Camping in the winter is much different than camping during the rest of the year. With frigid temperatures and other conditions to deal with, it can be quite the challenge. But it can be done, and you can have an enjoyable time while doing it!
In addition to a winter sleeping bag, a quality winter tent is the most important piece of winter camping gear to help you stay warm and dry while camping in cold weather.
Today, we’re talking all about the best 4 season tents on the market. If you’re going to go winter camping, you need one of these tents! Our goal is to help you narrow down the options to a few of the very best. Our reviews focus on the weatherproofing, durability, ease of use, packed weight, and livability of each tent, with a specific emphasis on use in cold and snow.
So, let’s take a closer look at our recommendations for the best 4 season tents for winter camping!
Top Picks
Best Overall
Mountain Hardware Trango 2
Best for Mountaineering
The North Face Mountain 25
Best on a Budget
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 2
Best Overall
Mountain Hardware Trango 2
The Mountain Hardware Trango 2 is one of the best two-person tents rated for 4-season use.
It boasts a double-wall basecamp-style design that utilizes high-denier waterproof nylon fabric and featherlight aluminum poles. Two doors with dry-entry vestibules and snow flaps increase livability. Countless interior pockets give you plenty of spots to stash your most important gear.
The Trango 2 is notable for its overall versatility. It’s rugged enough for use on long mountaineering expeditions but still lightweight enough (especially when divided up between two hikers) for winter backpacking trips in mild conditions. The ample interior space is much appreciate when outside conditions are foul.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior
- Easy to Set Up
- Versatile Applicaitons
What We Don’t Like:
- Heavier Than Other Models
Best for Mountaineering
The North Face Mountain 25
The North Face Mountain 25 is a quality winter mountaineering tent that’s very popular among climbers.
The two-person, 4-season tent has a double-wall design and is specifically engineered for extreme cold and snow. It’s made from 40-denier polyurethane-coated nylon fabric and comes with featherlight aluminum poles. Two doors with vestibules increase convenience and livability.
The Mountain 25 is notable for its strong, rugged construction. It will hold up in even the most foul winter weather conditions. Plus, it will last for years on end, even with heavy regular use and abuse. Other highlights include ample livability, eight interior pockets, and excellent ventilation. Although this The North Face tent is ideal for mountaineering, it’s also versatile enough for milder winter camping use.
What We Like:
- Very Sturdy
- Excellent in High Winds
- Great Ventilation
What We Don’t Like:
- Heavier Than Other Models
Best for Casual Winter Camping
Big Agnes Shield 2
The Big Agnes Shield 2 is one of the best winter tents for those that don’t require a full-blown mountaineering tent.
This two-person, 4-season winter tent has a single-wall construction that utilities a lightweight three-layer design. It has a compact footprint, strong exterior pole design, and optional vestibule.
The Shield 2 is a popular choice for winter backpacking thanks to its lightweight construction, ease of use, and small compact packed size. For these reasons, it’s also an excellent choice for camping while cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- Breathable Fabric
- Optional Vestibule
What We Don’t Like:
- Cramped Interior
Best on a Budget
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 2
The ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 is a fantastic winter camping tent for those on a budget.
If you prefer not to dish out $500 on a top-of-the-line mountaineering tent, this affordable two-person, 4-season tent might just be what you’re looking for. It features a double-wall construction, fully-extended rainfly, free-standing aluminum pole system, and numerous interior pockets. This winter tent is lightweight and breathable but robust enough for ample protection in foul weather conditions, including heavy snow.
It’s all but impossible to find a budget-friendly winter tent that holds a candle to the Tasmanian 2. It’s the perfect cold weather tent for those that only go winter camping a handful of times per season.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Spacious & Stable
- Two Built-In Vestibules
What We Don’t Like:
- Heaviest On This List
Best for Mild Winters
GeerTop 4-Season
The Geer Top 4-Season tent is a great option for those that only go camping in milder winter conditions, not the extremes faced by mountaineers.
Although it’s still rated for use at very cold temperatures, this tent is much less robust than others on our list. It can definitely hold up to cold, wind, and snow, but it’s also at home for spring and fall camping as well.
The two-person, 4-season tent has a double-wall construction. It’s simple to set up in just minutes. It sheds off snow and rain with ease while holding up to heavy wind without a whimper. The interior of this tent is quite roomy, making it a comfortable place to hang out when outside conditions are less than stellar.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Surprisingly Lightweight
- Good for Spring & Fall
What We Don’t Like:
- Least Robust On This List
Winter Camping Tent Buyer’s Guide
Dozens of different winter tents are available. And there are quite a few differences between models. That’s why a basic understanding of the main components and features of a winter tent will help you select the best model for you.
Here’s what you need to know to buy the best cold weather tent:
Single-Wall vs Double-Wall
A single-wall tent has a single layer of fabric that acts as both the tent body and as a built-in rainfly. These tents are lightweight, easy to use, and versatile.
A double-wall tent, on the other hand, has to layers of fabric: the tent itself and a separate rainfly. These tents are versatile, breathable, and often more livable.
Although a few models are still available, most manufacturers have stopped making single-wall tents altogether. In the past, their chief benefit was their lightweight construction. But, today, double-wall tents can be made just as lightweight.
Seasonality
For winter camping or backpacking, a 4-season tent is all but necessary.
A 4-season tent is designed for winter conditions from the ground up. These tents are excellent in the cold, snow, and wind. Most models can even be used in alpine conditions, above the treeline. Their main drawbacks are a heavy packed weight and a lack of breathability (especially on single-wall models).
Some winter campers can make do with a 3-season or 3-season+ tent. Generally, these tents are suitable for milder winter weather conditions. If you live somewhere with only mild winters, this might be the best winter tent for you.
Capacity & Livability
Tent capacity is the amount of people the tent can hold while tent livability is how comfortable the tent is to use.
In my experience, the recommended capacity is often for the maximum number of people the tent can fit. For example, two people will fit in a two-person tent but are usually far more comfortable in a three-person model. This is especially true for winter camping where you have more gear and equipment with you.
Luckily, several features can make a winter tent more livable. A tent vestibule give you extra space to stash your gear and to change out of your winter hiking boots. A higher peak height is another factor that increases livability. Two doorways also makes a tent more comfortable for two users as each person has their own doorway.
Because winter tent camping often requires spending more time inside your tent, a spacious tent is a must. Furthermore, if you’re winter camping with a large group, it’s usually best to bring a tent that’s large enough for the entire party to sleep in.
Size & Weight
The packed size and weight of your tent is very important for backpackers. The tent must be small and lightweight enough to easily haul to your destination. That said, you don’t want to skimp on durability or waterproofing in favor of a lightweight winter tent.
Winter car camping doesn’t have the same size and weight limitations. You can pretty much bring as heavy and bulky a tent as you like as long as it fits in your vehicle. Do note, however, that larger tents are more difficult to heat up at night.
Construction & Materials
The materials and construction methods used for your winter tent directly influence its durability, waterproofing, ventilation, and much more.
Look for a winter camping tent that’s made with top-quality materials, like high-denier fabrics (including floors) and aluminum poles. A polyurethane coating rated for 100% waterproofing and waterproof seams, especially around the zippers, are also essential.
Construction is also related to the shape of a tent. The best winter tents have a dome shape to best shed snow. Steep sides help ensure that the snow doesn’t pile up at night.
Best Winter Camping Tent Accessories
A top-quality winter tent goes a long way towards an enjoyable winter camping trip. But packing the right accessories is also essential. These accessories will help you set up your tent, secure it in place during bad weather, and keep you warm at night.
Here are the most important winter camping accessories to consider:
Ground Cloth/Tarp
Almost all 4-season tents have a waterproof floor, but some 3-season models need a little extra help. A ground cloth or tarp helps provide an extra layer of waterproofing and insulation when camping on cold, wet ground.
Snow Stakes
Most tents come with stakes meant for mild weather conditions. But winter camping, especially mountaineering, often comes with extreme wind conditions that require a little extra oomph from your stakes. Snow stakes have over 10x the holding force of normal tent stakes.
Sleeping Bag
The best winter tents go a long way towards keeping you warm at night. But the right sleeping bag is also essential. Our complete guide to buying a sleeping bag will tell you what you need to know about buying a winter sleeping bag for cold weather camping.
Backcountry Shovel
A backcountry shovel has a lot of beneficial uses while camping in the snow. The tool helps you flatten an area to pitch your tent, build a wind block out of snow, and helps you dig your tent out if it becomes snowed in with a blizzard. You can even use it to build an emergency shelter like a quinzhee or igloo.
Winter Tent Heater
Seriously cold winter camping conditions often necessitate a winter tent heater. A portable heater provides that little extra oomph of heat that you need without safety issues. One of our favorites is the Mr. Heater Little Buddy.
Time to Go Winter Camping!
We hope our recommendations are useful in helping you choose the best 4 season tent for winter camping!
Don’t forget to check out our guide to staying warm for in a tent for even more cold weather camping tips.
Stay cozy and happy camping!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Since 2015, Jake has been the technical heart behind our in-depth content. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, he’s the one you’ll find crafting extensive gear reviews and detailed camping guides. With a decade of outdoor writing under his belt, Jake brings the beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains and his beloved Cascade and Olympic ranges right to your screen.
Cheri
Tuesday 24th of December 2019
Any suggestions for a 4 person tent?? I have two children I would be taking.
Jake Walnut
Thursday 26th of December 2019
What type of weather do you expect? For mild winter weather (including light snow), a normal 4-person tent like the REI Camp Dome 4 should do the job just fine. For more serious winter weather, the REI Base Camp 4 is a good option.
Climb Cure
Tuesday 16th of October 2018
With the winter coming, this information is amazing to get us ready for the cold weather. Thank you so much for putting together this super detailed guide on cold weather tents. Stay warm!!