The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent – a non-freestanding 3-season tent with aluminum poles and a huge porch. In this review, we’ll explore its features, design, materials, and how it compares to similar tents on the market.
Key features
- Aluminum poles.
- Huge porch plus vestibule.
- 3 entry doors.
- 2 inner doors.
- Many storage pockets.
- Non-freestanding.
Tent Design and Features
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent features an extended dome style design, with a main dome and a porch supported by an additional pole. This design makes the tent non-freestanding and requires staking to be functional. With a peak height of 80 inches (203 cm), this is a tall and spacious construction with a stand-up design and huge doors.
The porch area of the Kaiju 6 is incredibly functional and spacious, making this tent feel like a two-room option. However, it’s important to note that the porch area is floorless and meant for sitting and cooking, making it more of a mud room than an additional sleeping area.
The tent features a roll-up fly with integrated webbing that can be used to fix it in place, increasing airflow while still providing shade.
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent is a 2-layer tent, unlike the single layer design of their North Face Wawona 6 Tent. The tent also boasts a full coverage fly, providing complete protection from the elements. This feature places the Kaiju 6 on our list of tents with full fly.
See the cross-sectional view below, which is similar to the design of the North Face Wawona 6 Tent.
The cross-sectional view provides insight into the height and structure of the tent, with poles crossing at several places and the front pole going all the way to the ground. This design makes for a very stable and strong construction.
Floor Plan
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent is a 3-season tent that offers full protection from the elements with its full coverage fly. However, the tent may not be suitable for use in very cold or snowy conditions, and should be staked down properly in strong winds.
With a weight of 19 lb 2.6 oz (8.69 kg), the North Face Kaiju 6 person tent is best suited for car camping. The packed size is 32 x 10 inches (81 x 25 cm), making it easy to transport and store.
Tent Capacity and Seasonal Use
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent can accommodate up to 6 people, with a declared capacity of 25.7 ft² (2.4 m²) per person. The inner area is relatively small at 86.7 ft² (8.1 m²), but the tent features two vestibules (one of which is the porch), providing a total protected area of 154 ft² (14.5 m²). This makes the Kaiju 6 a luxurious option for families and camping trips. See the floor plan for suggested use of the sleeping area.
Seasonal Use and Weather Limitations
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent is a true 3-season tent, offering full protection from the elements with its full coverage fly. However, the tent may not be suitable for use in very cold or snowy conditions, as it does not provide high insulation. The tent has a waterproof rating of 1200 mm PU coating, which is not particularly high but is sufficient for most 3-season camping trips.
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent features a stable and strong construction, with poles crossing at several places and the front pole going all the way to the ground. This design provides excellent stability, making it suitable for use in mild to moderate weather conditions. However, the tent’s design is less strong with the fly on due to the large gap between the main section and the porch pole, so it may not be suitable for use in snowy conditions.
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent is a very tall structure and is not particularly aerodynamic, making it less suitable for use in very strong winds. However, the tent comes with all the necessary features for proper staking, which helps to improve its stability in windy conditions.
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent weighs 19 lb 2.6 oz (8.69 kg) and is best suited for car camping. Its packed size of 32 x 10 inches (81 x 25 cm) makes it easy to transport and store.
Tent Materials and Design Features
Tent Poles
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent comes with four aluminum poles, one of which supports the porch area. While aluminum poles are generally lightweight and durable, some users have reported issues with the durability of the poles in this tent.
Tent Fabric
The tent fly is made from 68D polyester with a 1200 mm PU coating, while the canopy is made from breathable 68D polyester. The floor is made from stronger 150D polyester with a 1500 mm PU coating, providing good waterproofing. The tent also features plenty of mesh for ventilation and to reduce condensation.
Tent Doors and Storage
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent features three entry doors, two of which are inner doors. This provides easy access and good ventilation throughout the tent. The tent also comes with many storage pockets, including a hanging tablet pocket, internal hanger loops, and a foot wiper.
Tent Design Features
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent is a non-freestanding tent, which means that it must be staked down to be functional. The tent’s extended dome style design provides a stand-up design and a spacious porch area, making it a good option for families and camping trips. The tent also features a full coverage fly, providing complete protection from the elements.
Tent Ventilation
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent features excellent ventilation thanks to its numerous mesh panels and large inner mesh doors. The tent’s fly also features several vents, ensuring good airflow and reducing condensation. While the tent has no floor vents, the inner mesh doors allow for plenty of crossflow, and the tent’s breathable polyester fabrics help to regulate temperature.
Additional Features
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent includes a range of additional features to enhance comfort and convenience during camping trips. The tent comes with over 10 storage pockets, providing ample space to store gear and personal belongings. It also includes a hanging tablet pocket and internal hanger loops for added convenience. The tent’s foot wiper is particularly useful in muddy or wet conditions, helping to keep the interior clean and dry.
Specifications
- Type: dome tent.
- Capacity: 6 people.
- Best use: camping.
- Weight: 19 lb 2.6 oz (8.69 kg).
- Trail weight: 16 lb 11 oz (7.57 kg).
- Dimensions: 240 x 120 in (610 x 305 cm).
- Area: 86.7 ft² (8.1 m²).
- Area per person: 14.4 ft² 1.35 m²).
- Vestibules area: 56.1 ft² (5.4 m²) + 11.2 ft² (1 m²).
- Total area: 154 ft² (14.5 m²).
- Total area per person: 25.7 ft² (2.4 m²).
- Peak height: 80 in (203 cm).
- Packed size (L x D): 32 x 10 in (81 x 25 cm).
The North Face Kaiju 6 person tent vs Competitors
When comparing the North Face Kaiju 6 person tent to similar options on the market, its high-quality materials, spacious design, and excellent ventilation stand out as major advantages. However, it is worth noting that the tent’s aluminum poles have been the subject of some complaints regarding durability. While the Kaiju 6 person tent is a more expensive option, its range of features and attention to detail make it a top pick for families and camping enthusiasts. That seeking a durable and comfortable tent for their outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Very tall.
- Quality materials.
- High-level craftsmanship.
- Very good organization.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- Complaints about poles.
Conclusion:
Overall, the North Face Kaiju 6 person tent is a top-notch choice for those seeking a high-quality, spacious, and well-ventilated tent for their camping trips.
Despite some concerns regarding the durability of the aluminum poles, the tent’s range of features and attention. To detail make it a standout option for families and camping enthusiasts alike.
