NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 Tent Review

Bottom Line

The NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 is a great camping tent for those wanting something spacious and easy to set up. We love the big door on the front and the fact that you can see out of the windows on all four sides – even when it’s raining. This tent is made with high-quality materials, so it’s ready to rock if a storm comes your way, and it’s plenty durable so it’ll last for many years if you treat it with care. You can get the bigger Aurora Highrise for the same price as the smaller version of comparable tents, so we think it’s an excellent value.

We spent six weeks living in this tent during a cross-country family-of-four road trip to ensure we knew every detail about its performance.

Comfort

The NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 offers a spacious footprint for a four-person tent, with 62.5 square feet of space. The dual vestibule design adds extra room for gear storage as well. We were able to sleep comfortably with a full-sized air mattress and a double sleeping bag, leaving just enough room on the sides to move in and out of the tent.

Anyone under 6’4″ can stand comfortably in the center of the Highrise 4, but as it’s a dome-style tent, the ceiling slopes down toward the edges. If you’re tall and want to stand up fully and walk around, you might prefer a shelter with more consistent headroom. Overall, we don’t mind the lower ceiling height near the edges, as our main goal is to get dressed and head out to enjoy the outdoors.

Durability

One of the reasons we’re so impressed with the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 is its overall quality and attention to detail. For the price, users want assurance that their investment will last through many adventures, and we believe the Highrise delivers. The heavy-duty 150-denier fabrics feel exceptionally durable and built to withstand rugged use. While terms like “150-denier” may not resonate with everyone, trust us—once you handle the Highrise, you’ll immediately notice the premium materials and craftsmanship that NEMO is known for.

In terms of durability, the Highrise is equipped with aluminum poles, which are both strong and lightweight. Unlike the cheaper fiberglass poles found in many budget tents, aluminum poles flex rather than snap, making them far more resilient in challenging conditions. This ensures that the Highrise is not only sturdy but built to last for many seasons of use, even in harsher environments. Whether you’re setting up in windy conditions or packing it for multiple trips, the Highrise feels solid and dependable.

Weather Resistance

Large tents often struggle in high winds, but thanks to the dome-style design of the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4, we found it to be more stable in exposed locations compared to many of its competitors. In light to moderate winds, the Highrise holds up exceptionally well. We encountered high winds (40-50+ mph) only once, and while the tent held its ground without any structural issues, there was some noise—typical for most tents in those conditions.

During our time in the Highrise, we camped through intense Colorado thunderstorms and were impressed with its weather resistance. We didn’t experience any leakage, thanks to the high-quality rainfly that provides excellent coverage and the durable bathtub-style floor. The seams are taped in all exposed areas, adding to its weatherproof performance. Additionally, the Highrise handles heat well, thanks to its excellent ventilation, which ensures airflow and keeps the interior comfortable even in warm weather.

Ease of Setup

One of the things we like most about the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 is how easy it is to pitch. The pole structure is simple and straightforward, with color coding to eliminate any guesswork when orienting the pieces. Like most dome tents, two long poles cross at the peak and anchor into the four corners.

After that, two short poles slip into sleeves over the doors to pull the walls taut and maximize space. It only takes a few minutes to set up this tent with a partner, and we found the process intuitive the first time we tried it. For added convenience, there’s a handy setup diagram printed on the tag in the stuff sack, making it even easier to get everything right on your first try. Whether you’re an experienced camper or new to the outdoors, the Aurora Highrise 4’s quick setup is a big plus.

Features

The NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 has the features you’d expect from a $400 tent—and then some. One standout feature is the excellent ventilation. Proper airflow is crucial for keeping the interior comfortable and minimizing condensation, and the Highrise excels here with mesh windows on all sides. This design allows for fresh air to circulate freely, whether it’s hot and sunny or raining, and provides the added bonus of visibility in four directions. It’s nice to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings even when you’re inside the tent.

Another highlight is the oversized front door, which makes entry and exit a breeze. The door provides wide-angle views of the outside, and there’s a handy stash pocket that keeps the door fabric neatly tucked away when it’s unzipped. The tent also features a back door, offering additional convenience for moving around, especially if you have gear stored or more than one person inside.

In terms of interior storage, the Highrise comes with eight pockets, including a thoughtful nightlight pocket on the ceiling. This pocket is designed to diffuse the light from a headlamp and filter blue light, creating a soft glow that’s perfect for evening relaxation. While the pockets are a nice touch, we would prefer them to be positioned more conveniently for easier access from your sleeping bag.

Lastly, the dual vestibules are a practical addition, providing extra space for gear storage, so you can keep the inside of the tent clutter-free and organized.

Should You Buy the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4?

The NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 is an outstanding choice for campers seeking a durable and reliable front-country base camp at a great price point. With its robust construction and thoughtful design, this tent is perfect for those who prioritize stability and comfort in their outdoor adventures. The Highrise’s excellent ventilation makes it particularly well-suited for camping in hot or humid environments, ensuring a comfortable stay even in challenging weather.

While the tent has a few minor drawbacks—such as slightly less headroom for taller campers—none of these are significant enough to be deal breakers. If you’re taller, you might want to explore other options, but for most campers, the Highrise offers a fantastic balance of value, quality, and performance. This tent is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for a spacious and well-ventilated shelter that can withstand the elements, making it a versatile and dependable choice for front-country camping.

What Other Camping Tents Should You Consider?

REI Wonderland 4 Review: If you’re exploring other options in a similar price range and quality, the Wonderland 4 is an interesting alternative.

The North Face Wawona 6 Review: For those needing extra vestibule space and with a willingness to invest the additional money, The North Face Wawona 6 tops our list of favorite tents this year. It’s very livable, does well in adverse conditions, and is packed with features.