Head-to-head · Best Camping Tents for 4

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 vs REI Co-op Base Camp 6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about lightweight backpackers seeking simplicity — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Camping Tents for 4

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3

4.6

$400as of Apr 25

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is a versatile, lightweight tent designed for car camping but suitable for occasional backpacking. GearLab praised its ease of use and weather resistance, calling it one of the most versatile tents in their lineup. CleverHiker also highlighted its excellent performance against wind and rain. However, reviewers noted the small interior space and low ceiling make it unsuitable for larger groups or taller campers. This tent is ideal for couples or small families seeking a simple, reliable shelter that's easy to transport.

Strengths

— Very lightweight at only 7.1 pounds, making it easy to pack and carry
— Quick to pitch and set up, taking just 4 minutes 30 seconds to assemble
— Excellent weather resistance with strong wind and rain performance

Watch-outs

— Only 42.5 square feet of floor space, too small for families of four
— Very low ceiling at only 4 feet, making it cramped for taller users
— Stakes not included with guylines, requiring users to supply their own

$400 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Camping Tents for 4

REI Co-op Base Camp 6

4.0

$549as of Apr 25

The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 delivers robust weather protection and spacious interior design that makes it a top choice for family camping in challenging conditions. Switchback Travel called it a 'sturdy and weather-protective' tent with 'generous interior and exterior storage,' while another reviewer noted its 'full length rainfly' and 'huge vestibules' as standout features. However, both reviewers criticized its ventilation and noted it's overkill for perfect weather. The tent's 20.6-pound weight and 28 x 13 x 9.5-inch packed size make it less ideal for backpackers, while its 84-square-foot floor area and 4-6 person capacity suit car campers seeking durability over portability.

Strengths

— Sturdy structure with traditional dome design and five-pole support system
— Full-coverage rainfly provides excellent weather protection for rain and colder conditions
— Generous interior space with two large doors and 74-inch peak height allowing easy standing room

Watch-outs

— Interior not as roomy as REI's Wonderland 6 model
— Mediocre ventilation leading to stuffiness in summer conditions
— Carry bag could be improved for better portability

$549 · Buy at rei.com Full review →

How they stack up

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is unmatched in lightweight portability and quick setup, making it superior to the Half Dome 2 Plus and Base Camp 6 for backpackers. However, it's less spacious than the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P and lacks the weather resistance of the OneTigris Stella 4 Season Tent, making it best for couples or small groups who prioritize ease of transport over interior comfort.

REI Co-op Base Camp 6

The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 excels in weather protection and storage with its full-coverage rainfly and large vestibules, surpassing the Half Dome 2 Plus in durability but falling short in ventilation compared to the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P. It's heavier and less portable than the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3, making it less ideal for backpackers despite its robust design.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3	REI Co-op Base Camp 6
Capacity	3-person	4P, 6P
Floor Area	42.5 sq ft	84 sq. ft.
Weight	7.1 pounds	20 lbs. 11.5 oz.
Dimensions	90 x 68 x 48 in	9'1" x 9'1" x 73"
Peak Height	4 feet	74 inches
Doors	2	2
Vestibules	2 x 18.75 sq ft	2

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