The North Face Wawona 6

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, nylon-clad world of the North Face Wawona 6 tent. Now, I know what you're thinking: "A tent review? Humorous? Is this person okay?" And to that, I say, have you ever spent three weeks battling rogue squirrels for your granola bars from inside a leaky, claustrophobic nylon prison? If so, you'll understand the need for a little levity in the sometimes-soggy world of outdoor gear.

So, grab your favorite trail mix (preferably squirrel-proof), and let's get down to brass tacks about the Wawona 6 – a tent that promises palatial living for you and your camping companions, or at least enough room to swing a cat… hypothetically speaking, of course. We’re all about responsible wildlife interactions here.

Let's Be Honest: The phrase "6-person tent" often conjures images of a sardine can made of nylon, where personal space is a myth and the rustling of your neighbor's sleeping bag sounds like a monster trying to claw its way in. The North Face Wawona 6, however, politely tips its hat at this notion and offers something akin to a studio apartment in the backcountry – albeit one with significantly more spiders.

First Impressions: Like a Tent Had a Baby with a Gazebo

Unboxing the Wawona 6 is a bit like preparing for a small-scale construction project. There are poles aplenty, a tent body that looks like it could double as a small bouncy castle, and a rainfly that incorporates what The North Face charmingly calls a "massive front vestibule." Massive is not an exaggeration. This vestibule isn't just a place to kick off your muddy boots; it's more like a covered porch where you could comfortably play a game of Twister, albeit a slightly damp one if you haven't pitched it just right.

The color-coded poles are a welcome touch, making setup (mostly) idiot-proof. I say "mostly" because there's always that one pole that seems to have a vendetta against its designated sleeve, leading to a brief but intense wrestling match in the campsite. Once erected, the Wawona 6 stands tall and proud, a veritable beacon of spaciousness in a sea of lower-profile dwellings. The 76-inch peak height means that even your tallest camping buddy can stand up straight without resembling a question mark, a feature that becomes increasingly appreciated during an extended trip when changing clothes feels less like a contortionist act.

Living Large: Pros of the Wawona 6 for Extended Camping

For a prolonged sojourn in the great outdoors, the Wawona 6 shines in several key areas:

• Space, Glorious Space: This is the Wawona 6's killer app. With 86.1 square feet of floor area, you can comfortably fit six adults (though, let's be real, four adults and their gear is the sweet spot). During an extended trip, this extra elbow room is a game-changer. No more awkwardly stepping over sleeping bodies or having your backpack constantly nudge you in the ribs. You can even create designated "zones" – a sleeping area, a gear storage corner, and maybe even a tiny "reading nook" if you're feeling fancy.
• The Vestibule: Your Mudroom, Gear Garage, and Social Hub: Oh, that glorious vestibule! At 44.7 square feet, it's practically another room. For extended camping, this space is invaluable. It keeps muddy boots and damp gear out of the main sleeping area, preventing the inside of your tent from becoming a swamp. It's also a fantastic place to cook during inclement weather (with proper ventilation, of course – we're not trying to hotbox ourselves with propane fumes). And in the evenings, pull up some camp chairs, and it transforms into a sheltered social area where you can swap stories and roast marshmallows without getting rained on. 
• Ventilation That Doesn't Quit: Large tents can sometimes feel like portable saunas, but the Wawona 6 boasts ample mesh on the doors, roof, and upper sidewalls. Combined with the two kickstand vents in the rainfly, airflow is surprisingly good, even when fully buttoned up for a downpour. This is crucial for extended trips, as it helps prevent condensation buildup and keeps things feeling fresh (or as fresh as they can be when you haven't showered in three days). The ability to roll back sections of the rainfly for even more ventilation on pleasant days is a definite plus.
• Built to Last (Probably Longer Than Your Enthusiasm for Camp Coffee): The North Face generally doesn't skimp on materials, and the Wawona 6 feels robust. The thicker denier fabrics on the floor and canopy inspire confidence, and the DAC MX aluminum poles are sturdy and designed to withstand some serious wind. For an extended trip where your tent is your primary shelter, durability is paramount. You don't want to be patching holes with duct tape halfway through your adventure (unless, of course, you're going for that rugged, "I survived the apocalypse" aesthetic).
• Organizational Savvy: The interior features a decent number of mesh pockets in various sizes and locations, perfect for stashing headlamps, phones, and rogue socks. There are also multiple lantern loops, so you can illuminate your palatial tent like a backcountry disco (minus the questionable dance moves, hopefully). Good organization is key for maintaining sanity during a longer camping trip. Knowing where your stuff is prevents the dreaded "where did I put my..." frantic search that usually ends with you emptying your entire backpack onto the tent floor.

The Flip Side: Cons of the Wawona 6 for Extended Camping

Of course, no tent is perfect, and the Wawona 6 does have a few drawbacks to consider for extended use:

• Weight and Packability: Not Exactly Backpacking Material: At around 20-22 pounds, the Wawona 6 is not a lightweight tent. It's designed for car camping, and lugging it any significant distance would be a Herculean feat (and likely result in a strained back and some colorful language). The packed size is also considerable, taking up a fair amount of trunk space. For extended trips where you might be moving      campsites frequently, the bulk and weight can become a bit of a nuisance.
• Setup Can Be a Bit Fiddly (Especially Solo): While the color-coded poles are helpful, the sheer size of the tent and the separate rainfly with its integrated vestibule can make setup a bit more time-consuming, especially if you're tackling it solo or in windy conditions. The pole sleeves, while contributing to the tent's sturdiness, can sometimes snag, leading to minor frustrations. Practice makes perfect, but that first setup might involve a few moments of bewildered staring at a tangle of nylon and poles.
• The Partial Coverage Rainfly: A Trade-Off for Ventilation: While the excellent ventilation is a major pro, the partial coverage rainfly does leave the lower portion of the tent body exposed. In heavy, sideways rain, there's a potential for some splashback or even minor leakage if the ground is saturated. For extended trips in consistently wet environments, this might be a concern, and you might need to be strategic about site selection to minimize exposure.
• Single Door on the Tent Body: While the massive vestibule has two doors, the main tent body only has one. This can sometimes lead to awkward midnight bathroom breaks where you have to clamber over your tent mates (and their strategically placed gear). For extended trips with multiple occupants, a second door on the tent body would significantly improve accessibility and reduce the chances of accidental face-planting.
• The Stakes: Could Be More Robust: The included tent stakes are fairly basic "L-shaped" stakes. While they'll do the job in most conditions, for extended trips where you might encounter varied terrain or stronger winds, investing in a set of more robust stakes (like Y-stakes or screw-in stakes) would be a wise decision to ensure your palatial tent doesn't decide to take flight.

Wawona 6 vs. The Competition: A Tent Showdown!

How does the Wawona 6 stack up against other popular 6-person tents for extended camping? Let's take a quick peek at a few contenders:

• REI Co-op Base Camp 6: Often considered a direct competitor, the Base Camp 6 offers a similar level of spaciousness and a robust build. It typically features two doors on the tent body, which is a definite advantage for accessibility. However, its vestibules might not be quite as expansive as the Wawona's, and some users find the setup slightly more complex. For extended trips where easy entry and exit are a priority, the Base Camp 6 is a strong contender.
• MSR Habitude 6: This tent is known for its high-quality materials and excellent weather protection. It also boasts a tall peak height and good ventilation. However, it often comes with a higher price tag than the Wawona 6 and might have a slightly smaller interior living space. For extended trips in potentially harsh weather conditions, the Habitude 6 could be a worthwhile investment.
• Big Agnes Bunkhouse 6: The Bunkhouse 6 emphasizes livability with near-vertical walls and a spacious interior. It often features a large awning-style vestibule. However, it might not be as storm-worthy as the Wawona 6 in strong winds and can also be on the pricier side. For extended trips focused on comfort and a more "home-like" feel, the Bunkhouse 6 is an interesting option.
• Coleman 6-Person Sundome Tent: A budget-friendly option, the Sundome offers decent space for the price. However, its materials are generally less durable, and it lacks the extensive vestibule and weather protection of the Wawona 6. For occasional weekend trips, the Sundome might suffice, but for extended camping, the Wawona 6 offers significantly better durability and features.

Final Verdict: Should the Wawona 6 Be Your Extended Camping Chateau?

So, the million-dollar question (or rather, the five-hundred-and-fifty-dollar question, give or take): is the North Face Wawona 6 the right tent for your extended camping adventure?

If your priorities for an extended camping trip include:

• Ample living space to avoid feeling like you're living in a nylon cocoon.
• A massive vestibule for gear storage, cooking, and lounging (a true game-changer for longer stays).
• Good ventilation to prevent that dreaded tent funk.
• A durable construction that can withstand the rigors of prolonged use.
• Car camping scenarios where weight and packability are less of a concern.

Then the answer is a resounding YES! The Wawona 6 offers an exceptional blend of space, comfort, and durability at a competitive price point. That glorious vestibule alone makes it a top contender for anyone planning to spend more than a few nights under the stars.

However, if your extended trip involves:

• Frequent campsite changes where weight and packability are crucial.
• Backpacking or significant hiking to your campsite.
• Consistently heavy rain and strong winds where a full-coverage rainfly is a non-negotiable.
• A strong aversion to potentially clambering over tent mates for nighttime excursions.

Then you might want to consider alternatives. While the Wawona 6 is a fantastic tent, its size and partial rainfly might not be ideal for these specific scenarios.

My Verdict (or Humorous Recommendation):

Picture this: you've been camping for two glorious weeks. You're slightly disheveled, smelling faintly of campfire and DEET, but your spirit is soaring. You retreat to your Wawona 6, that trusty nylon abode that has become your backcountry sanctuary. You stand up straight to change into your "cleanest" pair of socks, organize your overflowing gear in the vestibule (maybe even finding that missing spork!), and then relax in your spacious haven as a gentle rain patters on the roof. Your tent mates aren't breathing down your neck, and the air inside is surprisingly fresh. You chuckle to yourself, thinking, "This is the life! My other home could learn a thing or two from this tent… especially about the squirrel-resistant zipper."

So, dear adventurers, if you're looking for a comfortable and spacious home away from home for your extended car camping trips, the North Face Wawona 6 is a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for a bit of a wrestling match during the initial setup and maybe invest in some extra-sturdy stakes. But once it's up, you'll have a palace in the pines (or the desert, or the meadow… you get the idea) that will make your extended camping trip a truly memorable (and relatively comfortable) experience. Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear a squirrel plotting its next granola bar heist, and I need to reinforce my defenses. Happy camping!

Photos credited to The North Face Website:

https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/p/bags-and-gear/camp-shop-829877/wawona-6-tent-NF0A8BDV