Rated 5 out of 5 by VESRS1 Best tent in the rain
We have used this tent for two camping trips so far, both of which rained about half the time. And by rain, I mean monsoon-like rain. This tent kept us completely dry with only the walls getting condensation on them (which happens in all tents even on nights when it doesn't rain). With two air mattresses and a large dog bed in the middle we had plenty of room for us and gear. I'm not sure it could really sleep 6 comfortably but it is the perfect size for 3 or so. We also purchased the LLBean footprint to accompany it, it is so much better than any tarp that I've used with other tents. The large windows provide more than adequate ventilation when they are able to be opened (not raining). There is also a tremendous amount of head room, it's nice not having to duck when you're going in and out and getting dressed. I also love the side pockets for extra storage of frequently used items and the hook on the roof for a small lantern to light the tent. It is also really simple and quick to set up, just make sure that if you're not tall you bring something to stand on to put the rain fly on. I'm 5'8" and needed to jump to reach the pole to attach it. I would highly recommend this tent, as I would with so many of LLBean's products. We have two more camping trips planned this summer and I can rest easy knowing that no matter what the weather is like, we will be comfortable.
May 28, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Kentuckian Just what I wanted
This is a splendid tent for campground camping. It replaces a Hettrick 10x10 that my family has used all over the US for the past 40+ years. Although slightly smaller in footprint, it has more space than the Hettrick (due to its near-vertical sides) and about half the weight and volume. I looked a long time for a family tent with no mesh ceiling with no success until LLB introduced this one. Tried one with mesh and couldn't seal it against the night cold. This tent is really tight again the elements when buttoned up, yet has large windows on all 4 sides when ventilation is desired. Absolutely no sign of leaks in rain, nor do I expect any, it is so tight. The footprint that we bought with it clips to the 4 corners of the tent -- nice. We also bought a cheap 8x10 green tarp for the inside to protect the floor. Haven't tried erecting tent in dark but would expect it to be difficult. This tent is a winner and should be around for a long time.
October 30, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by CarCamper12 Got us through a thunder storm
We are car campers, so the weight of this tent (when packed) didn't bother us. It has a very upright design which adds plenty of height. This helps keeps the walls dry from the rain (because they stand up nearly perpendicular to the ground). Plenty of room inside. Zippers are strong and don't get stuck in the wall/door fabric. Our first night in it, we made it through a two hour thunderstorm with no leaks--only a little condensation inside the walls.
The only reason we give it four stars is that it is hard to assemble unless you are at least 5'10''. If no one in your family is that tall, bring a step stool or a bucket to stand on.
October 9, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by
UncleKTM Great tent
This is a very nice tent. Tent set up was easy. However, pulling the rain fly over was a challenge for one short person. Next time I will drape the fly over the top before I install the legs!
September 26, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by LLBeanGirl53 Disappointed
I was extremely disappointed to find the Northwoods 6-Person Cabin Tent lacks "mesh" screening. Instead, there is normal window screen (I compared with every other tent in our group!).
We were woken up our first morning as the no-see-ums feasted on our exposed skin. To enjoy the rest of the trip, we kept the windows zipped (some still got in), and I wiped them off the inside of the tent every evening.
Unfortunately, I am returning this otherwise good tent. If you're planning a trip to ANYWHERE that you could encounter no-see-ums, don't purchase this tent!
September 9, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by pineclammer Almost a good tent!
This tent is advertised as having No-See-Um screen mesh in the door and window panels. Unless they have changed the definition of No-See-Um mesh over the last 30 years it is not No-See-Um mesh! The screen mesh was the same size as common household window screen mesh. Fine for flies and mosquitoes but NOT for the smaller biting flies!
Midges (no-see-ums) are a big problem in Maine, especially along the coast. There is NO WAY the screens in this tent could keep them out. I was surprised and frankly, quite disappointed to see the size of the mesh in the screens. In this day and age we assumed every quality tent would have legitimate no-see-um mesh in the construction. For our purposes the large mesh rendered this tent useless and we promptly returned it.
The rest of the tent looked to be very well made. Nice large diameter aluminum poles and it appeared the tent would have been easy to set up. Unfortunately we never got that far with it.
Hopefully LL Bean will make an easy change to the design of this otherwise nice tent and put some better mesh in the doors and windows. If they do, I'll buy one again.
If you camp where real No-See Ums are a problem you may want to avoid the Northwoods Cabin Tent!
August 23, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by MammaB Best tent ever!
I camped with our newly purchased Northwoods Cabin Tent for four nights and five days. The tent was very roomy and very comfortable. We had torential rains one night and not a drop came inside the tent. I also had the footprint tarp for under the tent, which was a great addition. Overall the tent is well worth the five stars . . . I have never had such a great tent.
August 15, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by SarahM27 Good, functional tent
This tent is very straight forward space. It pretty much only fits 3 twin size air mattresses. Set up was pretty easy with two people. I do wish it had mesh in the roof of the tent to allow for air flow especially when the windows and door are closed (ie when it's raining). The rain fly is a little sparing and I wish it was a bit more covering so you could keep the windows open at least half way during times of rain.
August 15, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by HappyCamperCT Awesome tent but...
We've been looking for a tent with a small footprint and good vertical space, and found it in the Northwoods. It's relatively easy to set up and take down - took us about 10 minutes after the first time - however the cross poles that hold the sides straight are a little challenging if you're under 5'8" or so. The matching footprint seems sturdy and much easier than resizing a tarp to fit.
We did have a water problem. Since there are no stake loops in the middle of the front and back of the tent, the floor billowed up in a rainstorm and allowed quite a bit of water to collect on the footprint. Also, the lack of a loop on the door side means you either need 2 hands to unzip easily or you have to hold the edge down with your foot.
On the plus side, the puddles under the tent never leaked through, so things inside stayed dry. And it's very roomy; love the corner pockets and the height; and the windows and full door give a great view and ventilation. All in all we love this tent enough to keep it and figure out how to overcome the lack of stake loops...without that problem this would be a 5-star review.
August 12, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by JensiclesMom Northwoods 6-Person Cabin Tent
This tent is fabulous and quite roomy. My son-in-law said it was easy to put together. The best thing about this tent is that I purchased it from LLBean. It did have a slight imperfection and LLBean happily sent me a replacement and a free return label to send the defective one back. Love buying from LLBean (it was much nicer when everything wasn't made in China or Vietnam but what can you do).
July 25, 2012