Head-to-head · Best Camping Tents for 4

REI Co-op Base Camp 6 vs REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus

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

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about couples seeking maximum interior comfort — read the strengths below before deciding.

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 →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Camping Tents for 4

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus

4.3

$369as of Apr 25

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus is a spacious, user-friendly tent that excels in comfort and ease of setup, making it ideal for car camping and luxury backpacking. GearLab praised its generous interior space and thoughtful design with good ventilation and storage, while GearJunkie noted its retro-inspired update with improved usability. However, reviewers criticized it for being too heavy and bulky for solo backpacking use, and pointed out issues with fly vestibule sagging and inadequate stakes. This tent is best suited for couples or groups who prioritize comfort over weight, rather than ultralight backpackers.

Strengths

— Extremely spacious with lots of headroom for two people
— Very straightforward, user-friendly setup/breakdown with single pole design
— Well-thought-out interior with numerous pockets and stash spots

Watch-outs

— Somewhat heavy/large for solo backpacking
— Fly vestibules can sag and are hard to keep taut
— Insufficient stakes or guy lines for proper fly tension

$369 · Buy at rei.com Full review →

How they stack up

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.

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus stands out for its exceptional interior space and user-friendly single-pole design, making it superior to the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P and Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 for comfort-focused campers. Unlike the Base Camp 6, it avoids the issue of bulky construction while still offering more headroom than the OneTigris Stella 4 Season Tent, though it's less suitable for solo backpacking due to weight and size.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	REI Co-op Base Camp 6	REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus
Capacity	4P, 6P	2-person
Floor Area	84 sq. ft.	35.8 sq. ft.
Weight	20 lbs. 11.5 oz.	6 lbs., 3.6 oz.
Dimensions	9'1" x 9'1" x 73"	92 x 56 x 44 in
Peak Height	74 inches	42"
Doors	2	2 doors
Vestibules	2	2

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