlit night.
It has floor vents that provide enough ventilation even when all openings are closed in dark rest mode. It is made of durable materials that keep the interior dry and safe.
It is easy for one person to set up and pull down. It has a center hook for hanging lights, fans and other equipment.
Mobihome Tent is suitable for family camping, hiking or touring trips. It features a door extension which doubles as an awning and can accommodate up to six people.
Designed with a special hub system, it makes it easy for one person to set up within minutes. It has two additional ridge poles that maximize the interior space and provide enough usable room.
With three windows, two zippered doors and a micro mesh roof, there will be adequate air flow. It features a removable rain fly that is 100% water resistant and can keep bugs out.
It has reinforced sealed seams, taped rain fly and durable zippers that ensure maximum weather protection. There’s also a solid fiberglass frame and steel pegs.
Hui Lingyang Tent is perfect for traveling, camping and other outdoor activities. With preassembled poles, it is an instant pop-up tent that can be set up in seconds.
With a waterproof polyester canvas fabric and taped floor seams, it can hold up to any amount of rainfall. It has an electrical access port through which you can pass a power cable to charge your devices.
It has a special vestibule design, allowing you to dedicate space for different purposes like keeping your gear. It also features two storage pockets for organizing small items.
The large mesh windows on the left and right side of the walls keep the bugs out while letting fresh air into the tent interior. It also features ground vents for extra ventilation.
Mesh windows and ground vents provide adequate ventilation
Cons
Might be difficult to pull down
What Is a 6-person Tent
A 6-person tent is a collapsible structure that’s generally made out of sil nylon. It fits 6 people, and is designed to keep it’s inhabitants safe from the elements while camping. Generally including a waterproof DWR coating, your tent is designed to keep wind and moisture at bay.
Depending on the type of environment in which you’ll be camping or backpacking, there are a variety of tents that will best suit your adventure. Most 6-person tents will fit two queen-sized airbeds on the interior, giving you the option to camp in comfort. Some tents of this size include dividers, so you can establish 2 or 3 bedrooms. Whatever your need, there’s probably a product that will work.
Whether you are camping in a modern campground or taking your family out to the backcountry, a 6-person tent provides substantial protection from whatever the journey may bring.
Benefits of Using a 6-Person Tent
While preparing to make your tent selection, you might find it helpful to determine the benefits of your selection.
Provides Intimate Setting
Choosing a 6-person camping tent over alternative options provides a more intimate camping experience for you and your loved ones. Rather than sleeping in a musty hotel room somewhere, you can camp right in the backcountry and watch the stars from your sleeping bag.
Provides Versatility
It’s even possible to separate your tent into multiple rooms to give everyone a bit of privacy without being too far away. This is a great option for families with children because it allows them to feel independent without being too far away.
Provides Comfort and Stability
Additionally, 6-person tents are a great option for anyone who’s going to be camping in the same spot for an extended period of time. Rather than giving up all of your creature comforts, you can choose a tent that you can stand up in or even put a wood stove in.
Pros and Cons of Using a 6-Person Tent
Pros
Provides a single shelter for all your needs: You won’t have to set up multiple tents when you get to your camp spot.
Spaciousness: There’s plenty of room to stretch and play games if the weather takes a turn for the worst.
Vestibule access: Having a large tent will allow you to carry a big cooler with wheels into your vestibule without blocking the entrance.
Versatility: By opting for a 6-person tent, you can designate one room for sitting or socializing. This can be a great option for buggy nights.
Cons
Number of doors: Most 6-person tents don’t have 6 doors, which means that you’ll have to find a graceful way to cohabitate. This means that your sibling might have to crawl over you in the middle of the night to use the facilities.
Tent setup: Setting tents up can often be very intense and confusing because of all the different pieces.
When Would I Need a 6-Person Tent?
Tents of this size are the #1 choice for families looking to do recreational camping, young adults enjoying the outdoors in a group of friends, or campers who are looking for something with lots of room for in-tent activities.
While 2 and 4-person tents are great for those looking for lightweight camping, minimal features, and low price points, 6-person tents are designed for comfort, ultimate stability during harsh weather, and extra movement within the tent. Camping inside a 6-person tent, you’ll feel like the king (or queen) of your campsite, if you will.
6-person tents are amazing for young parents looking for a tent to accommodate their growing families. Most feature 80-100 square feet of livable floor space, enough headroom for the average person to comfortably stand-in, and vestibules to comfortably store gear under, utilizing all the space inside the tent.
These basic features allow for families with two to four children, family pets, or camping buddies to comfortably move around. Best of all, most 6-person tents won’t make a huge dent in your wallet, compared to their 8 or 10-person tent counterparts.
Camping Tent Types
Tents come in all shapes and sizes, which is great if you’re looking for specific characteristics. Depending on your personal needs, some types of 6-person tents make work better or worse. Some will cost an arm and a leg, while others are surprisingly affordable. The following options give you a good idea about the types of 6-person tents that are most common and reliable.
Premium Camping Tents
Premium camping tents are the cream of the crop. They generally offer the best, most reliable features. But the price tends to reflect the quality of the tent. If you’re looking to make a long-term investment, this type of tent will offer the most longevity and the least amount of hassle. If you’re looking for a little extra space, you could also consider purchasing a premium 8 person tent.
Budget Camping Tents
Budget camping tents generally have fewer bells and whistles but they’ll protect you and your family from the elements just as well. You might have fewer rooms and less versatility in this type of a tent, but it’ll still comfortably house all 6 of you.
Hybrid Camping/Backpacking Tents
Tents that can be used both while backpacking and camping are weight conscious; Since backpackers have to carry their gear, the tents use thinner fabrics and lighter tent poles. This generally means that they’ll have a simpler build than your traditional camping tent, but they can be used in both environments.
This is an alluring option because the versatility is unmatched by any other option. Having a hybrid tent will allow you to pack a tent in your backpack.
Rooftop Tents
Rooftop tents can be used in conjunction with your vehicle. Rather than setting your tent up on the ground, you set it on the top of your car, and use a ladder to get inside. This is a great option for campers who spend a lot of time on uneven ground or just like to be out of reach of critters.
Canvas Tents
Canvas tents take a lot more time to set up, and they’re not particularly versatile. But they offer the most reliable and long-term tent option for groups of 6. Most wilderness caretakers live in a canvas tent on the premises because they’re guaranteed to protect you. But once the tent is set up, it’s a hassle to take it down and move it.
Types of Tent
Classic
Classic tents are the type of tents that you’d imagine a hunter or fisherman carrying with them. Rather than including all the excess features of a modern tent, this style is clean-cut and very simple to use. The opening is generally shaped like a triangle. And most of the time, this type of tent will only include one or two structural poles. This style is affordable, simple and easy to use.
Structural
If you’ve ever been in a wilderness area and stumbled upon a groundskeeper, chances are they live in structural tents. Unlike classic tents, this style involves a lot of setup time and isn’t easily transported. But it’ll keep you safe through Armageddon.
This type of tent often features canvas walls and it feels like a real home inside. Some users will take the time to set up a wood stove inside of this type of structure since it’s more of a long-term product.
Igloo (Tunnel Type)
Igloo tents (or tunnel tents) are, as the name suggests, shaped as if you’re an underground inhabitant. Like a burrowing groundhog that lives in a network of tubes, these tents are often short. The sidewalls are round, rather than flat. This tent build can often be found in windy conditions since the circular structure minimizes wind contact.
Tent Igloo (Dome Type)
Tent Igloos or Dome tents are the most popular, contemporary type of tent. You’ll probably be able to stand in the middle of a 6-person dome tent since they’re spacious. The perks of this tent style are that you can use it to rough it, or you can bring a camping cot or air mattress along to make your trip a little more glamorous. They’re versatile in nature, which makes it a nice style for the adventurous soul.
How to Choose the Best 6-Person Tent
If you’re taking the whole family on your trip, finding the right 6-person tent for you and your family can prove complicated. How do you please everyone? And will a 6-person tent make us all comfortable for the whole trip? Finding an adjustable tent will play a key role in comfort.
Choosing a spacious 6-person tent will allow you to stretch out on a sleeping pad or to relax on a camping cot, and there should be room to spare.
Depending on your needs, there are a number of variables that will help you choose the best tent. The following steps will help you find the perfect 6-person tent:
Determine how packable it needs to be.
Figure out how heavy you’d like it to be.
Evaluate the assembly process.
Check your wallet.
Take a look at the interior space to see if it’ll actually fit 6 people.
Check and see how many doors it has.
Determine if it has all of the right features for you.
Check it’s weatherproof standards.
Try it out in a store if you can.
Select your purchase based on the criteria that matter most.
Take some time to jot down the most important factors for your choice. Are you hoping to camp and backpack with this tent? Do you need an affordable option? Or is it ok to splurge a bit and make it an investment? By evaluating the following variables, you will become more acquainted with the best 6-person tent for you.
Weight
While exploring potential 6-person tent options, considering the weight of your tent will come in handy. If your tent weighs 15lbs and isn’t compact, you probably won’t be using it for any backpacking trips.
Conversely, if it’s relatively packable and weighs 5-8lbs, you might be able to use it for both casual camping and backpacking. Determining your intended use for your tent will help you decide what kind of weight bracket will work for you.
Stability
With 6 people moving around inside your tent, stability is incredibly important. Some cheap tents will collapse or deteriorate quickly with too much use. But higher-quality tents will maximize stability, ensuring that you and your loved ones will be able to camp together for decades to come.
Tent stability will impact overall happiness and well-being as well since having a reliable shelter ensures that you’ll fend off the elements.
Assembly Process
Before running your credit card, it’s a good idea to take a look at the pieces of your tent. Are there a ton of poles that you’ll have to set up? Or is the design simple and logical? Unfortunately, most of the tents reviewed here will take some time to assemble because of the sheer spaciousness. But not all designs are created equally.
Interior Space
This is where you’ll be spending time in a soft sleeping bag, counting stars late at night. So it’s important to consider: is the interior of your 6-person tent roomy? Or will you be tripping over your loved ones anytime you’re inside?
Just because a tent is rated a “6-person” tent, doesn’t mean that they’ll all have the same amount of interior space. Take a look at the cubic feet inside the tent and under your porch to determine if you’ll be comfortable with your selection.
Weather-Proofing
No one wants to spend a camping trip in soggy clothes while shivering next to a fire. And one way that you can prevent unnecessary suffering is by ensuring that your tent is weather-proof. Take a look at the DWR finish.
Are the manufacturers saying that your 6-person tent is waterproof? What if it snows 6 inches while you’re adventuring? Will the poles of your tent collapse under the weight? Weather-proofing is the single most important factor while considering comfort and safety.
Season Rating
Most adventurers can get away with a 3-season tent. These tents are most optimal from Spring-Fall, fending off tame weather while keeping your belongings dry. But if you’re someone who likes to get outside on the shoulder season (when it’s a bit chilly) or in the winter, it might be worth looking at 4-season tents.
These tents generally have thicker fabric, trapping more heat on the inside of your tent. And they’ll hold up to gnarly snowfalls and wind when a 3-season tent won’t.
Ventilation
Let’s face it, sticking 6 people in the same tent is going to create a lot of different smells and a lot of moisture. We exhale moisture, which can often be seen dripping from the tent walls in the morning.
That’s why tent ventilation is important to evaluate. If your tent traps everything inside, chances are that you’re going to experience a smelly, wet mess. But if your tent has several windows or open mesh, it’ll be easier to control these variables.
Storage Space
It can be really nice to have a big vestibule outside of your tent for a number of reasons. You can keep the inside of your tent clean by kicking your shoes off before entering. And a vestibule will make sure that they stay dry through the night. A vestibule can also allow you to set up a table for cooking beneath a roof, so rain won’t stop you from cooking for your friends and family.
How many doors do you think you and your loved ones will need to maintain the peace? Will a single door do the trick? Or is it better to have two doors or more? In most cases, you’ll create less of a disturbance by having multiple tent exits. Having a single exit means that you’ll probably disturb someone else (if not everyone) when you have to get up and go outside.
Build Quality
Flimsy materials make poor products. Before landing on your final tent choice, take a look at the materials and the reputation of the company from which you’re buying. Most of the time, you’ll find that other people have tested these tents before you. If other people complain about weak tent poles or thin fabric, it might be worth considering other options.
Footprints
portrait of 6 year old boy sitting in a tent
Footprints are essentially just another layer of fabric that you lay between the ground and your tent. Investing in a footprint will absolutely preserve your tent.
Instead of rubbing your tent floor against abrasive materials like pine cones, rocks and sticks, you can prevent damage by buying a footprint. Most manufacturers have footprint options that are shaped to the specifications of your tent, and sometimes they’re even included in the tent.
Advanced Features
Some tents include advanced features like room separators and pockets for storage. While these features aren’t entirely necessary, they can make your camping trip a little bit easier and more comfortable. Pockets for storage make it easy to keep your belongings accessible in the dark.
Design and Model
Before choosing your tent, consider what type of environment in which you’ll be camping. If you’re expecting to see a lot of wind, it might be in your best interest to choose a design and model that holds up to that type of weather (like a dome or igloo tent). This is less of an issue if you’re expecting to be in a relatively controlled environment.
Terrain
The terrain can play a tremendous role in tent choice. If you’re going to camp on top of a big slab of granite, you won’t be able to nail stakes into the ground. This can be potentially problematic depending on the type of tent you choose.
If you’ll be in a sandy environment, you might also have a hard time getting your tent stakes to stay. Before making your final choice, consider the type of terrain you’ll be facing in order to narrow down the most efficient options.
How to Set Up a 6-person Tent
Young male tourist puts a green tent in the beach coast . The man sets up a camp on a hike, collects a tent alone, new normal travel.
Setting up a tent can be incredibly confusing; Tent poles fly everywhere, and it can seem impossible to find their designated tent loops. While your tent should include an instruction manual to help you make sense of the madness, there are some general guidelines that will make your setup easier.
Step 1 – Place a footprint on the ground
Before setting up your tent, place a footprint or a tarp on the ground to prevent abrasion and punctures in your tent.
Step 2 – Position your tent
Remove your tent, poles and stakes from their packaging and position them in an orderly fashion.
Step 3 – Position the main entrance
Locate the main entrance of your tent and position it in the direction you’d like your tent to face.
Step 4 – Assemble tent poles
Assemble your tent poles and slide them through the corresponding tent flaps.
Step 5 – Stake the tent
Once all poles are situated, stake the tent to the ground.
Step 6 – Attach the rainfly and adjust guylines
Attach the rainfly if it’s separate from the tent body. Adjust guylines to ensure the tent is taught and stable.
How to Store a 6-person Tent
When you’re getting ready to pack your tent away, make sure that the interior and the exterior of the tent are clean. Storing a tent with sticks inside of it can potentially cause tearing or snagging, leaving permanent damage. So shake it out after use. You can clean substances like sap with a bit of rubbing alcohol.
Make sure that the tent fabric and poles are entirely dry before stuffing them away. When you’re ready to package your tent up, try to fold your tent so the mesh is facing the inside, protecting it from external snags. Stuff the fabric in its sack, and store at room temperature. Be sure to keep your tent protected from the sun since UV rays can break down weather protection and fabric fibers quickly.
Step 1 – Make sure your tent is clean
Dry all of the fabrics and poles before stuffing them away and fold the mesh of the tent to the inside to avoid snags.
Step 2 – Store it in a mild temperature room
Store at room temperature.
Does More Spending Mean More Quality
The quick answer to this question is: not always. Generally, tents that cost a pretty penny are expensive because they’re reliable and the companies that manufacture them have a reputation for standing behind their products. BUT in many cases, you can find cottage companies or lesser-known brands that make excellent products for a fraction of the cost. They just have less notoriety than their competitors.
You have a good shot at finding a reliable tent that’s more affordable than the popular tents, but you are taking a bit of a risk by spending less. If you’re worried about the quality of a particular product, try to find user reviews. Other campers often lend feedback that will help you decide whether a tent will work for you.
Do’s and Dont’s to Do With a 6-person Tent
Do’s
Set up your tent with a footprint or tarp beneath it.
Let your tent entirely dry before storing it.
Clean your tent after each use.
Seam seal your tent.
Use your guylines.
Stake out your tent to make it sturdier.
Consider coating the tent fabric with UV protection.
Don’ts
Pitch your tent near an open fire.
Store your tent in direct sunlight.
FAQs About 6-person Tents
How big should a 6-person tent be?
Most 6-person tents range from 90 to 120 square feet of floor space. That should be enough to fit 6 average-sized humans and a handful of belongings.
What is the best brand of 6-person tent?
Depending on your particular needs, there are many brands that make reliable tents. Among those brands are Big Agnes, Kelty and Coleman. Big Agnes and Kelty are known for manufacturing reliable backpacking gear. Coleman specializes in camping gear.
What tent size should I get?
If you like personal space and will be camping with 5 other humans, you might want to upgrade to an 8-person tent. A 6-person tent will be sufficient for your basic needs. But the extra space will allow you to keep your personal belongings nearby.
What do I need to know about the tent’s interior height?
Not all 6-person tents will allow you to stand up inside of them. For many campers, crawling around the interior of a tent is part of the experience. But if you don’t fit in this category, make sure to evaluate the tent’s interior height before making your purchase.
How many people actually can be in a 6-person tent?
If the tent markets itself as a 6-person tent, it’s probable that you’ll comfortably fit 4 or 5. The exception here would be if you’re camping with children. Most campers like to keep their belongings nearby, which takes up interior tent space. If you want personal space, opting for a larger tent might be a better option.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just getting into camping, getting your kids or friends into camping or are practically a certified camping professional, 6-person tents offer features that make everyone’s experience a memorable one.
So what tent is the right choice for you?
We think all these tents are great for the purposes they were created for. Factors to take into consideration in making your decision are desired features, original price compared to the durability/longevity of the tent and the overall experience that the tent offers. But just in case you still can’t decide, we broke down these tents into a few categories to help you out.
Camping can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. While seated next to a blazing fire, the evening funnels warm memories into everyone’s skull. The open-air and disconnection from home makes the experience more intense than everyday life. But your tent choice can make a difference in how your adventure unfolds.
Whether you’re a family of 6 or you want to camp out with a handful of friends, finding the right 6-person tent can take a bit of time and research. The outdoor industry is exploding with interest, which is saturating the market with new and improved products. This is a great problem to have, but it makes the search a little harder.
By evaluating factors like terrain, weather and environment, and person camping preferences you can start to narrow down your tent choices. And before you know it, you’ll be testing out the best 6-person tent in the backcountry.
I am the Founder and Chief Editor of outdoorsity.net and a prepper with over 15 years of experience.
I’m excited to my knowledge and the things I learn while travelling in British Columbia, Canada where I live and around the world.
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5 thoughts on “19 Of The Best 6-Person Tent Reviews – Guide and Comparison”
Hi what Coleman tent is pictures at the very top of this article? The brown one with the open end ?
I picked up the Kingdom 6 3 years ago along with the add on garage and foot print. Putting a tarp under the garage allows for clean entry to the tent and allows you to store coolers and other items that can get a bit of dew and bugs on them out of the tent. Can do the same with the rain fly end, just less area. Garage is also a nice place to keep bikes out of the rain (resting upside down on the handlebars and seat). We use Disc-O-Bed bunk cots which convert into couches during the day. Couple the cots with a foam roller for insulation and 2″ air pad for adjustable comfort, and it is almost glamping. No regrets with the setup.
Hi what Coleman tent is pictures at the very top of this article? The brown one with the open end ?
I Have the same question. Which model is it? Looks spacious and comfortable. I could’t find it on the colemans website
what coleman tent is featured at the top of this page ?
Looks like the Coleman MacKenzie
I picked up the Kingdom 6 3 years ago along with the add on garage and foot print. Putting a tarp under the garage allows for clean entry to the tent and allows you to store coolers and other items that can get a bit of dew and bugs on them out of the tent. Can do the same with the rain fly end, just less area. Garage is also a nice place to keep bikes out of the rain (resting upside down on the handlebars and seat). We use Disc-O-Bed bunk cots which convert into couches during the day. Couple the cots with a foam roller for insulation and 2″ air pad for adjustable comfort, and it is almost glamping. No regrets with the setup.