The drawstrings help keep the tent taut, but we wanted enough stakes to fully secure the tent.
Summing Up.
The CoreVibe Retreat 6 is a fully functional six-person tent with a spacious interior, sturdy construction, and a surprisingly low price. Affordable tents of this quality have become increasingly rare, making the Retreat 6 a standout among affordable camping tents. To fully evaluate this tent, we took a six-week road trip across eight states to test it in a variety of conditions.
We were impressed with the quality and utility of this tent. The height of the tent is a big advantage for taller campers, and the dual vestibule design adds an additional 14 square feet of storage to the already spacious interior. This tent is able to withstand all types of inclement weather, easily coping with torrential rain and strong winds. Thanks to its color-coded labeling system, the tent is very simple to set up.
However, the Retreat 6 is not flawless. It has limited ventilation, which can lead to stuffiness and occasional condensation. While the overall construction is sturdy, the durability of the fiberglass poles remains a concern. Additionally, it weighs over 22 pounds, placing it in the heavier category.
Quick Specs
| Features | Detailed Information |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CoreVibe Retreat 6 |
| Rating | 81.3/100 |
| Price | $280 |
| Recommended Use | Luxurious for 2-3 people, comfortable for 4, cramped for 5 |
| Weight | 17 lbs 3 oz |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 118 x 106 x 76 inches |
Pros.
- Spacious interior
- Easy setup with color-coded labels
- Affordable price
- Fast and intuitive pitching process
- Multiple sizes to choose from
- Quality carrying case
Cons
- Footprint sold separately
- Limited internal storage space
- Poor ventilation
Comfort.
The Retreat 6 has a spacious interior with a 70-square-foot footprint and a 76-inch top height, making it ideal for home use. Taller users will appreciate the headroom height and the ability to use it without bending over. The long brow poles add stability and keep the walls vertical to maximize the available space. While this tent can theoretically accommodate up to six people, there is limited internal storage space for gear.
Fortunately, the dual vestibule design provides an additional 14 square feet of space outside the main living area that can be used to store equipment. Nonetheless, poor ventilation can affect the interior, especially on hot days or humid nights. Rolling up the vestibule door would help, but this would expose stored equipment to the elements.
The interior is spacious enough to accommodate a queen-sized mattress, with extra room for dressing and even a chair.
Durability.
The main drawback of the Retreat 6 is its struts. Made of fiberglass, the struts are not as durable as aluminum struts and would be stronger if they could be thickened. After 12 nights of use, we encountered a broken shock cord on one of the poles while dismantling the tent. While we managed to repair the tent and continued to use it without further problems, the experience raised concerns about the long-term durability of the tent.
Overall, the CoreVibe Retreat 6 tent combines functionality, comfort, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for families and budget-savvy campers. For further information on durable tent options, consider exploring the key features and performance of the MSR Habiscape tent. # CoreVibe Summit 6 Tent Review
Build Quality and Durability
The CoreVibe Summit 6’s tent poles are of excellent quality and value for money, but to ensure longevity, proper handling is crucial. Avoid pulling on the poles to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the shock cord; instead, gently push the poles in and out of the sleeves for a smoother setup experience.The fabric material used in the Summit 6 is exceptionally strong, which is especially surprising considering its price range. All seams are taped for added weatherproofing, and the mesh on this tent is stronger than comparable tents. While the tent stakes are generally durable, some of them can bend in rocky terrain, so extra caution is recommended in rough conditions. Overall, the Summit 6 strikes a good balance between quality and price.
Weather Resistance
In terms of weather resistance, the Summit 6 performed impressively. We tested the tent in harsh conditions including heavy rain and moderate winds and the tent performed admirably. However, the Summit 6 does not come with a footbed, so we experienced minor bottom leakage during prolonged rainfall when tested without one. This is not uncommon for tents without a dedicated ground tarp. When used with a ground tarp, the Summit 6 did not leak even under similar conditions, highlighting the importance of protecting the bottom of your tent.
On hot days, when the rain cover is removed, the ample mesh panels provide excellent ventilation for a comfortable sleeping environment. However, when the rain cover is fully deployed, airflow is reduced, which on a hot day can make the inside of the tent feel warm and stuffy. The tent is designed to deal effectively with rain, with steeply angled walls that drain water efficiently. When fully tensioned, the Summit 6 stands up well to light winds and breezes, but high winds can pose a challenge, as with any large tent. In extreme weather conditions, it is recommended to pitch the tent near a windbreak.
Easy to pitch
The CoreVibe Summit 6 tent is very easy to pitch, even for solo campers. With a little practice, it takes less than 10 minutes to set up, or even faster if you have a partner to help you. Unlike traditional tents, the Summit 6 uses small pole sleeves in the corners to simplify the pitching process. Color-coded labels on one corner of the tent and rain cover prevent confusion during assembly. Although the taller height of the tent means that shorter users may need to stretch when securing the center clip, the overall setup process is simple and intuitive, making the Summit 6 one of the best in its class.
Functionality
The CoreVibe Summit 6 comes with some thoughtful features, but there is still room for improvement. The corner covers and colored webbing are excellent design elements that make assembly a breeze. The dual vestibules provide extra space for gear storage, which is useful when using a rain cover. A highlight is the spacious carry bag, which simplifies the packing process. The zippered design of the tent makes storage easy, and there’s no need to struggle to stuff the tent into a narrow bag – there’s plenty of room for both the tent and its components.
However, internal storage space is somewhat limited.The Summit 6 has only four small pockets, and over time they can easily burst or tear. While this doesn’t affect use, a few more sturdier pockets would improve the convenience and functionality of the tent. For more advice on essential camping gear, check out our essential camping checklist for your next outdoor adventure. # CoreVibe Expedition 6 Reviews
For a tent designed for six people, we’d like to see better storage. Additionally, the CoreVibe Expedition 6 is poorly ventilated. Without proper airflow, moisture can build up inside the tent and cause condensation, making it difficult to sleep even in dry weather. Adding more vents to the canopy would greatly improve airflow and alleviate this problem.
On a positive note, the Expedition 6 is equipped with a certain number of internal loops that are perfect for hanging lights or small gear.
Should you buy the CoreVibe Expedition 6?
The CoreVibe Expedition 6 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers or those trying family camping for the first time. Its spacious interior is perfect for taller campers, and the extra porch space is perfect for storing extra gear on long trips or when setting up camp.
This tent weighs about 17 pounds and is not suitable for backpacking. If you plan to use it frequently, it may be wise to purchase a fancier tent. However, for casual outings and family adventures, the Expedition 6 offers great utility and value.
The Expedition 6’s interior can easily accommodate a queen-sized mattress, and there’s extra room for changing clothes or adding a small chair.
What other camping tents should you consider?
CoreVibe Summit 4
The Summit 4 is slightly smaller than the Expedition 6, but is made with high-quality materials, has excellent living space, and has a high top that allows you to stand without bending over.
PeakEdge Horizon 4
For those willing to spend a little more, the Horizon 4 is a great option. While it’s officially a four-person tent, it offers a livable interior similar to the Expedition 6, but with fancier materials. If you plan on camping a lot, the Horizon 4 may be a worthwhile upgrade.
Expedition Max Sierra 6
At the high end, the Sierra 6 rivals the Expedition 6 in terms of interior space. It’s unique in that it’s equipped with a number of high-end features, such as a large vestibule that’s almost as large as the tent itself, which provides ample storage space and a higher level of comfort.
The CoreVibe Expedition 6 is a practical and affordable tent that is perfect for family camping trips or the occasional outdoor vacation. For more options, check out our Essential Camping Checklist to get ready for your next outdoor adventure.
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