Several models out there that will do nicely. is sort of the gold standard in functional, well-made, well-priced family tents. Its Equinox 6 ($350) fits six, has a sturdy aluminum frame, and comes with a tough coated-nylon fly that sheds rain easily. Plus, it聮s all seam-taped, so all you have to do is buy it and take it camping. At Internet sites such as , you can find good buys on other Eureka models such as the Tetragon 1210, which also sleeps six but has somewhat lower-grade materials compared with the Equinox (fiberglass poles, for instance). But at $200 the Tetragon is perfectly suitable.
REI Hobitat 6 Tent
Hobitat 6 TentOne interesting recent addition to the family-tent world is , which of course is better known for its backpacking and mountaineering tents. But they make a top-drawer, six-person tent called the Moken 6, which takes high-end backpacking tent design and materials and scales it up to this 54-square-foot behemo-tent. It actually can sleep more than six, as it聮s designed to put three each in two side rooms, with a central common area for table tennis. Alas, the cost is $600, which is rather steep. takes the same approach with its slightly smaller (no table tennis area) Halo 6, for $450.
, meanwhile, can house you all quite nicely in its Hobitat 6 tent ($300). This is really quite a nice tent, with high-end materials such as aluminum poles and polyester rain fly, nice touches such as ten inside pockets, and room for a family. Plus it聮s a good-looking tent, with a little style as well as lots of room. It聮d probably be the one I聮d get.
The 2008 Summer 国产吃瓜黑料 Buyer聮s Guide is now on newsstands. Look for it online soon.