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The Best 6-Man Tents Reviewed
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Application
As you might have already noticed, there is a huge variety of 6 men, family tents. There are many different shapes and sizes and features. If you need a 6 man or family tent, the first thing you should consider is the layout. Do you want bedrooms? Bedrooms add privacy to the occupants while they are sleeping and also double up for daytime storage rooms. Beware that even if the manufacturer states that a bedroom can sleep 3 people, check the dimensions.
The location of the bedrooms in the tent may also be an issue. For instance, if you have young children you may wish the bedrooms all to be next to each other, it makes the children feel more secure sleeping close to their parents and also if a child wakes in the night it is easier for the parent, especially if the bedroom dividers can unzip. Or do you prefer bedrooms separated by the living area? This offers more privacy, and you are less likely to be woken up by an occupant leaving their bed in the night.
Advanced Features
Living space and storage
Do you need an area, similar to a living room? Do you want a dining area that is sheltered from the wind, sun or rain? Do you need storage? Think about the luggage you will have, everybody’s bags need to go somewhere, try and imagine where you will put these. Is there enough space for eating, enough playing a game of cards? Only you know if these are important to you.
Some tents have specific storage areas, cabinets, and closets of sorts, or are storage pockets enough. You need to be able to store your gear without tripping over it. Are you camping on a campsite with electric hook up, or you intend to hook up to your car or solar panel? Then you might like a specific electric cord door. It might sound unimportant but a lamp hook in the ceiling of the living area is handy if you want to sit and read in the evening.
Windows
A lot of people overlook tent windows, but in a large tent, windows can make all the difference. Large windows give great natural lighting and make the tent feel more spacious. But if you can see out the whole world can see in, so check for curtains or blinds. You probably don’t want windows in the sleeping areas. Four AM sunrises might not be when you want to wake up so you will likely want a darkened area.
How is the door built?
Where is the door and does it have a porch or vestibule? A large door is great in the summer, but if it is raining it may let water drip into the tent when you are opening the door. Some tents have more than one door, meaning you can choose which door is best depending on the conditions. Do you have a porch or rain gutter/gully to protect from flooding your tent just by opening the door?
The ground sheet on larger tents is usually a separate part and often is a trip hazard at the entrance so check how the groundsheet fits.
Traditional tents and teepees have made a revival and are seen as glamorous. Made with modern fabrics, these tents can offer a comfortable camping experience. Most even accommodate a wood burning stove or heater with a chimney through the roof. They are really quite easy to pitch, most involving just a center pole or post and pegging out. However, they are generally heavier and have a large heavy and sometimes wooden pole. Although they don’t have separate bedrooms they are cozy and warm.
Style
You may have noticed that the tents above either have poles or air beams (inflatable tents). So which is best?
When I first came across inflatable tents I immediately thought these will be no good for any serious camping. But I was wrong. Inflatable tents definitely have their place in camping. So how can you decide which is best for you?
Most of us have at some time or another seen, if not slept in a tent which had poles to hold its shape.
A pole tent will definitely take longer to pitch: 10 minutes or more for a large family tent. You have to build the poles and thread them or attach them to the flysheet, you will need to peg out guy cables and peg out the tent. With a large family or 6 man tent, it is almost impossible to do this on your own. Pole type tents are generally bigger and also mostly less expensive than air beam tents.
Air Beam or inflatable tents are a single unit, and basically, all you have to do is inflate it. How they work is simpler than you may think. Where you would normally have poles these tents have an inflatable tube. The tube is made from the same material as a bicycle inner tube, inside a fabric tube.
If you get a puncture you can just fix it the same way you would fix a bicycle puncture. Inflatable tents are just one piece and maybe an extra fly sheet. This makes them heavier to transport as everything is in one bag. But a lot easier to pitch. To pitch an inflatable tent you just lay it out and pump it up.
Most come with a hand pump. Your lungs can inflate to maybe 2 psi, whereas an inflatable tent’s air beans need to be inflated to between 4 to 7psi. Once you have inflated the tent you just need to peg it out. Most of the family size tents will inflate in approximately 5 to 6 mins. Sounds easy, but if pumping a car tire for 5 minutes will build up a sweat, so will inflating your tent.
There are pros and cons to pitching both types. But how do they compare in less than perfect weather conditions? In windy conditions, a pole tent will only take so much before poles either bend or break. However, an inflatable tent may sag into the wind, but no damage will be done to the structure of the tent.
To summarize, pole tents are easier to carry, and less expensive than an inflatable one, but take some time and more people to pitch it. Inflatable tents are more expensive, easy to pitch even by one person.
Neither is really better or worse but simply depends on the type of camping you are generally into, as well as your personal preference. If you are usually the only one who gets stuck with the job of building a camp, then perhaps an inflatable model is the way to go.
If you tend to stick to the more traditional methods of doing things, well go pick yourself up a model with poles.
Terrain
When searching for the best six-person tent for your outdoor adventures, you’ll need to use your intuition to plan ahead a bit. If you know when you plan to camp, where, and if you need to move around and backpack, then you’ll be able to assess what type of tent you’ll need.
For those outdoor enthusiasts that prefer camping year-round, they’ll want a more durable, three to four season tent; however, campers that only plan on camping a few times during warmer months won’t need to zone in so much on durability. Also, if you plan to backpack with your tent, you’ll need something lighter, but if you plan on staying in one spot, you can opt for almost any tent design.
The point is really having a well-built shelter to house you, your family, or friends during some quality time with nature, thus allowing you to pay attention to what really matters.
Top Ten 6 Person Tents
1. Coleman Sundome Tent
The Coleman Sundome is an excellent option when looking for high quality at a low price. The fiberglass poles enhanced ventilation, and electric accessibility port makes this a crowd favorite for any camping experience.
Read moreApplication
This tent is a great addition to your gear as it is easy to set up and rooms six adults comfortably. It is a basic design but that might be all you need for a weekend of camping, plus you can not go wrong with Coleman!
Advanced Features
The WeatherTec TM System patented welded floors, and inverted seams keep water out and keep you dry. The Insta-Clip pole attachments stand up to high winds. The privacy vent window will keep things, well, private, without making the inside too stuffy.
Style
While there are no separate bedrooms, this 6-person tent has large windows, and floor vent more maximum ventilation. It's small (for a 6 person tent) size makes it a breeze when seeing up: a quick snag-free 10 minutes.
Terrain
This tent is fitted for mainly a camping weekend in the spring, summer, or fall. It is not recommended in colder climates.
2. Kelty Trail Ride 6
The Kelty Trail Ridge 6 includes a gear loft, plenty of storage pockets, and a floor area of 82 sq. ft. This tent fits a lot in a small space. While it might not fit 6 fully-grown adults, a family with younger kids can easily and happily fit, including all of the necessary gear.
Read moreApplication
Assembly is straightforward and takes less than 15 minutes. It also comes in a convenient carry bag that won't weigh you down when heading out to the campsite.
Advanced Features
Other features include 2 doors, mesh wall panels for privacy while retaining ventilation, noiseless zipper pulls that are especially great when you don't want to wake up the little ones, and a footprint to protect the tent floor.
Style
This tent is stylish and offers great protection. Many customers liked the ability to remove the rain cover and have a sun window style view to stare up and see the clouds while still being protected by your tent.
Terrain
This tent is made for use during the spring, summer, and fall. Not recommended to be used during colder seasons.
3. Coleman Evanston Screened Tent 6-Person
This one room wonder provides ample space for you and your family. The screened portion allows you to feel as though you are still enjoying the great outdoors even on the rainy days. Setting this up is as easy as 1-2-3.
Read moreApplication
This tent is easy to take down and set up with two poles for the main cabin and one each for the rain guard and porch.
Advanced Features
The main features that make this tent one to keep your eye on are the sunroom to stay protected but also be able to see the view that you find yourself camping in. Also, the fact that it only takes 15 minutes to set up is a huge plus. That means less time setting up camp and more time making memories with your family!
Style
The Coleman Evanston Screened Tent has four large windows to ensure great ventilation. It also has a fully enclosed screened-in porch to help keep the bugs away while you still get to enjoy the outdoors. While only having one room, this is one of the more spacious 6-person tents out right now.
Terrain
This tent is recommended to be used during summer, fall, and spring months with the family. It is not recommended to be used during colder seasons.
4. Coleman Tenaya Lake Fast Pitch
This is a large, cabin-style tent. It uses a color-coded pole system that matches poles to hubs. The poles clip to the fabric meaning less hassle compared to needing to threading poles through sleeves.
Read moreApplication
The guylines have a reflective quality meaning they are easier to see at night if you decide to go for a walk in the dark. Once inside the tent, you can divide the room in two giving occupants more privacy, but still having room for two queen size air beds.
Advanced Features
Although this is a large tent it sacrifices a living space to enable it to have very large sleeping areas. The size of the tent also means that it is large and heavy when packed. The tent could benefit from windows instead of just insect mesh. On a windy day, you might want to have the light from a window but not the draft from the window mesh.
Style
One side of the tent has two built-in cabinets with shelves to store your belonging, saving you from diving into your luggage for everything you might need. The floor is seam welded to the main tent keeping the inside of the tent nice and dry. The whole tent can be packed into its wheeled carry bag for easy transport and storage.
Terrain
This tent offers great protection and can be used during all seasons. You may have a hard time setting up in the winter, but once set up and with the proper equipment, you will be comfortable.
5. Coleman Weathermaster 6 Person Screened Tent
Next up is an option that will have plenty of room for both you and your gear. Do away with the clutter on the outside of the tent by placing it inside the storage area of the tent. WIth two entrances you can easily sneak away at night for that much-needed bathroom trip.
Read moreApplication
You can access the tent by two large doors on either side. The tent was made with WeatherTec system so the tent is leak-proof and will make sure your family stays dry. While this tent is large it can be set up in 5-10 minutes after the initial set up and getting the hang of it as the assembly instructions can be a bit confusing at first.
Advanced Features
This tent comes with a variety of cool features, the most notable that really make this tent differ from the others on our list is the large sunroom which will keep you protected while allowing you to view the scenery around you. This tent from Coleman also has a built-in LED light which will allow you to see during the night even if you forget a lantern.
Style
With 2 large rooms dividing the living space, as well as a screened-in floorless room, the Coleman Weathermaster is a great option for families. There is also a storage space so you can put away needed things while still having room for everyone.
Terrain
This tent is made to perform in the spring, summer, and fall months. Due to the fact that it has a large sunroom, this tent would not perform the best during the winter months.
6. Coleman Carlsbad Tent with Screen Room
The Coleman Carlsbad Tent is a great tent for those not wanting to fuss with setting up a tent and short on budget. While it is inexpensive, that doesn't mean it's cheap. It comes with a large area to sleep and even a screen room for you to hang out in and not get bitten by bugs.
Read moreApplication
It's comfortable, well-ventilated on hot days, and will keep you dry in a storm. With the large windows on all sides, you can escape the sun but still have an amazing cross-breeze to cool you off.
Advanced Features
It only takes about 7 minutes in order to set up. This Coleman Carlsbad tent comes with window awnings and a rainfly interior which keeps you dry and comfortable. This tent is made from a Durable Polyguard fabric and has a strong frame designed to last season after season to fit your whole family.
Style
This tent from Coleman is well crafted and stylish as many of Coleman tents are. It comfortably sleeps six adults and also has a large sunroom for you to view the terrain around you while still being protected from the insects.
Terrain
This tent is recommended to be used in the summer, spring, and fall months.
7. Core 6-Person Dome Tent
The Core 6 Person Dome Tent offers a lot of room and a lot of features, for not a whole lot of money.
Read moreApplication
It's 6ft tall at its highest point and can be set up in less than 20 minutes. A built-in ventilation system allows for hot air to escape on those warm summer nights while keeping the cool air in.
Advanced Features
The rain fly can be removed in warmer weather as well, exposing a panoramic ceiling that's ideal for stargazing on clearer nights.
Style
While it doesn't have separate rooms, it comes included with a gear loft to keep your belongings off the floor, allowing more room for sleeping. Said loft also includes a lantern hook and pockets for extra organization potential.
Terrain
This tent from Core is recommended for use during the summer, winter, fall, and spring seasons. That's right this tent can be used all year long, so if you are looking for a tent that will be versatile for different season camping, this may be the one for you!
8. NTK Indy GT XL 6 Person
A little smaller on the spectrum, the NTK Indy GT XL 6-Person Tent still packs a punch. The European design sports a unique (and quite roomy) vestibule with an awning, for extra room for storage and cooking.
Read moreApplication
A 2500mm water column rainfly provides full coverage from the elements, with a thermoplastic coating for UV protection. However this tent doesn't offer much in terms of ventilation, and as such is not well suited for warmer weather. In regards to cold weather, this is a wonderful choice for a tent.
Advanced Features
The removable floor is lined with silver for anti-fungal properties, and a unique bathtub-like structure so you don't wake up in the middle of a puddle. Micro-mesh lets fresh air in while keeping mosquitoes and other unwanted flying guests out.
Style
This tent from NTK is stylish and made for the camper who likes to spend time outside. It does not have as much room as some of the other tents on the inside of the tent but does have a great section of the tent that allows you to sit outside while being covered by the tent.
Terrain
This tent is made to be used during the summer, fall, spring, and winter. You may have a hard time setting up the tent during the winter months but if you do get it set up without issue, you will be protected and can enjoy a weekend of winter camping.
9. Eureka Copper Canyon 6
This one-room tent sleeps 6 people comfortably. The vertical walls offer maximum use of interior space and allow for more comfortable use of cots.
Read moreApplication
The durable steel/fiberglass frame with clip attachments, pole sleeves, ring/pin assembly, color match on tent make set up a breeze.
Advanced Features
A zippered port allows you to connect the inside of the tent to power while keeping the bugs and water out. Mesh windows allow for ventilation while keeping the inside private or protected from the rain.
Style
This is a great tent for beginner campers and will be an amazing place to share with your family on your next trip to the outdoors.
Terrain
This tent can be used during the fall, spring, and summer months as the exposure with the large windows would not make this tent suitable for use during the winter season.
10. Timber Ridge 6-Person Instant Cabin Tent
If you're looking for a roomy tent that doesn't involve too much hassle, look no further than the Timber Ridge 6-Person Instant Cabin Tent.
Read moreApplication
This tent is easy to setup as it is a basic design. It has a single door for in and out access and a couple of windows to allow for some breathability.
Advanced Features
This tent is a basic design it will fit six adults comfortably and has a couple of storage pockets. Those are the most notable features that this tent has.
Style
With a freestanding design and X-shaped structure created by the poles, setup and takedown will be a breeze, so you can spend less time setting it up, and more time enjoying yourself.
Terrain
The partial double-layer design makes this great as a summer tent; providing extra ventilation and free airflow under the fly. There's also a lantern hook and some included mesh pockets for storage.
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