The REI Co-op Westward 6 Tent is an extended dome type tall tent with two doors and two windows, one large vestibule, and aluminum poles.
Key features & benefits
- Extended dome type tent.
- Very tall.
- Two doors.
- Two windows.
- Large vestibule.
- Aluminum poles.
- Multiple wall pockets.
- E-cable port.
What this is about
This REI Co-op Westward 6 Tent is from their new series. It can be described as an extended dome type due to the fact that there is an extra pole that supports a large vestibule.
The inner tent is a very typical dome structure, self-supporting and freestanding as you realize from the picture below that shows it without the fly. Note that they added the brow pole that makes one of the doors vertical, and it also adds volume inside.
For a dome tent, it is quite tall with its 77 inches (196 cm) peak height in the center. The brow pole raises the canopy behind the door, for many people this is a stand-up height.
The fly is a partial coverage type. On the rear and partly also on the sides it does not go completely to the ground. Observe that there is an additional loop pole that is added to support the front part of the fly.
Awning and vestibule
The front door flap is with two zippers, so it allows for an awning configuration as in the picture below. For this you can use a pair of your trekking poles, or order the REI Co-op Adjustable Tarp Poles (item #845322; not included). This adds additional covered space for sitting in the shade.
The vestibule created here is very large, it offers 35.1 ft² (3.3 m²) of the protected area. You can use two camping chairs to sit, and the space can be used for cooking and storage. If it is windy, you can roll the flap up and keep above the door as in the picture:
On the rear side, there is a short pole that creates only a small brim for a dry entry.
Doors and windows
The tent has two large doors on the opposite sides. You see in the picture below how they look. The rear door on the inner tent is without the brow pole, but there is one pole used for the fly as mentioned above.
Each of the doors is with two layers in the upper part. This is a mesh and a zippered panel, so you have two windows here. The fly covers the front door, but the rear side configuration is different so you have rear views all the time. The front window is deep under the vestibule and it can be kept open all the time.
Other details
This tent offers multiple low and high pockets, inside and under the vestibule. You can see the low pockets in the pictures above and below. There is also a zippered cable port:
Some of them are used to put the door when you unzip it almost completely:
There is also a lantern hanging element at the highest point in the tent:
Materials
The poles: There are 5 poles in total, and this is a strong aluminum. The pole diameter is 11.8 and 10.3 mm. All is color-coded for an easy setup. Pole sleeves are on the canopy (the picture above), and the attachment on the ground is through grommets.
The fabric: The rainfly fabric is a 75-denier polyester with PU coating and DWR made without PFAS. So this is a durable material, but they do not provide waterproof rating.
The floor fabric is a much more durable 150Dr polyester with PU coating and DWR made without PFAS.
The inner tent canopy is a combination of taffeta and mesh. So you have the same 75D material and no-see-um mesh which is solution-dyed 40D nylon, DWR and made without PFAS.
All seams are sealed for weather protection.
The package also includes a storage bag, 8 stakes (clearly not enough), 4 reflective guylines and pole repair sleeve. The tent is compatible with the REI Co-op Westward 6 footprint (item #C03297; not included).
REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label. They claim that they actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across their business and support climate projects around the world.
Ventilation
For a dome tent, ventilation is not bad, the two windows on the opposite sides will always create enough air circulation. But the inner tent wall is taffeta on all sides, so a floor vent would be useful.
On the other hand, the upper canopy is mesh so vapor can escape but the roof is without vents. This is not a big issue because the fly on the rear side is high and with a brin, so this is an escape route for vapor.
Please see a bit more in this video:
Who is this REI Co-op Westward 6 Tent for
Regarding the area, the tent is officially for 6 people and it offers 80.8 ft² (7.5 m²) of the floor area. This means 13.47 ft² (1.25 m²) per person. The dimensions are such that it is very difficult to put even very narrow 6 pads on the floor.
It is best to ignore the official capacity. I see it best suited for couples or eventually for parents with one or maximum two small kids.
The vestibule area is generous, 35.1 ft² (3.3 m²), so this is plenty of space for gear.
Regarding seasons & climate, they describe it as a 3-season tent and this may be correct. But in view of the inner tent construction, it is not the best option in a very warm environment.
On the other hand the profile is aerodynamic and the tent will perform well even in moderately windy conditions.
It is disappointing that they do not provide waterproof rating. You can only guess what this tent can withstand in terms of rain.
Regarding the weight, with 19 lb 10 oz (8.9 kg), it is not bad. It is not designed to be carried long distances, so this is not a big deal in any case.
The packed size is such that I would describe it as a bit bulky, I use the same rating criteria for all the tents here in the site, so you will see below how it stands. But the carry bag opens wide so packing the tent is easy even if you are not really careful in folding the tent.
Regarding the price, it is steep. There are far more affordable options on the market. Check this Naturehike Kota as one example.
Specifications
- Weight: 19 lb 10 oz (8.9 kg).
- Official capacity: 6 people.
- Inner dimensions: 120 x 97 in (305 x 246 cm).
- Inner area: 80.8 ft² (7.5 m²).
- Inner area per person: 13.47 ft² (1.25 m²).
- Vestibule area: 35.1 ft² (3.3 m²).
- Total covered area: 115.9 ft² (10.8 m²).
- Peak height: 77 in (196 cm).
- Packed size: 27.56 x 12.4 x 9.1 in (70 x 31 x 23 cm).
Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons
In summary, this The REI Co-op Westward 6 Tent delivers tall headroom, two real doors, and a truly large vestibule that handles gear and chairs without feeling cramped.
Pockets work well, setup stays straightforward with color-coded poles, and the partial fly plus awning option adds real versatility for shade or rain. Ventilation holds up in most conditions thanks to opposing windows and the high rear brim.
It falls short on waterproof specs, carries a high price for what you get, and the claimed 6-person capacity misleads; realistically it fits two adults comfortably or a small family at best.
Weight and packed bulk suit car camping only. Solid for calm weekends or mild weather trips if you accept the cost and ignore the label. Check cheaper alternatives if budget matters more than the tall dome feel.
Below you can see how this tent stands against my standard rating criteria that I apply consistently to all of them here in the site so that you can easily compare:
REI Co-op Westward 6 Tent
Pros
- Tall tent.
- Two doors.
- Large vestibule.
- Useful pockets.
Cons
- No waterproof rating.
- A bit bulky.
- Unrealistic official capacity.
BEST PLACEs TO BUY:
For more tents of this shape please check in the category Dome tents.
Let me know if you have questions, there is a comment box below. Bookmark this site and come again, this will keep you informed, as you realize I add texts here on a regular basis. Thank you for reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the REI Co-op Westward 6 Tent suitable for car camping only?
Yes. With its weight close to 20 lb and bulky packed size, this tent is clearly designed for car camping and base camps. It is not practical for backpacking or long carries, even when split between people.
How does the partial fly affect rain protection?
Partial fly tents rely more on airflow and less on full enclosure. In light to moderate rain, the high rear opening and large vestibule work well, but in prolonged or wind driven rain, splash back and exposure are possible. A full coverage fly would offer more consistent protection.
Can the vestibule be used for cooking?
The vestibule is large enough to place a stove and gear, but cooking should be done with caution and good ventilation. Keeping the door fully open and avoiding enclosed flame use is essential to reduce condensation and safety risks.
Does the tall design make the tent unstable in wind?
Height always increases wind exposure, but the extended dome shape and aluminum poles help maintain stability. When properly staked and guyed out, the tent handles moderate wind well, though it is not intended for exposed alpine conditions.
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