REI is known for practical equipment and sharp looks, and the latest Kingdom 6 tent lives up to that and then some. “It takes a lot to decide it’s time to update an already popular product. It’s not a decision we take lightly,” says Chris Pottinger, lead designer for REI Co-op brands. “We gather information from our real-life members about what they love and what they’re still wishing for.” Designers added color-coding, a rain fly, poles, and footprint to make setup quicker and easier. To add stability and more headroom, REI redesigned the pole structure that supports the two doorways, adding poles that angle toward the center. They also created more options for add-ons like a sunporch and a mudroom.
Three Design Details
1. Setup
Putting the tent together is designed to be nearly self-explanatory, with smart color-coding across all parts showing which pieces
fit where.
2. Balancing Portability and Strength
The waterproof fabric and aluminum support poles vary in size to optimize strength and durability while keeping the package weight to just over 21 pounds.
3. Choose Your Exposure
Huge swaths of mesh paneling pair with a rain fly that can be staked, folded, and rolled into various combinations to control views and airflow.
This article originally appeared in the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of Sixtysix with the headline “REI Co-op Kingdom 6 Tent.” Subscribe today.
