Bottom Line: The Big Agnes Big House 6 with its companion vestibule creates an exceptional car camping setup that prioritizes livability, space, and quality construction. While it comes with a premium price tag, this tent-and-vestibule combo delivers on its promise of being a true home away from home for families who value comfort in the outdoors.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
The Big Picture
After multiple seasons of family car camping with the Big Agnes Big House 6 and its companion vestibule, we can confidently say this combination represents one of the best investments we’ve made in camping gear. True to its name, the Big Agnes Big House 6 is an unapologetically large and luxurious tent for families and larger groups, and when paired with the optional vestibule, it transforms from a simple shelter into a genuine outdoor living space.
Key Specs:
- Capacity: 6-person (realistically comfortable for 4-5 adults)
- Floor Area: 83 square feet
- Peak Height: 81 inches
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Packed Size: 26 x 16 x 8 inches
- Materials: Polyester ripstop fly and floor with 1500mm waterproof coating
- MSRP: $480 (tent), $140 (vestibule)
What We Love: The Standout Features
Exceptional Livability
The Big House 6’s defining characteristic is its incredible interior space and headroom. Peak height is also very generous at 81 inches (most competitors have ceilings in the 70- to 75-in. range), providing ample headroom to stand up and change clothes without having to hunch over. The pre-bent poles are brilliant design elements that pull the walls outward, maximizing usable space throughout the interior rather than just at the center peak.
Superior Carry System
One of the best features of the Big House 6 (as well as other Big Agnes offerings) is the backpack-style carry case it comes in. This isn’t just marketing—it’s a genuine backpack with adjustable straps and a clamshell design that opens to reveal multiple oversized compartments. No more struggling to stuff everything back into a tiny cylindrical bag. The modular packing approach makes car loading significantly easier, especially when space is at a premium.
Quality Construction Throughout
Every aspect of this tent screams quality. The DAC aluminum poles are robust, the fabrics feel substantial, and all seams taped with waterproof polyurethane tape provides confidence in wet conditions. The color-coded setup system makes assembly intuitive, and the attention to detail in features like the Quick Stash door keeper and storm flaps shows thoughtful engineering.
The Game-Changing Vestibule
The optional vestibule isn’t just an add-on—it’s what transforms this setup from good to exceptional. This optional Accessory Vestibule converts the Big House 6 tent from a simple structure to a cavernous escape from the sun or howling wind. The vestibule adds approximately 50 square feet of covered space, enough for camp chairs, gear storage, or simply a place to relax during inclement weather. I wouldn’t recommend getting this tent without the vestibule because it adds so much more space and a nice place to hang out during bad weather.
Real-World Performance
Setup and Breakdown
Setup is refreshingly straightforward, typically taking 10-15 minutes with two people. The color-coded system eliminates guesswork, and the pole-and-sleeve design is intuitive. Putting it away was incredibly easy, probably the easiest tent I’ve ever had to put away. The oversized stuff sacks mean you don’t need to achieve origami-level precision when packing up.
Weather Protection
While the Big House 6 excels in fair weather, it’s important to understand its limitations. The tent’s rainfly only covers the top and sides of the tent, allowing even light, misty rain to make its way into the doorways. However, the vestibule largely solves this issue by providing protected entry and exit. In our experience, the combination has handled moderate rain without issues, though we wouldn’t recommend it for extended severe weather.
Wind Resistance
The tall profile and large surface area can create challenges in high winds. Even with the tent staked out as tightly as possible, the sidewalls still flapped loudly in howling gusts. That said, for typical car camping conditions, it’s perfectly adequate when properly staked and guy-lined.
Ventilation
The full mesh ceiling provides excellent airflow and makes for incredible stargazing. This also makes it an excellent companion for stargazing—we enjoyed nearly unobstructed views of the stars. The dual-closure windows on both doors allow for customized ventilation control.
Minor Drawbacks
Zipper Design Issues
The most consistent complaint across reviews (and our experience) involves the door zippers. The zipper catches really badly on the little flap designed to keep it dry, though. It’s sewn a bit too close and just really prone to getting stuck. While not a deal-breaker, it can be frustrating when you’re trying to quickly exit the tent.
Price Point
The combined cost of tent and vestibule ($620 MSRP) puts this setup in premium territory. Big Agnes does sell a compatible vestibule separately, but it’s a steep investment at $140, bringing the total to a whopping $620. However, the quality and features justify the cost for serious car campers.
Wind Limitations
As mentioned, the high profile isn’t ideal for consistently windy conditions. The Big Agnes Big House 6 isn’t ideal for windy camping and I wish they had added some poles to reinforce the vertical sides.
Who Should Buy This
Perfect For:
- Families who prioritize comfort and space
- Car campers who want a “home base” setup
- Tall campers who need genuine standing room
- Groups who spend significant time inside the tent
- Campers who value quality construction and materials
Not Ideal For:
- Backpackers (weight and packed size)
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Frequent camping in high-wind conditions
- Those who primarily camp in fair weather and don’t need the extra space
The Verdict
The Big Agnes Big House 6 with vestibule represents premium car camping at its finest. Yes, you’ll pay more upfront, but the combination of space, quality, and thoughtful design creates a camping experience that genuinely feels like a home away from home. The livability factor is unmatched—being able to stand up, move around comfortably, and have genuine living space transforms the camping experience, especially for families with children.
The Big House is a cush, nicely-styled, fully-functional base camp for your large crew. While it has limitations in severe weather and comes with a premium price tag, for car campers who prioritize comfort and quality, this combination is hard to beat.
Final Recommendation: If you’re serious about car camping and want a setup that will serve your family for years to come, the Big House 6 with vestibule is an excellent investment. Just be sure to budget for both pieces—the vestibule truly completes the system and transforms it from good to exceptional.
Disclaimer: We purchased this tent and vestibule with our own funds and have used it extensively over multiple camping seasons. This review reflects our honest experience and opinions.
Backpacker Kitchen 
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