Best of the Best: Base Camp 6 Tent vs Limestone 6P Tent
Base Camp 6 Tent vs Limestone 6P Tent
Our #1 and #2 picks from The 10 Best Car Camping Tents for Roomy Family and Basecamp Adventures, compared spec-by-spec with clear pros, cons, and a verdict.
Choosing the right tent for car camping with family or friends often comes down to balancing space, ease of use, and durability. Two popular contenders in the 6-person category, the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 and the Marmot Limestone 6P, offer distinct advantages. The REI Base Camp 6 is renowned for its robust construction and intuitive setup, making it a reliable shelter in varied conditions. The Marmot Limestone 6P, on the other hand, emphasizes generous interior volume and thoughtful ventilation, aiming for maximum comfort during warmer weather or extended stays. This head-to-head comparison will delve into their specifications, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which tent will best serve your car camping adventures. Consider whether bombproof reliability or expansive comfort is your top priority as we break down these two excellent options.
Base Camp 6 Tent
REI Co-op
The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is our top pick for families and groups who prioritize robust weather protection and excellent livability. This tent doesn't mess around; it's built to withstand a serious storm while offering generous headroom and floor space for up to six people, though we think it's most comfortable for four to five with gear. The two large D-shaped doors, each with a vestibule, make entry and exit smooth, even with multiple campers. Construction is REI's standard high quality, featuring burly aluminum poles that laugh at strong winds and a full-coverage rainfly designed to shed torrential downpours. The tent body itself is a blend of breathable mesh and durable ripstop nylon, striking a good balance between ventilation and privacy. While it's certainly not light, at around 20 pounds, that weight translates directly into stability and peace of mind when the weather turns. Setup, while involving a few more poles than some, is intuitive thanks to color-coded clips and webbing. Its nearly vertical walls maximize interior volume, giving it a much roomier feel than its footprint might suggest. This tent is a long-term investment for serious car campers. **Highlights** * Superior weather protection with full-coverage rainfly and strong poles. * Near-vertical walls create exceptional interior volume and headroom. * Two large doors and vestibules for easy access and gear storage. * Ample ventilation with mesh panels and adjustable rainfly vents. * Durable construction with robust fabrics and aluminum poles. **Watch-outs** * Heavier and bulkier packed size compared to some competitors. * Higher price point, though justified by durability. * Setup takes a bit longer due to multiple poles.
Limestone 6P Tent
Marmot
Marmot's Limestone 6P is a stellar option for car campers seeking a blend of spaciousness, straightforward setup, and reliable performance. This tent consistently impresses with its excellent head height and solid floor plan, comfortable for 4-5 adults or a family of six, allowing plenty of room for cots or air mattresses. The large, D-shaped door and the rear door provide flexible access, and the two ample vestibules are perfect for stashing muddy boots or gear. Performance-wise, the Limestone holds its own in moderate wind and rain thanks to its sturdy, pre-bent aluminum poles which significantly increase internal volume and create those nice, nearly vertical walls. The full-coverage fly, paired with a robust bathtub floor, keeps the interior dry. Ventilation is well-managed with mesh panels on the tent body and adjustable vents on the fly, reducing condensation. While not the lightest tent on the market, its weight is a fair trade-off for its generous dimensions and durable build quality. Its thoughtful design, from interior pockets to lamp-shade pockets, makes for a very comfortable and organized camping experience. **Highlights** * Pre-bent poles create massive interior volume and headroom. * Two large doors and two spacious vestibules for easy access and gear storage. * Excellent ventilation with mesh and adjustable fly vents. * Rugged construction with durable fabrics and aluminum poles. * Intuitive, color-coded pole setup. **Watch-outs** * A bit heavy and bulky when packed. * Not designed for extreme weather, but handles most car camping conditions well. * Price is mid to upper range for car camping tents.
Spec-by-Spec
| Spec | #1 Base Camp 6 Tent | #2 Limestone 6P Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 21 lbs. 6 oz. | 19 lbs. 12 oz. |
| Capacity/Size | 6 person, 84 sq. ft. floor area, 72 in. peak height | 6 person, 83 sq. ft. floor area, 76 in. peak height |
| Materials | 68D ripstop polyester (fly), 70D nylon taffeta (floor) | 68D polyester taffeta (fly), 150D polyester oxford (floor) |
| Price Tier | Mid-to-High | Mid-to-High |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (REI Co-op membership benefit) | Limited lifetime |
| Best Use | Car camping, family camping, 3-season | Car camping, family camping, 3-season |
| Portability | Bulky packed size, heavier | Bulky packed size, lighter |
| Durability | Very high, robust poles, thick floor | High, durable floor, good quality fabrics |
| Feature Highlights | Two large doors, vestibules, ample interior pockets, durable construction, intuitive setup | Two large D-shaped doors, two vestibules, 'kneewall' design for vertical walls, lamp shade pocket, excellent ventilation |
Base Camp 6 Tent
Best for: Car campers seeking a highly durable, reliable, and weather-resistant tent for all 3-season conditions.
Pros
- Exceptional durability and weather protection
- Sturdy pole structure handles wind and rain well
- Generous interior storage pockets and gear loops
- Intuitive and easy setup process
- Thick, puncture-resistant floor
Cons
- Slightly heavier and bulkier packed size
- Ventilation can be less optimal in hot, humid conditions
- Lower peak height compared to Limestone
Limestone 6P Tent
Best for: Car campers prioritizing maximum interior space, excellent ventilation, and comfort in milder conditions.
Pros
- Excellent head and shoulder room due to 'kneewall' design
- Superior ventilation for warm weather comfort
- Large doors for easy entry and exit
- Lamp Shade pocket diffuses light for ambient glow
- Lighter weight than comparable options
Cons
- Floor fabric, while durable, is not as thick as the Base Camp's
- May not stand up to extreme winds as robustly as the Base Camp
- Requires careful staking to achieve maximum internal volume
The Verdict
For car campers prioritizing bombproof reliability and robust weather protection, the REI Co-op Base Camp 6 emerges as the clear winner. Its thicker floor, sturdy poles, and overall durable construction make it a fortress in varied conditions, ensuring peace of mind even when the weather turns sour. However, if maximum interior comfort, superior ventilation, and a more open feel are your primary concerns, especially in warmer climates, the Marmot Limestone 6P takes the lead. Its 'kneewall' design genuinely enhances livable space and its ventilation system is hard to beat. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your camping environment and priorities. The REI is a workhorse, while the Marmot prioritizes a luxurious basecamp experience. Both are excellent, but one will undoubtedly suit your style better.