The Best 6 Man Tents

The Best 6 Man Tents

Klaus Franke/Wikimedia Commons

There is more to choosing the best 6 man tents than merely opting for the largest square footage or lightest trail weight. Sure, you have to be able to carry the tent---most likely on your back---to the campsite, but when it comes to combining the belongings of six campers and ensuring their comfort, size and weight do not always guarantee the best product. Instead, the little interior décor items that store gear out of the way, keep it dry, and also keep it safe are frequently the most sought after attributes that separate a great tent from one of the best tents on the market. What's more, there are budget friendly options as well as more expensive tents that combine style with comfort and functionality.

Inexpensive 6 Man Tent by Sierra Designs

The Sierra Designs Bedouin 6 man tent combines a budget friendly price tag---in 2009 it cost slightly over $300---with an interior area of 76 square feet. Two exterior vestibule areas add another 35 and 26 square feet respectively, offering you gear storage space and also an added sleeping area for a seventh sleeper, if needed. At its apex, the tent stands 76 inches tall, making it comfortable for moving around inside, even when the tent is filled to capacity. Two doors allow you to enter and exit the tent to catch the early bite without waking the sleepers who have little interest in fishing, or children who need to catch some much needed rest. The whole tent weighs a little over 18 pounds, making it heavy but not impossible to carry on your back to the campsite.

Cost Effective Tent with Interior Extras by Kelty

If you enjoy thoughtful interior design, the Kelty Lounge 6 man tent is an excellent choice. Priced in 2009 at $400, it offers an interior sleeping area of 112 square feet. An exterior vestibule offers 26 square feet of storage for gear and clothing. At its highest point, the tent stands 74 inches tall. Two doors and four mesh windows allow for plenty of airflow and easy access. What makes the Kelty tent one of the best is the attention to detail. A gear shelf and gear loops make organizing the belongings of six sleepers quick and easy. Internal storage pockets protect valuables and also keep wallets and jewelry from getting lost in the shuffle.

Two Room Tent by Sierra Designs for Families with Children

The best 6 man tents for a family with children are those which offer a bit of privacy while still keeping all the sleepers close together. The Sierra Designs Wu Hu Annex 4+2 person tent provides just this kind of flexibility. In 2009, this tent sells for $470. The interior features two sleeping areas, at 57 and 42 square feet respectively. Two vestibule areas provide lots of storage space, with and additional 11 and 14 square feet. Although the tent does not stand as tall as other 6 man tents---69 inches at its apex---the room division prevents overcrowding and still makes it comfortable for moving around. This tent is excellent for parents and their children, parties that include a couple and single campers, or coed campers.

Article Written By Sylvia Cochran

Based in the Los Angeles area, Sylvia Cochran is a seasoned freelance writer focusing on home and garden, travel and parenting articles. Her work has appeared in "Families Online Magazine" and assorted print and Internet publications.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword