REI Kingdom 6 Tent: Definitive Review (2023)
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Glad you found us here today – after detailed research and testing (more on that later) we’ve chosen the REI Kingdom 6 for our TopNotch Editor’s Award – and you’ll now learn just how good this tent really is.
As a bonus – We’ll also look at the Coleman Weather Master 6 person and 8 person versions.
In our definitive in-depth review you’ll learn about:
- How the Coleman measures up against the pack
- The patented weather resistance technology system – unique from Coleman
- Space, setup, and versatility of this great value tent
- Warranty
- Lots more…
So if you’re looking for a top-quality tent and don’t want to pay the earth, take a look at our TopNotch review.
Let’s get started.
- Capacity: 4P, 6P, 8P versions
- Dimensions: 120 x 100 x 75 inches plus vestibule area – 29 square feet
- Seasons: 3-season
- Weight: 21 lbs 6 oz
Bottom Line : One of the best large family tents at its price point
Pros
- Easy setup, premium build quality, best in class, roomy
- Tall and spacious
- Lots of pockets
- Adjustable room divider
Cons
- Fairly tall so may have trouble in high winds
- Lots of poles
Our Verdict: REI Kingdom 6 Co-op Tent
When it comes to large, family-style camping tents that embody subtle class, nobody does it better than REI with their Kingdom Co-op 6.
This tent is sturdy, functional, and versatile – basically, it’s everything you’d want in a large camping tent.
This one isn’t too flashy but it’s more than enough to get the job done.
Speaking of functionality, the Kingdom 6 has all the basic boxes ticked: inner ceiling zippers that can be used to connect the high ceiling clips easily – along with a host of other benefits.
We also liked the adjustable room dividers and the abundance of pockets – all of which add to the overall offering.
Hold on! There’s more…
You can take your pick from two further tent options – 4-person tent and 8-person tent.
For our final verdict, after testing it for potential flaws and weaknesses, we conclude that REI has designed a tent that’s truly great.
You get sufficient options and versatility in a tent you can rely on to give you a great outdoor experience.
Related: 11 Best Large Tents
Analysis Comparisons and Test Results
For years now, the REI Kingdom 6 has been holding the top position in our large family tent category. Not only is this tent well-designed, but it has a unique, barn-like shape that instantly gives it a distinct aesthetic appeal.
Even though it has tough competition from the Big Agnes Flying Diamond, the Kingdom 6 still manages to hold its own.
It’s the small details that are incorporated into its construction that sets it a class apart.
Its roof has small zippers that can be used to flexibly reach and attach clips to the higher, hard to reach spots.
But, there’s much more that this tent offers!
Let’s read on.
Value for Money
Priced mid range, this camping tent has excellent quality construction making it great value for money.
If you’ve ever bought a camping tent before, you’ll know this combo is hard to find.
Value for Money Rating
While there might be cheaper tents available in the market, with its combination of excellent features and top-class quality, the REI Kingdom 6 remains a winner.
Ease of Set-Up
The unique barn shape of the REI Kingdom 6 is its biggest pro, no doubt about it.
Our team loved it!
Heads up!
The entire tent is supported by a two hubbed pole set – one on each side. Additionally, the crossover pole further enhances assistance.
Ease of Set-Up Rating
The pole system might look a bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it it’ll become simple.
But, what about the total time taken?
It took us about 15 minutes to get the REI Kingdom 6 standing in all its glory.
It’s great when manufacturers take the initiative to incorporate small details to make their products easy to use. And, REI has done exactly that. The Kingdom 6 has small zippers in the ceiling of the main tent that make setting up the tent easier.
You can use the smaller zippers to reach the high ceiling clips on the tent which would otherwise be a difficult task. Just connect the remaining hooks, take a step inside, unzip it, and then start reaching through to connect the clips.
Furthermore, the inside height is massive at 6.3 inches. So, no hunching problems here.
Comfort
Expanding over 83 square feet, the REI Kingdom 6 doesn’t look particularly huge from the outside but as soon as you step in, you’ll change your mind.
Its innovative barn-style design makes the space feel very generous.
Comfort Rating
Generally, you’ll find 6-people tents to be quite cramped with 6 people along for the trip, which is why I’d recommend them for four people only really.
But, the REI Kingdom 6 is an exception – there’s plenty of space for everyone.
In addition to this:
The tent has a longer length design which gives you the flexibility to place three people on each side of the tent ensuring everone has ample space to lie down freely.
The inside of the tent feels cozy and inviting.
Fed up of untidy tents where kit’s left on the floor?
REI has the solution – so many pockets!
The Kingdom 6 has lots of pockets ensuring that storage will never be a problem for you.
How many pockets, you ask?
A grand total of 22.
The REI Kingdom 6 has deluxe pockets that run along the entire length of the wall.
So, you can store just about anything that you need.
Additionally, three pockets are housed on every corner with the final one on the roof.
You know what?
At each end of the tent, you’ll find a 360-degree door, which gives you plenty of space to move your mattress or any other camping equipment such as tables and chairs.
We loved that…
…the room divider of the tent has multiple sets of loops that can be connected to the dividing wall.
Using this, you can easily redesign the interior as you see fit.
We’re still not done!
This room divider also has a handy zip-up right in the middle.
Water Resistance
In terms of weather resistance: the Kingdom 6 does a great job, even during moderate rainfall.
The fly runs all the way to the ground and around the sides, while the vents feature a pop-up velcroed in the ceiling that can help increase the airflow.
Water Resistance Rating
Did we mention there’s a vestibule?
The Kingdom 6 has a further vestibule that can be used as an additional storage space.
The two zipper design gives you lots of flexibility: you can open one side of the vestibule to create a sunroof, use it as protection from side winds, or keep the sides up to mimic a cave-like entrance.
Moreover, you can also create a shaded front using a pair of hiking poles.
At one end of the tent, the fly only covers the outer edge. This makes it more exposed to the elements, which might be a problem when it starts raining heavily.
You see:
In case it does, you just need to cover the top edge of the door. This will create a drip line effect that‘ll shelter you from straight rainfall.
Securing the whole structure of the Kingdom 6 are three cross poles. You can use the guy-lines to stake down the fly. The multiple loops on the latter further secure the guy-lines to keep the tent’s structure erect.
Workmanship
REI has created an exemplary reputation itself for creating durable and quality tents, and the Kingdom 6 lives up to these standards.
For example – The rainfly has a 75-denier thickness that adds to the toughness, while the tent floor is thick enough to withstand any damage from the underlying rocks or tree roots.
Workmanship Rating
Also, the fabric of the Kingdom 6 hits the sweet-spot combo of durability and easy maintenance which is another plus.
At 14 mm, the two main hub poles can easily withstand strong breezes. Even though the accessory poles are comparatively thinner at 11 mm, they’re still robust enough to lend adequate support to the structure.
In addition to this, the seams are sealed to keep the inside dry.
Packed Size
The REI Kingdom 6 packs down to about the size of an airplane roll-on suitcase. But instead of wheels, this carry bag has awesome backpack straps to help you get it around.
Packed Size Rating
Our Final Verdict: REI Kingdom 6 Co-op Tent
What’s the bottom line?
You’ll have a trustworthy camping partner in the REI Kingdom 6 provided you care for it reasonably. This tent, along with its spacious and intelligent design, remains a top choice for every season.
Our Final Verdict Rating
Conclusion: REI Kingdom 6 Co-op Tent
REI Kingdom Co-Op 6 does pack a solid punch.
Whether it’s the high quality of the fabric used, the easy to install poles, or the unique and spacious structure – each one of these contributes towards a product that’s a resounding success.
If that wasn’t enough:
The tent has a one year warranty too! This will cover any potential defects in materials or workmanship taking the risk out of your investment.
On the whole: this large, family camping tent is well worth the investment you make.
If you’re looking for a versatile and practical family tent, then you’ll struggle to find anything better.
Over to you!
See out Top Recommendations below…
Or
Find the right size tent for you clan right here: 11 Best Large Tents2023
Other Versions: REI Kingdom Tents
In addition to the 6-person version of this camping tent, you can choose from the 4-person and 8-person models.
