The REI Co-op Wonderland X Tent is a unique freestanding SUV compatible tunnel shaped structure with 6 doors, top quality DAC aluminum poles, and 6 roof vents.
Key features & benefits
- Tunnel-type tent.
- Freestanding.
- Multiple awning configurations.
- Large vestibule/porch.
- 6 Doors.
- Aluminum DAC poles.
- SUV compactible.
- Storage pouches.
- 6 Roof vents.
Overview
This tent should not be mixed with their REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent which is also a tunnel-type but still a very different structure.
When I first saw this REI Co-op Wonderland X Tent, my first thought was ‘what a complicated tent’. But at the same time I realized how beautiful it was.
So indeed, the tent needs some work when you want to set it up, this is a collapsible construction with many poles. But the great feature behind this is its freestanding design.
You can understand this from the picture below that shows the shell tent and the supporting frame. So there are four loops that are a part of its tunnel shape, but note those X-crossed poles on the sides and those six ridge poles on the roof.
The X-crossed poles are on both sides, and they make the central part freestanding. The three ridge/roof poles on the front and three on the rear side provide tension in the fabric. This stabilizes the roof on the front and on the back.
But note also the ground straps, they play a big role in the overall stability. When you stake the base of the loop poles, this is a very stable structure.
6 Doors
The picture above also shows two openings on the front and rear sides, plus four on the longer sides of the tent. So these are the doors on the shell tent. Below you have a view through the tent with the back door closed.
Each of the doors allow for an awning configuration, so you can create awnings wherever you want. This may be convenient as the sun changes its position in the sky, you change the position of the awning for a better shade. The poles that you see in the pictures are not included.
Below you can see how the tent looks from the front when the door is closed. Observe that the fabric does not go completely to the ground.
The inner tent
When the shell is up, you attach the inner tent to it. Below you can see the rear side of the tent when the inner tent is in position. Observe that the three visible external doors are all rolled up.
The inner tent is with two doors on its opposite sides. Below you see its front inner door which is under the vestibule.
Now you realize that when the inner tent is in place, you have a large front vestibule which is fully covered and protected when necessary. So this is a great space for sitting and cooking, to keep all your gear, etc.
There are windows on the sides of the inner tent, and its both doors are also with mesh and panels. You can see this in the picture below.
So when the inner tent is in place, two of the shell side doors cannot be used, but you can still roll them up and have views from inside.
Other details
- The two end doors allow most 4WD wagons and small to mid size SUVs to back under and dock.
- There are plenty of pockets for storing your stuff. See how this looks in the picture.
- A recycled polyester duffel carry bag with shoulder strap and grab handles is included, the picture below.
- Separate stuff sacks for fly, inner tent, poles and stakes.
Materials
The poles & stakes: You have no less than 12 poles, and this is DAC MX aluminum. The diameters vary, so you have 6, 13.8, and 14.5 millimeters.
There are 20 stakes in the package, 16 reflective guylines with cleat-lock tighteners, and 4 additional guylines with cleat-lock tighteners. A pole repair sleeve is included.
The fabric: The canopy is a 75D coated polyester, the fly is the same material, and the floor is a much more durable 150D coated polyester. So these are durable materials.
As usual with REI, they do not provide the official waterproof rating so it is hard to rate it properly. But they write this is a silicone treated material with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, and with a PEPU coating that resists hydrolysis and mildew.
They also write it is titanium dioxide treated to inhibit premature aging from UV rays. You will want to know that the fabric is bluesign-approved.
Ventilation
You have already seen the doors and windows with mesh. They are all protected under the shell so you can keep them with mesh only all the time, unless you feel cold.
The fly does not go completely to the ground so you can always have inflow of fresh air from below. But they have also added vents above each of the 6 doors, so you have them 6 in total. They are visible in the pictures.
Note that the vents are not too high, so it is unlikely that rain can get in when combined with side winds. There is not much one could object to this design.
Who is it for
Regarding the area, the tent is officially for 4 people, and the inner tent offers 70.5 ft² (6.5 m²). This would mean 17.6 ft² (1.6 m²) per person.
But the porch is almost like a floorless room so here you have 38.3 ft² (3.5 m²). All in all this is far from bad, you will see below how I rate it.
Regarding seasons & climate, this tent is fully closable (see the picture below) and you have a very strong and stable construction. So I am convinced it can be used year round, no matter the weather or climate. But the manufacturer describes it as a 3-season tent and it is best to stick to this.
Regarding the weight, this is a heavy item with its 35 lb 1 oz (15.9 kg), so my rating is quite low. But this is a car camping tent and the weight may not be so important in any case.
The packed size is 27.4 x 14 x 12.8 inches (70 x 36 x 33 cm). You have seen its carry bag above, so manufacturers usually put it with some other item for comparison, but they show it at some angle so that it looks smaller. The reality is that the tent is quite bulky.
Regarding the price, it is steep, you will have a link below to check. But this is an excellent tent with great materials, and you have such a brand behind it.
Specifications
- Weight: 35 lb 1 oz (15.9 kg).
- Official capacity: 4 people.
- inner dimensions: 100 x 100 in (2.54 x 2.54 m).
- Inner area: 70.5 ft² (6.5 m²).
- Inner area per person: 17.6 ft² (1.6 m²).
- Porch area: 38.3 ft² (3.5 m²).
- Peak height: 75 in (191 cm).
- Packed size: 27.4 x 14 x 12.8 in (70 x 36 x 33 cm).
Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons
In summary, this REI Co-op Wonderland X Tent really looks great, and it is also very functional and pleasant with all its doors, windows, and its large porch.
You have top quality materials, and the craftsmanship is at a high level. Fully recommended. I have included this tent in my list of best 4-person family camping tents and also in the list of best tunnel tents.
Below you can see how this tent stands against my standard rating criteria that I apply consistently to all them here in the site, so that you can easily compare:
REI Co-op Wonderland X Tent
Pros
- Full protection.
- Great porch.
- Multiple doors.
- DAC poles.
- Unique design.
- Freestanding.
Cons
- Heavy.
- Expensive.
- Bulky.
BEST PLACEs TO BUY:
For more tents of this shape please check in the category Tents for 4 people. For more tents from this brand, see my separate list with REI camping 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.
Could this be set up right over the typical campsite picnic table? If this is possible, how about mosquito control?
I assume you mean that the picnic table comes under the porch. I think the porch is too narrow for this. You could not close it and therefore you would not be protected from flying insects.
How long would it take one person to set up?
It is best to do this with somebody, in this case plan 15 minutes for the work.