Therm-a-Rest Tranquility 6

Our take Families who want frontcountry comfort for staging backcountry adventures will appreciate the thoughtful features that make this six-person Therm-a-Rest palace so user-friendly. Giant mesh doors (67 inches tall; one on each end) open up to two 16-square-foot vestibules that are built into the tent canopy for a good transition between the outdoors and the tent interior. Which is to say, livability is extraordinary. Each vestibule features four mesh pockets, two corner shoe mats, and multiple hooks to hang wet clothing, making this behemoth good for kids. Extreme organization continues inside with 16 interior pockets and 25 tabs for hanging gear. Two zippered ports on the tent and fly walls allow for pass-through cords to solar panels. Bonus: A straightforward pitch meant one tester was able to pitch the tent alone—rare in this category. The stuffsack has packstraps, which are handy for hauling the massive shelter.

The details With a 66-square-foot floor, there’s legit room for six. Polyester (68-denier in the fly; 150-denier in the floor) create a durable shelter that stayed taut even after 2 inches of snow fell on our testers during a fall trip in Colorado. Ding: The 74-inch peak height is comparable to other basecamp shelters, but taller testers struggled with the sloped ceilings. For bonus living space, nab yourself the Arrowspace Shelter (sold separately; 8 lbs.; $300). This freestanding A-frame attaches to either end for an additional 75 to 95 square feet of adjustable, floorless space to stash extra gear, wait out a storm, or stay in the shade.

Trail cred “We were hoping for fall sunshine but got snow and 20-mph winds instead,” said a tester after a chilly weekend in Crested Butte. “The pitch stood strong. We never had to tighten or resecure it.”