Hey guys, if you’re in the market for a solid camping tent for the family or a group trip, I’ve rounded up five popular options that cover everything from super cheap quick-setup pop-ups to premium spacious base camp beasts. I pulled real specs, prices (as of now), and honest pros/cons so you can see what actually fits your needs.
Here are a couple shots of each one:
Wakeman Outdoors 2 Person Pop Up Tent
Coleman Sundome Tent (2-6 person versions available, this link is the series)
REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent
REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent | REI Co-op
The North Face Wawona 6 Tent
REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent (similar look to the 6 but smaller) (Images similar to Base Camp 6 – yellow/gray dome style, just more compact)
Quick Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Tent | Capacity | Packed Weight | Floor Size | Height | Price Range (USD) | Setup Time | Best For | Rainfly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wakeman Outdoors 2P Pop-Up | 2 | ~2-3 lbs | ~6.5 x 6.5 ft | ~3 ft | $20–$50 | 30 seconds | Festivals, beach, quick solo/couples | Yes |
| Coleman Sundome | 2-6 | 10-25 lbs | Varies (up to ~10×9 ft for 6P) | 4-6 ft | $60–$200 | 10 mins | Budget family/backyard | Yes |
| REI Base Camp 4 | 4 | ~20-25 lbs | ~8.5 x 8.5 ft | 6 ft | $400–$500 | 10-15 mins | Car camping, 3-season | Yes |
| REI Base Camp 6 | 6 | ~30+ lbs | ~10 x 10 ft | 6.3 ft | $500–$600 | 10-15 mins | Family base camp | Yes |
| North Face Wawona 6 | 6 | ~25-30 lbs | ~10 x 10 ft + vestibule | 6.3 ft | $600–$750 | 10-15 mins | Premium comfort, durability | Yes |
What I Like About Each One
Wakeman Pop-Up – Man, this thing is stupid easy. Literally pops open in seconds, super light to carry, and cheap as hell. Great if you just need something for a quick beach day or festival where you don’t want to mess with poles.
Coleman Sundome – Solid budget king. Good ventilation, holds up okay in rain, and the price makes it easy to grab for the kids or backup trips. Simple and gets the job done without breaking the bank.
REI Base Camp 4 & 6 – These feel like tanks. Huge amount of space inside, stand-up height in the middle, and that yellow color is easy to spot. Built tough for repeated car camping use. I dig the room dividers and gear lofts.
North Face Wawona 6 – This one screams quality. Super spacious with a big vestibule/porch area, excellent materials, and it just feels premium. Looks sharp at the campsite and holds up great in wind and weather.
What I Don’t Like
Wakeman – It’s tiny and not super durable long-term. Low ceiling, basic materials, and it can get stuffy quick. Not for serious multi-day trips with weather.
Coleman Sundome – Heavier than it needs to be for the size, and the cheaper ones can leak if you don’t seam-seal them. Not the most rugged.
REI Base Camp series – Pricey. They’re heavy to lug if you’re hiking in, and setup takes a little more effort than a pop-up.
North Face Wawona – The biggest downside is the cost. If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to justify over the REI options unless you really want that extra luxury and brand trust.
Final Verdict
If you’re just dipping your toes in or need something cheap and fast → Wakeman Pop-Up all day. Budget family camping that still feels decent → Coleman Sundome. Serious car campers wanting room and reliability without insane prices → REI Base Camp 4 or 6. Want the nicest tent that’ll last years and feel like a home away from home → North Face Wawona 6.
Would I buy any of them again? Yeah — depends on the trip. I’d grab the Wakeman for festivals, Coleman for the kids’ backyard sleepovers, and one of the REI/North Face for real family adventures. Let me know what kind of camping you do and I can narrow it down more!