REI Kingdom 6 Tent

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

Great tent. Decided on Kingdom 6 for size and fly set-up options, which I've seen on no other tent. Practiced set-up at home, once with help, then by myself very easily. (I am 5'6".) Have camped with it once, and set it up by myself in moderate wind with some gusts. Took longer just because had to tie on guy lines (which will now be left in place) and use max stakes for the wind, but then was very sturdy with almost no flapping noise. Easy to adjust tension. Two adults plus large dog will usually use it, as was case this weekend. Very roomy, fit two large self-inflating pads, dog bed, small (15x15)camp table, storage box, and still floor space left to lounge and play a card game. Appreciate all the pockets, the door(open/close using only one zipper, separate zipper for venting), all the options for setting up the fly, loops for clothes lines, "room divider" maintains privacy when fly rolled back to expose one "room" to outside world, or divider can be tied out of way. Like the built-in vestibule. Thanx to reading previous reviews, we took extra stakes and used them for fly in wind. Can see four folks being comfortable with some gear space, six if used to being cozy and using it just for sleeping. On set-up, do follow color coding so that end without vestibule has the waterproof door. Realized our mistake (fly on "backwards") after all set up, but, since no rain, didn't make a difference.

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

Just came back from a spring break camping trip with the kingdom 6 + optional vestibule in southern georgia. There are five in our little family with myself and wife, 5 year old, 3 year old, and 3 month old. Set up was easy, rainfly has great coverage without sacrificing breathability or livability, on the contrary, it goes out of its way to make it more so. The rainfly has an ample vestibule that held all of our gear and camping chairs while we were gone from the site, the sides of the rainfly roll up to increase visibility and it is very easy to increase the tension with the pull tabs at the base of each pole and the handy velcro ends at each tip of the top spine pole. The optional vestibule gave room for us to sit huddled and sheltered from the elements and allowed me to cook breakfast without getting snowed on. In short, it gives a lot of storage space (we could all put our boots on at the same time under it) and added weather pertection.
We had hard rain one night with some small hail, snow flurries in the morning then warm sunshine on the last day. Camping by a lake would have meant either high winds or lots of condensation. The first night was very windy 20-30 mph with gusts even higher. With the guy lines staked out, the rainfly hardly fluttered and the tent stood strong. The rain/hail didn't get through the tent at all, even with the wind, and no condensation in the morning! The next night was calm but chilly with a low of 32, but again, no condensation in the morning, fabulous.
I am 5'10" and can stand up everywhere in the tent, the tent stands firm and the walls are almost vertical. Plenty of pockets and loops for everything you'll need. The floor of the Kingdom is great, super tough coated nylon oxford, think NAVY gunny-sack material, super tough, but soft to the touch. We love this tent and look forward to many more hospitable camp-outs with it, but if the weather goes bad, we'll sleep soundly. Great tent.

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

The Kingdom 6 is a great choice for families or those who need extra room car-camping or travelling with dogs. This tent would also be a great base camp tent while rock climbing, etc. With three or less people, you could actually sleep on one side with the vestibule for gear storage and store as much gear as you've got in the other "room" if necessary. The tent itself is huge. Six people would be super cozy, but four or five would still fit with some extra room. You can stand up in all parts of the tent, not just in the center (at the peak height), which was a nice surprise.The dividing wall that separates the two rooms works well: it has a zipper down the center and a toggle hook at the bottom to secure it. When not in use, the dividing flaps roll away securely and are not bothersome. I like the two "rooms" because I travel with dogs and like that they can be separated from the other sleeping area (and our sleeping bags, etc.). The set-up is easy, and after the first time, you won't need the directions.There are two large doors, and with the rainfly, there is a large vestibule (you can almost stand up in it) that extends from one door. What the pictures do not show you, though, is that the other door has an awning extension over it; the rainfly does not extent to the ground on that side. The materials on the door are waterproofed, and the zippers are covered by waterproof flaps. My only complaint is that in a real storm, that side might take on water. You can buy the optional vestibule for that side to basically extend the rainfly all the way to the ground, which would be preferable in a lot of rain. The extra vestibule is [$], though, and I think it's a bit much to pay when it could've been designed to simply include two vestibules. I've left the tent out in the rain and snow for three days now, to test the waterproofing, and so far, there are no complaints. It has rained steadily, but it has not been windy. So far, the awning has done its job.Overall, this is a great tent for summer car camping, and I believe it will offer a dependable amount of rain protection in moderate conditions without the additional vestibule.

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

After much research, and a side-by-side Kindom 6 VS Basecamp 6 inside the REI store in Dallas TX, I choose the Kindom 6. I have four children and a wife who, before the Kindom 6, thought camping was Motel 6. This tent Rocks! Space: large enough for my wife and I to sleep on a Full size blow up mattress (again motel 6) with plenty of space at the foot for gear. All four Kids,ages 8-3,(we could fit one more) spaciously slept on the other side of the DIVIDER! The two door system is great however only one side has a vestabule, the additional one is[$]will purchase.) Pockets, Pockets,Pockets and a couple more pockets on the outside! Set up is a breeze even for a novice, you need to purchase some extra stakes before leaving the store, there is only enough for the tent, none for the guy wires? (which you will need for wind greater than 20mph) Purchase this if 1. you live in a 2,000 + sq foot home and you do not want to sacrifice space while camping. 2. Your home is going into forclosure, and you are looking for a new place to call home. 3. Your mother-n-law is coming to visit and the spare bedroom is to small for her,stuff and dog!

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

I'm primarily a backpacker and even when car camping I really don't like messing with big family tents. My wife and I got this tent with gift cards from our wedding with the intention of having a nice sized family tent that would last us a long time. We wanted a tent that would be roomy, easy to set up, waterproof, and easy to take down. We took our first trip with the tent this past weekend and were very impressed with it.You can clearly tell that the tent was well thought out. The storage bag has outside zip pockets for the stakes and guy lines. Inside the bag there are separate compartments for the poles, rainfly, and tent. Each has plenty of space so you don't have to refold the tent 5 times to cram it into the bag. Each piece went easily and neatly into place.Set up was the easiest for a family tent that I've ever done. It took us a bit to figure out that all the bottom loops were color coordinated so you know the orientation of the footprint and rainfly with the tent. The poles went together easily and we were able to set it up fairly quickly. The stakes are heavy duty, so they are not likely to bend. Everything seems really solid and well thought out. We referred to the directions a couple of times, but now that we've done it once they won't be needed again.The space in this tent is great. Both my wife and I are 6' tall, and we can both stand up straight inside the tent. Like most tents, when it says 6 man it is really more of a 4 man. 6 could be fit inside, but that would leave no room for gear and everyone would be cozy. We fit a queen sized air mattress on one side of the tent and had plenty of space on the other for clothes. 4 people can sleep comfortably in the tent, though there would be limited space for clothes and other items.We have yet to try out the waterproofing, it really just sprinkled some. The rainfly has good coverage and the tent appears to be well made. There is only a vestibule on one end, the other end is exposed. It is waterproof material, but this is the only area that causes me any concern for water proofing. They have the add on vestibule available for $100. My wife and I discussed whether we thought it was worth getting, but we kinda liked the easier access to the door on that end. We will see what we think once it goes through a good rain.As far as cons, I can't say I've noticed much yet. It is heavy, but it's not intended to be a backpacking tent. It seems lighter and easier to move than other family sized tents (the cheap ones you buy at the bait and bullet stores). We will see how the one end handles rain, but I'm not overly concerned. It is expensive, but it should last a long time and is much better quality. I would guess it would have a harder time with wind due to the height and steeper sides, but we have yet to test that. It appears to be solidly built.I've always been against family sized tents, preferring my backpacking tents even when car camping. This tent has won me over, I'm very impressed. It was expensive, but I feel like it is worth it.

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

I've been an avid outdoors nut and camper for several decades now. For most of those years I've used backpacking tents because they are versatile. I've been contemplating a larger tent for my 4x4 excursions, however, because I figured if you have a rig why not go comfort? My experience with large tents in the past has always been too heavy and difficult to set up for whatever little side vestibules you get in the deal. The search was on. Large domes and cabin tents all with multiple complicated pole threading or positions that require more than one person to put them up, heavy by sheer volume of fabric and one narrow area in the center of the tent for which you can stand requiring bending and kneeling to access the rest of the tent "side rooms". Enter the Kingdom 6.

I have to say, from the moment I opened the shipping box I was completely impressed. The carrying duffle design seemed very user friendly and I liked the fact that it had shoulder "backpack" style straps for easy carrying when faced with the dreaded walk-in camp sites. I couldn't wait to get it into the outdoors and see how big it actually was and how well it would perform in my rugged environments. I camp alone often so it was important to get a tent of this size well designed enough that one person could set it up quickly if needed. This tent delivers on point. The directions are very basic but that was ok as I usually find my own way that works for me. It took one set up to get it down enough to do it in the dark! I can set this tent up just as quickly as my friends with the traditional 3 person dome tents. Very important that you order the footprint as it protects the bottom of the tent but more importantly gives you a reference point while choosing a spot. This tent isn't for little backpacking tent sites. It's got some floor space. Everything is color coordinated which I LOVE. Makes it so much easier to set up. Black with black and orange with orange. The first time you get this thing up you will be excited about the head room. From door to door you have SPACE. Floor and head SPACE. The rain fly went on easily and quickly and its versatility is something I have never seen before. Very impressed. Oddly though it only came with 6 stakes and at minimum you need 8. 4 corner, 2 middle sides and 2 to hold the vestibule on the rain fly. In addition, if you encounter windy conditions you will need 4 more to stake down the guy lines on the sides of the fly. Really found it odd that all these stakes did not come with the tent. Big oversight on REI's part and seemingly a bit cheap but hopefully they have taken this issue up and bucked up to the need. That being said. Easy fix with a run to the sporting goods store.

First up, Big Horn Mtns, WY. On its maiden voyage it encountered some good weather. Very windy that night and the guy lines were essential. Very solid in wind. Barely a flap noise to speak of. I have to admit when I first set it up I didn't understand why they didn't put a vestibule on the other side of the rain fly as well. I got my answer as I sat in the tent and had a picture window view of the rain falling and didn't feel a drop. Not to mention, a second permanent vestibule would make the footprint huge and there have been times where space alone can dictate how big your tent can be so having the versatility is very handy. For the next couple of months I took it camping in the mountains around my home in Montana. I began to realize that some thought really went into this tent. From the easy pole design, maximized floor and room space, color, mesh lines and multiple pockets all well thought out. Kudos to the designers. The zippers seem very sturdy and even when the rain protecting flaps on the one door or the zipper on the rain fly get snagged, the fabric slips out with ease and no damage. With so much mesh, however, you need to be very careful when putting it up and taking it down. I've already gotten a few "runs" which don't affect anything other than I look at them and kick myself for the mistakes hard learned. It doesn't affect its function at all and that is what counts. Around midsummer I went with a friend on an extended trip through Montana, across Idaho and through Northern Washington to the coast. Sometimes we shared the Kingdom 6. The two room design worked well. I think they could have probably used the heavier non translucent orange material for the inner doors. The cost in weight would have been no big deal since this is more a car camping tent anyway but if the light was behind the person in the other side you could make them out defeating the purpose of privacy. Other than that the interior is very spacious. The pockets EVERYWHERE came in handy. The multiple loops all along the center were nice to have for hanging lights or a clothes line. REI could have put an additional tie back on each of the inner doors. As it is now there is one but I would think that one additional one lower on the tent side wall would help. Easily rolled the doors back though and the roll itself held them in the full open position. I did end up purchasing the additional vestibule for this trip as I wanted to have a dry place to store camp tubs etc for more than one person. I'm glad I did. (It DOES come with the stakes necessary which was nice to see and it goes on and off easily) I've seen reviews that have said it's not a very warm tent. I put to you that any tent this large would not be warm with just one or two people in it. It is designed for 6 heat generating bodies. 1 or 2 people would never be able to generate enough body heat to keep this type of space warm. Therefore, I bought one of those Coleman catalytic tent heaters. The tent heater did not work well without the secondary vestibule attached as the air simply rose up and went out the other end. With the added vestibule there is still a small area that can vent out the heat but it's minimal and does the job to make it comfortable until lights out. It did very well in the rainy Northwest and boy did we hit rain. The fabric keeps the rain out but is light and dries quickly when it's given the chance. I encountered no leaking or seeping of any kind the entire year. Currently using it to camp along the California coast (More paved roads to walk in sites here than my mountain off roads of Montana).

Packing this tent up is incredibly easy and I appreciated the extra room in the storage duffle so I didn't have to fight it in. Even has enough room for the footprint but I keep that out anyway for complete drying. A note on the footprint. It comes with a mesh bag that is incredibly TOO SMALL for it. I've tried many different ways of folding the thing and can't manage to get it in so I abandoned the mesh bag.

All in all… I brag about this tent to everyone. They've come to term it the Taj-ma-tent. When I've got it all set up… I have a foyer, living room, storage room and extremely comfortable bedroom. Car camping has never been so sweet! REI you get an A+ for superior design and materials on this one!

Service and delivery comments:

Prompt and quick. No issues.

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

We decided to upgrade from a smaller tent and after much research we purchased the Kingdom 6. I am very happy with the quality and design. The assembly is very straightforward and I can do it alone while my wife distracts our two young kids. The room layout is symmetrical with a zip down curtain in the middle. We tend to leave it all open for family camping. A queen size air mattress does fit on either side of the divider. We then used a twin size air mattress for our 4 year old. The remaining space was pretty tight but we filled that with a self inflating roll up sleeping pad for our two year old. That fills the length of the tent completely but there is a little extra room at the foot of our sleeping arrangement to get around. The vestibule was really great to serve as extra storage area and nice transition area for the kids to take shoes off. The amount of room is just right for our car camping family of four. If you want more space (or house more people) I'd recommend using the much smaller sleeping bag pads. We may ween ourselves off the jumbo air mattresses. Yes, you should pick up some extra stakes. When I was shopping I had a hard time getting a sense of scale from the pictures. I'm including a pic that should help. We really like this tent.

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

My family of four (2 adults, 1 6yr old and 1 9yr old) tried out this tent for the first time last night. Overall, I have to say we were quite pleased. There was plenty of room for standing and sleeping. The partition wall was great for privacy. I especially appreciated the abundance of pockets and loops to hang lights and fans from. Setup was a breeze with the 2 hubbed pole assemblies and the color-coded pole loops. The poles are also quite strong, holding up to the 20-30 mph winds we had last night.

Before buying the tent I was a little concerned that rain might leak through the door which isn't covered by the vestibule, but once I set it up I could see that there actually is a water-proofed flap on the inside of the tent that covers the zipper all around the door, so I think it should be ok.

The only complaint I have is that the tent only comes with 8 stakes which proved insufficient for the breezy conditions we encountered last night. Luckily, there were some trees nearby that we could fasten rope to. The high profile of the tent requires the use of the guy lines in gusty winds. I plan to buy another 8 stakes (6 for the guy lines and 2 spare) before we go camping again.

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

Bought this tent in March in anticipation of an extended road trip this summer with our family of five. In the past we've used smaller backpacking tents, or borrowed a bigger tent from friends. After looking at lots of options in the large family tent category we settled on this new design from REI. At that time there were only one or two reviews of this tent so we didn't see any of the warnings about using all the guy lines and extra stakes to secure the tent in the wind. On it's maiden trip we returned from a day of trail building to find that the tent didn't look quite right. Upon further investigation we found that the poles were bent (see photos) and in their compromised state just a moderate breeze (15 mph) caused one whole side of the tent to cave in almost to the ground. It had not been a windy day (we were working only a half mile away) so we were perplexed as to how the tent had been damaged. Apparently the large profile of this tent and the lack of crossing poles for structural stability makes it very susceptible to even moderate wind. We were very disappointed since we loved the other features of the tent - ample interior space and storage options, wall divider, ventilation, fly options, vestibule, etc. We considered returning this tent in exchange for a Base Camp 6 which appears to be more structurally sound. But after reading additional reviews of the Kingdom 6 and the recommendations for using the guy lines, we've decided to give the Kingdom 6 another chance - mainly because of all the other great features and the fact that we generally don't plan on using the tent in severe conditions. [...] We will buy the extra stakes and use the guy lines every time. As other reviewers have suggested, the extra stakes should be included with this tent.

Comments about REI Kingdom 6 Tent:

My wife and I retired 2 years ago. Since then we like to say that we tent camp for a living. We camp all year long and even though from Florida, don't mind being snowed in! We have several tents. Our 4 season is a Mountain Hard Wear Trango 4 so we know what quality tents are. We have a good 3 season tent, among others, from Gander Mt. that is almost like the Trango but is too small for summer. In the summer we will stay in one place for several days. After much research I could not find a tent that was large enough without being too large and truly water proof. When you camp for 1 - 1 1/2 months at a time waterproof is important. Then I found the Kingdom 6. I like the way the rain fly can roll up and easily dropped down when our Florida storms hit. I just received the tent and have only pitched it. While the directions say it is a 2 person job, I managed quite well myself in not much time. I haven't slept in the tent and haven't seen how waterproof it is but so far I am very impressed with my new Kingdom 6. It is a brand new tent and the concept is totally different from any tent I have seen. I put my faith in REI to ensure that I have gotten what I expected. A good, roomy, easy to pitch and waterproof tent with good ventilation. So far, I'm very pleased.