North Face Wawona 6 Tent
Quick Verdict
Spacious car/basecamp camping for families or groups hauling gear to established sites, festivals, backyard sleepovers and other situations where interior space and a large vestibule matter
Backpacking, ultralight treks, alpine/winter mountaineering or solo hikes where low weight and rapid setup are priorities
Key Specifications
About This Gear
The North Face Wawona 6 Tent is a well loved tent for family camping adventures, offering ample space and improved airflow with a double-wall design. Its biggest selling feature is its large vestibule that creates extra storage or space for lounging and cooking during poor weather. However, it has less mesh than the Nemo Aurora, making it hotter in warm weather, and it's less durable and comfortable than slightly higher priced canvas tents.
Pros & Cons
Synthesized from expert reviews and user feedback
What People Love
6 positive findingsImmense interior space and standing-height ceiling for cabin-like comfort
Everyone agreesVery large front vestibule/gear porch that can store bikes, coolers or serve as an exterior living area
Most reviewersDurable construction (150D polyester floor, robust canopy and DAC poles) that stands up to heavy use
Most reviewersEffective ventilation for a large cabin tent via multiple vents and mesh panels
Most reviewers
Things to Consider
6 considerationsHeavy and bulky (roughly 19–22 lb packed), not suitable for backpacking
Most reviewersPitching can be awkward and slower than smaller tents (some 2-person setups required; updated clip/pin details feel fiddly)
Most reviewersSupplied storage bag is an open rope-style sack that many find lackluster or awkward to use
Some reviewersRelatively high MSRP (around $550) compared with budget 6-person tents
Most reviewers
Weather & Conditions
How this gear performs across different environments and seasons
Temperature Range
Performs best in moderate temperatures (spring–fall); not insulated for freezing conditions
Weather Performance
Climate Suitability
Excels In
- mild rain
- moderate temperatures
- coastal environments
- basecamp and festival use
Limitations
- not recommended for winter/snow camping
- partial rainfly can allow water ingress in sustained horizontal rain
- heavy and bulky for non-vehicle approaches
What People Are Saying
Aggregated insights from expert reviews and user feedback
Users overwhelmingly praise the Wawona for its space, durability, and family-friendly features; complaints focus on its weight, setup fiddliness, and the supplied storage bag. Overall sentiment is strongly positive for car/basecamp use.
What Users Love
- durable fabric and poles
- spacious interior
- good ventilation for its size
Common Concerns
- heavy/bulky
- difficult or slower setup
- storage bag design is awkward
- Owners report long-term durability and few systemic failures; occasional stuck zippers or minor seam wear reported but rare
runs large
2-year limited warranty from The North Face; no widespread complaints about claim handling found
Expert Reviews
The go-to tent for gear-laden campers; spacious, durable, very family friendlyRead full review →
No tent in our test matched the functional spaciousness; best overall camping tentRead full review →
A true basecamp tent with an almost impossibly large vestibule and top-quality fabric and polesRead full review →
Care & Maintenance
Keep your gear performing at its best with these tips
Maintenance Tips
Keep it in top condition- dry fully before storage
- clean with sponge/no machine wash
- store loosely in a cool dry place
- use a footprint to protect the floor and reapply DWR as needed
Watch Out For
Known issues to monitor- occasional stuck zipper or minor seam wear in high abrasion spots
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this gear
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