Head-to-head · Best Camping Tents for 4

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 vs REI Co-op Base Camp 6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about lightweight backpackers seeking simplicity — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Camping Tents for 4

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3

4.6

4 sources$599.99as of Aug 1

Built for car camping but light enough for the occasional backpacking trip, the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 covers more ground than most tents in its class. GearLab praised its ease of use and weather resistance, calling it one of the most adaptable tents in their lineup, and CleverHiker highlighted how it holds up to wind and rain. The interior is small and the ceiling low, which rules out larger groups and taller campers. Couples and small families who want a simple, reliable shelter that's easy to transport are the fit.

Strengths

— Very lightweight at only 7.1 pounds, making it easy to pack and carry
— Quick to pitch and set up, taking just 4 minutes 30 seconds to assemble
— Excellent weather resistance with strong wind and rain performance

Watch-outs

— Only 42.5 square feet of floor space, too small for families of four
— Very low ceiling at only 4 feet, making it cramped for taller users
— Stakes not included with guylines, requiring users to supply their own

$599.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Camping Tents for 4

REI Co-op Base Camp 6

4.2

7 sources$549as of Apr 25

The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 is a car-camping dome built for weather first. Its reviews run from 2.5 to 4.7 out of 5, and the disagreement is mostly about whether that much tent is necessary: OutdoorGearLab rates the weather resistance and storage highly, Wired calls it well made with heavy, durable fabrics, and Camping Guidance notes it is overkill in fair weather and stuffy in summer. At 20.6 pounds it is for a site you drive to, not one you walk to.

Strengths

— Sturdy structure with traditional dome design and five-pole support system
— Full-coverage rainfly provides excellent weather protection for rain and colder conditions
— Generous interior space with two large doors and 74-inch peak height allowing easy standing room

Watch-outs

— Interior not as roomy as REI's Wonderland 6 model
— Mediocre ventilation leading to stuffiness in summer conditions
— Carry bag could be improved for better portability

$549 · Buy at rei.com Full review →

How they stack up

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is unmatched in lightweight portability and quick setup, making it superior to the Half Dome 2 Plus and Base Camp 6 for backpackers. However, it's less spacious than the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P and lacks the weather resistance of the OneTigris Stella 4 Season Tent, making it best for couples or small groups who prioritize ease of transport over interior comfort.

REI Co-op Base Camp 6

The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 excels in weather protection and storage with its full-coverage rainfly and large vestibules, surpassing the Half Dome 2 Plus in durability but falling short in ventilation compared to the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P. It's heavier and less portable than the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3, making it less ideal for backpackers despite its robust design.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3	REI Co-op Base Camp 6
Capacity	3-person	4P, 6P
Floor Area	42.5 sq ft	84 sq. ft.
Weight	7.1 pounds	20 lbs. 11.5 oz.
Dimensions	90 x 68 x 48 in	9'1" x 9'1" x 73"
Peak Height	48 in	74 in
Doors	2	2
Vestibules	2 x 18.75 sq ft	2

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