I’m on the hunt for a new 4-person tent with a budget of $400. I’m 6’4", so I need something spacious. I’m upgrading from an REI Co-Op 2-person tent and want a tent that’s highly waterproof, as it always seems to rain when I camp. I’ll be storing it in my car, so weight isn’t a concern. Any suggestions?
I got the Nemo Aurora Highrise 4P recently. It’s tall and spacious—perfect for someone over 6 feet tall. Haven’t tested it in heavy rain yet, but I’ve read great reviews about its waterproofing. It’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth it if you want comfort and space.
Check out the North Face Wawona or the Marmot Limestone. Both are super sturdy with taped seams and great for wet weather. The Wawona is taller at 6’2" in the center, but finding a tent where you can fully stand up at 6’4" might be tricky in the 4-person category.
I switched to the Gazelle T4 from a Coleman 4-man Sundome. It’s a big, durable tent, though it’s about 65 inches long when packed and weighs 30 lbs. I’ve used it in both light rain and a flash flood without any water getting inside. I’m 6 feet tall and have plenty of headroom—though at 6’4", you might be near the limit. It’s super easy to set up, and I got mine for $275 on sale.
@Paz
I’m used to tents with the tarp extending all the way to the ground. How do the Gazelle tents stay dry?
Sal said:
@Paz
I’m used to tents with the tarp extending all the way to the ground. How do the Gazelle tents stay dry?
Good question. The rainfly on Gazelle tents only goes partway down, but it extends over the windows. The fabric is heavier than most tents, so it doesn’t perform like standard models. There are plenty of reviews on YouTube showing how well it holds up in rain. I was nervous about water getting through the windows too, but I’ve had no issues so far.
If you’re car camping, I’d recommend going bigger than a 4-person tent—maybe a 6-person model. Gazelle tents and some Core or Coleman models offer good height, which might help with your 6’4" frame. Just note that Gazelle tents pack long, around 4 feet, so make sure it’ll fit in your car.
@Teo
I’m used to tents with a tarp that goes all the way to the ground. How do the Gazelle tents handle rain?
It might not be you, but poor site selection and tent setup can lead to bad experiences. Make sure you have a good ground tarp/footprint, and stake or guyline your tent properly. Also, check the tent’s ventilation—poor airflow can cause condensation inside. For tents, the REI Wonderland might be a good option. They’re on sale now, so both the 4- and 6-person versions are within your budget.
@Ashton
Thanks for the tips! I’ve been camping for about 20 years now. My setups are solid—it just always rains! I’m hoping to find a tent that can really hold up to heavy use and wet conditions.
Sal said:
@Ashton
Thanks for the tips! I’ve been camping for about 20 years now. My setups are solid—it just always rains! I’m hoping to find a tent that can really hold up to heavy use and wet conditions.
Got it! Good luck finding the perfect tent. I’ve moved to hammock camping recently—better for my back, but not everyone’s cup of tea. Hope you stay dry!
Gazelle tents are a solid choice. They’re spacious and handle tall campers well. The downside is the packed size—it’s long and might not fit in smaller cars. I have an SUV and usually fold down a seat for it.
@Asher
I’m used to tents with the tarp going all the way to the ground. How do the Gazelle tents stay dry?
Sal said:
@Asher
I’m used to tents with the tarp going all the way to the ground. How do the Gazelle tents stay dry?
The walls are solid, with minimal mesh on windows and doors. The roof is mesh but covered by a rainfly. Just make sure to fully zip the windows and doors during heavy rain to keep water out.
Are you car camping or backpacking? That makes a big difference in what kind of tent to get.
Scout said:
Are you car camping or backpacking? That makes a big difference in what kind of tent to get.
Car camping. The tent will be stored in my trunk.
The REI Kingdom (now called the Wonderland series) is a great option. I had the 4-person version, and it was super roomy with nice features like a divider for creating two rooms.
The Marmot Halo 4 is amazing. I’ve had mine for over 10 years, and it’s still going strong. It’s easy to set up, handles wind and rain like a champ, and fits in a standard suitcase. Highly recommend it!
I went with the Alps Mountaineering Taurus 6. It fits my criteria for weather resistance and durability. Might be worth a look for you too.
Check out Zempire Aerospeed tents. They have full rainflies, 80-inch interior heights, and are lightweight with a small packed size. Gazelle tents are nice but heavier and bulkier. Crua Core tents might also be worth considering.