MSR Habitude 6 Tent Evaluation

Bottom Line

The MSR Habitude 6 is a spacious family or group tent crafted from high-quality materials, offering an impressive peak height of 6’4” – tall campers, rejoice! With 83 square feet of floor space, it comfortably accommodates a family of four and can sleep six if you don’t mind a cozy setup. Known for its durable gear, MSR has designed the Habitude 6 to withstand the elements well, boasting excellent waterproofing. However, given its peak height, it’s best to pitch this tent in a sheltered spot if high winds are expected.

That said, there are a few downsides. The single-door design is limiting as a second door would reduce the hassle of stepping over sleeping campers at night. Ventilation can also be an issue if the rainfly isn’t fully guyed out since condensation may build up, but securing the fly tightly helps alleviate this. Lastly, we would like to see more stakes included – extra ones are needed to fully utilize the additional guylines provided with the tent.

This tent’s price point places it in the premium category, but given all its advantages, we believe it still offers great value for those looking for a high-quality tent packed with features.

We tested the MSR Habitude 6 over two months of late fall camping in the mountains and foothills of Colorado with our family of four. Despite the season, we lucked out with mostly dry weather, though we did experience some pretty intense wind at times—perfect for putting the tent’s stability to the test. With two kids in tow, we got to see how well the Habitude 6 handled real family camping life, from gear organization to late-night bathroom runs.

Interested in reading more in-depth reviews of some of our favorite tents? Check out our gear guide to the Best Camping Tents of 2024.

Comfort

The Habitude 6 delivers outstanding spaciousness and comfort, featuring a generous 6’4” peak height and a large door for easy entry and exit, even accommodating those with mobility challenges. We found it offered ample space for our family of four, with extra room for gear and even an array of kids’ toys. Honestly, who needs 14 monster trucks? Fortunately, the dome-style design and taut pole structure maximize usable space, which allowed usto walk around and change clothes comfortably without needing to crouch near the walls.

The Habitude also features a modest front vestibule, providing extra storage for gear, a sheltered cooking space in bad weather, or, in our case, room for even more toys.

Without the rainfly, the tent has plenty of mesh for ventilation, letting in fresh air while allowing hot, stagnant air to escape. When the fly is on, it’s essential to guy it out fully and open the kickstand vent to maintain proper airflow; otherwise, condensation can build up overnight.

Durability

The saying goes, “you get what you pay for,” and the Habitude 6 is a prime example. Although this tent comes at a premium price, it’s backed by durable, high-quality materials that you can expect to last through many camping seasons. The 7000-series aluminum poles are built not only for longevity but also for better stability in windy conditions.

The rainfly, canopy, and floor are all constructed from 68D polyester—ripstop for the rainfly and taffeta for the canopy and floor. “D” stands for denier, indicating fabric thickness, and in this case, these materials are exceptionally durable. Though the technical specs may not resonate with everyone, the quality is apparent. From the body fabric and mesh to the rainfly and zippers, every component feels solid. With enough time spent in tents, you start recognizing the quality by feel, and this one passes that test easily. The zippers operate smoothly every time. Even after numerous solo and family camping trips—and with little kids who are famously hard on tents—the Habitude 6 has held up without a hitch, making it a dependable choice for frequent use.

Weather Resistance

MSR is well known in the outdoor industry for its excellent tent weatherproofing, and the Habitude is no exception. The robust rainfly performs admirably, holding up well through both torrential downpours and steady showers. The bathtub-style floor has also shown impressive resistance to water intrusion. However, as with all tents, it’s best to use a footprint or ground tarp; unfortunately, a footprint isn’t included with the tent and must be purchased separately. Overall, you can rely on this tent to keep you dry in most conditions.

There is, however, some room for improvement. The rainfly’s design leaves parts of the sidewalls exposed, which can become an issue in strong, sideways rain. Though we haven’t experienced any leaks, prolonged exposure to heavy rain could lead to potential seepage. Additionally, due to its tall peak height, the Habitude may struggle in high winds. If severe weather is expected, it’s best to pitch this tent in a sheltered location.

Ease of Setup

Large tents like the Habitude 6 are often known for complicated setups due to the amount of material they require and the need for durable construction to withstand the elements, especially in windy conditions.

Fortunately, the Habitude 6 is refreshingly easy to pitch for its size. Color-coded corner toggles allow for straightforward pole attachment, taking the guesswork out of the setup. We were able to pitch the Habitude solo; though, as with most large tents, an extra set of hands speeds up the process.

The tent uses three pole sets for the inner structure: a long pole set for the main dome and two shorter pole sets for each side wall. The tent body attaches to these poles with plastic hooks, which we prefer over the sometimes finicky pole sleeves found on older or less expensive designs. The hooks make setup much quicker and hassle-free, contributing to a smooth setup experience overall.

Features

The Habitude 6 includes all the features you’d expect from a $600 tent. The color-coded poles and toggles make setup a breeze, and once it’s pitched, you’ll find an impressive 11 interior storage pockets to stow extra gear. Additionally, numerous gear loops inside are ideal for hanging items like headlamps or wet gear to dry overnight. The tent also has a single kickstand vent on the rear of the rainfly to help with ventilation, though a second vent at the front would be a welcome addition.

A unique feature is the built-in “porch light” above the entry door, which is handy for entering and exiting the tent without needing a headlamp. When the rainfly is deployed, you can store extra gear in the modest front vestibule. Although we appreciate the added gear storage, the vestibule feels small for a tent of this size. Also, the tent has only one door and therefore only one rainfly entrance; a second door would enhance accessibility.

Should You Buy the MSR Habitude 6 Tent?

The MSR Habitude 6 is an excellent choice for families or groups seeking a well-made tent that can withstand the elements. The numerous interior storage pockets are especially helpful for families with children who often bring along small toys, knick-knacks, and other treasures. This tent also works well as a basecamp option, where extra gear might be necessary for extended day hikes, climbing trips, or fishing excursions.

Even though the price point can be a drawback, the Habitude is a worthwhile investment for frequent campers. It may not be the best option for those who only camp once or twice a year, but for avid campers who need a durable, long-lasting tent, the MSR Habitude 6 could be exactly what you’re looking for.

What Other Camping Tents Should You Consider?

For more options, please see our complete guide to the best camping tents.

The North Face Wawona 6:  If you’re looking for a large basecamp-style tent, the Wawona 6 is definitely worth considering. It costs $100 less than the Habitude 6, offers a slightly larger interior footprint, and boasts an absolutely massive front vestibule. Although it’s made of similarly high-quality materials, it has a slightly lower peak height and a more complex setup process.

Kelty Wireless 6:  If you’re looking for a spacious 6-person tent without a $500+ price tag, the Kelty Wireless 6 might be a great fit. At just $280, it’s a well-made budget option with a slightly larger interior and lower peak height than some pricier models, offering a generous amount of room overall. You’ll miss out on some features, but it’s a solid choice for the price.