Sign in Pro
Best Four Season Tents
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Insulation
The reason someone normally chooses to get a 4-season tent is likely because they are thinking about maybe doing some winter camping, and they want it to be as warm on the inside of the tent as possible. A tent’s main purpose is to protect you from the elements. It may keep you somewhat warmer because the wind, snow, or rain won’t be physically hitting your body, but inside the tent will not be so much warmer than outside.
So, when trying to determine how warm a 4-season tent is, you should be looking at how good it holds up against the elements. You can pay attention to how thick or heavy it is, but you should also pay attention to how durable and strong it is. Do your research. Does the tent that you are about to buy have a history of not holding up good against hard winds? Is it a double or single layer tent? How good is it against rain, wi, d and snow? How much will the tent’s floor protect you from the wet ground during and after a thunderstorm?
Weather Resistance
Your tent may be strong, but you have to position it correctly if you can foresee bad weather conditions. When you pick a spot to set up camp, try to find areas that have natural windbreaks. For example, look for lines of trees that you can pitch a tent near that will help block the harsh wind. If possible try to put the door of your tent opposite the wind, so that it hits your tent from the rear. If the rain is being blown by hard winds into the door, then there’s a bigger chance of water seeping in through the zipper.
Some 4-season tents have two doors. If this is the type that you want you could protect your tent doors more from the wind (and rain) by getting one with an add-on vestibule. This is the part of your tent that covers the front entrance area, and some tents come with ones that can go over each door. People refer to them as a “porch” on their tent, and this cover is used for things such as providing a sheltered area where you can dig a hole to use for cooking so that you don’t accumulate all that heat inside of your tent. But they are also very effective in blocking the wind from your doors.
Water Resistance
If you talk to any experienced camper or hunter (especially if they use a four-season tent regularly in cold conditions) they’ll tell you that precipitation is one of your worst enemies on an outdoor expedition. What you want to do is get a tent that has waterproof walls and roof.
Lots of 4-season tents come with a rain fly. This is an outer layer that is over your tent that doesn’t touch it but protects you from the rain. If you decided to get a single layer 4-season tent, then you are pretty much inside of a rain fly. The only difference is you have a floor and a rain fly that is added on to the tent does not. A rainfly allows you to open up a vent on, say, the roof of your tent, and let air flow through without any rain coming in.
You can also further waterproof your tent by utilizing a tarp. Lay the tarp down on the ground if it’s damp or wet, then pitch your tent (which already has its own water resistant floor) on top of that.
Breathability
When you are at home, the way that you keep the house warm in the winter is to be sure the windows and doors are closed. But, in your 4-season tent, you have to do the opposite in order to stay warm when you’re out in those conditions. I know how it sounds, especially if you’re new to winter camping because it just doesn’t seem logical to open the window to make a tent more comfortable when it’s snowing outside. But, without letting a little air flow through that tent, you risk the chance of condensation that will show up in the form of frost the next morning on your inside walls.
You’ll probably still get a little bit of frost anyway inside the tent if it’s cold enough, whether it’s double or single layered. Still, you don’t want so much that it makes your sleeping bag and clothes wet – that could lead to hypothermia. Also, you should ventilate your mouth and nose while you sleep; don’t breathe down into your sleeping bag. Your breath creates water when coupled with your body heat. You can actually produce about a liter of water overnight if you don’t breathe outside of your sleeping bag. If you’re worried about your face being warm while you’re asleep, put on a knit ski mask.
Top Ten Four Season Tents
1. The Marmot Thor 2
When talking about 4-season tents winter camping comes to mind, because it's the only season that a regular tent isn't generally made to stand up to. But some people may use their Marmot Thor more during other parts of the year.
Read moreInsulation
If you do more summer than winter camping in a 4-season tent, then you have no choice but to keep it ventilated nicely, because these tents are made to handle the winter months, and tend to hold more heat inside than other tents. And, without good ventilation in June or July, it would be uncomfortable to sit inside of it to put it lightly, even at night.
Weather Resistance
You expect a tent with 'Thor’ in the name to be pretty tough.
And, when it comes to wind protection, this 4-season tent delivers. The way this tent is shaped lets wind go over and around it, even on days with the hardest gusts. The DAC poles are what make this tent super strong, and this is one of the easiest units to set up and take down quickly.
Water Resistance
This tent offers great water protection as when the fly is on it is completely sealed. If you are looking for a tent to keep you dry on your next camping trip, this may be the tent for you.
Breathability
This particular tent has a door in the front and the back. So, if you're in an area that's dry, hot and/or humid, the tent itself will give you shade, but opening both doors on each end will render a nice constant breeze through the tent. It'll feel extra nice if you can position your tent to align with the wind so that you get even more of a cool breeze throughout the day.
2. Geertop
This tent from Geertop was made for ultimate protection no matter the terrain or season you are planning on using it. If you are in the market for the ultimate tent for any season, you may want to take a closer look at this tent from Geertop.
Read moreInsulation
This tent offers maximum coverage and insulation all the way to the floor to ensure that if you find yourself in colder temperatures that your body heat will maintain in the tent to keep you warm and comfortable.
Weather Resistance
This tent is rainproof to ensure if you find yourself in some nasty weather, that you are protected and your gear will not get damaged while you are waiting out the rain storm in your tent. This tent also is quite secure and as it is secured to the ground nicely, will hold up great if high winds were to find you. Lastly, this tent is protected against UV rays to ensure you or the tent is not damaged by harmful UV rays.
Water Resistance
As stated above, this tent is highly protected from the rain and snow. With its slippery surface, it will wash away any snow or rain that falls on it and will ensure that there are no leaks and you and your gear stay dry.
Breathability
This tent offers great protection against the elements but could be a tad more breathable. Fresh air is only able to get in when the door is open.
3. Moko Waterproof
What makes the Moko such a great tent option for all seasons? First of all, it is easy to set up, it's waterproof, and it is well ventilated. In short, with this tent, you have all of your needs covered from season to season, whether it's the need for protection from the rain or more air flow on a summer night.
Read moreInsulation
This tent is great for a family of three on any outdoor camping trip. Its convenient setup means that within a short time, the Moko will be up and ready for you.
All together with this tent, you are getting a quality camping set up that will work throughout the seasons, fit three people, has additional storage, and is easy to set up and take down. Generally, this tent meets most of the camper's needs for a four season tent.
Weather Resistance
The shining feature of this tent is the three-foot vestibule for storage and added weather protection.
Water Resistance
The base of this tent is water resistant, and it comes with a 2500mm water resistant fly.
Breathability
For added weather friendly features, this tent comes with windows that are made of mesh, so that air can flow in and out keeping you cooler on warmer nights.
4. MSR Access 2
The MSR Access 2 is waterproof, windproof, controls pests, and is well ventilated. In short, if you are looking for a tent for you and one other to brave all four seasons elements with, this is a great choice.
Read moreInsulation
Because of this tent's 20D silicone coated fabric and aviation aluminum poles, the Access 2 is both light and stable. Having both of these great qualities makes it an ideal tent to have for four seasons.
Weather Resistance
The floor of this tent offers the classic, and very helpful, bathtub style, to prevent rain and moisture from getting in. Not to mention, the pole structure crosses over the domed shape, and this means that your tent will stand up under the snow.
Water Resistance
Overall, this tent is durable and lightweight, which is not always easy to find. Along with these features, it stands up well to snow, and it's waterproof. If you are looking for a two-person tent that can be comfortably used in all four seasons, this is a fantastic option.
Breathability
To prevent pests and to allow for maximum airflow, the tent has mesh doors.
5. Alps Mountaineering Extreme
This Alps Mountaineering Extreme is very wind resistant and has grommets to help it stay tied down. If you're in an area with lots of constant heavier gusts, you can feel safe knowing that your tent will stay firmly in place.
Read moreInsulation
What makes it hard for tall people to get a good tent is the fact that it's very difficult for them to find one that can accommodate their size and allows them to stretch out comfortably without their head and/or feet touching the inside walls. If you're over 6ft tall, then getting a tent that could hold three people, such as this one, is probably the best way for you to go.
The inside floor area of the Alps Mountaineering Extreme is 8 ft. long and 6 ft. 8 in. wide. The center height inside the tent is also pretty high, 4 ft. 2 in. With a 42 sq. ft. tent area, no one's going to get in anyone else's way. There are also doors on both sides that make it easy to exit or enter the tent at night, so you don't have to hurdle over anyone who's trying to sleep.
Weather Resistance
This tent has fully sealed seams to prevent any nasty weather from getting into your tent. The fly is also made from polyester to give you that extra coating and keep you and your gear dry.
Water Resistance
The polyester fly will keep you and your gear dry. This tent is great at being waterproof and will not let you down in nasty weather.
Breathability
There are easy to open and close Velcro vents on each side of the tent, so if you're camping in the summertime the air will flow through nicely. There's also a small window near the vent so you can peek out to check on the weather. It's also good for getting light inside the tent. The window is not so large, but, because it doesn't open or close (it's built into the wall of the tent), some people still feel that having one limits their tent’s privacy. Others see it as a great feature that allows people inside the tent to not feel so closed off from nature.
6. ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
This two-person tent from ALPS Mountaineering will make a great addition to your outdoor gear as it is fully protected from the weather and provides great ventilation while still keeping you warm and comfortable while you sleep.
Read moreInsulation
This tent will keep you warm with its completely sealed seams to allow for your body heat to stay within the tent during colder climates.
Weather Resistance
This tent is fully waterproof to ensure that if you get caught in the rain or in a snowstorm that you will be protected and stay dry. It also absorbs UV rays so you are protected from the sun and do not feel the heat if you are in an extremely hot climate.
Water Resistance
Again, as stated above this tent has fully sealed seams to ensure that no water can penetrate this tent. It is fully waterproof and will keep you dry.
Breathability
This tent comes with two doors that both have meshed windows to allow you to control the amount of air that comes in and out of the tent. This option is great as it allows you to bring in fresh air when needed.
7. Black Diamond Eldorado
Does it seem like you just can’t get warm in your tent, even when you’re in a sleeping bag? The Black Diamond Eldorado Tent holds a warm interior that’s based on the body heat of its occupants.
Read moreInsulation
This tent has what is called 3.5 Technology built into its fabric. Active particles that are embedded into the tent feed off your body heat and that is what actually keeps the inside of the tent warm. This tent will hold the heat for a while, as long as you don't open and close the door too much.
Weather Resistance
When extreme weather hits unexpectedly, you want to know that your tent will stand up to it. The Eldorado has an oversized stake out loops, which provide extra protection by being able to latch your tent on to anything stable. For example, if you have to pitch your tent in snowy windy weather, you could use one of your skis with the stakeout loops as an anchor in frozen snow.
Water Resistance
This tent is built to be waterproof and will protect you from the rain and snow. This is not the most waterproof tent that is on our list but will hold up to mild weather. For extreme weather conditions, you may want to look at another tent on our list.
Breathability
This tent could be more breathable. The only airflow that comes into your tent is through the main door which has a mesh opening.
8. Coleman Hooligan
Another great product from Coleman, and if you know Coleman than you know their products are built with quality in mind. This tent will not only last you many years to come with proper care but it also will keep you dry and comfortable on your next camping trip.
Read moreInsulation
This tent has sealed seams which ensures that when fully closed this tent will maintain your body heat and keep you warm in colder temperatures.
Weather Resistance
This tent is not only waterproof as it has a waterproof flooring, but it is highly protective against windy weather as well to ensure that while you are sleeping if you get caught in a wind and rain storm, you will not have to worry as this tent has you covered.
Water Resistance
Not only is the tent waterproof but it also comes with a protective fly for extra protection against rain or snow. It also has a waterproof flooring to ensure that if a puddle does start to develop underneath you, you will have no leaks and your gear will not get wet.
Breathability
This tent is breathable but not as breathable as others on our list. It has no windows but instead just a large mesh opening at the front of the tent.
9. Mier
This tent from Mier is not only built with high quality in mind but also to ensure that it will hold up all year round and allow you to continue camping no matter what the terrain or weather.
Read moreInsulation
This tent does a great job of maintaining heat if you plan on using it in colder weather. It has an extra nylon wall panel to keep heat in and you warm.
Weather Resistance
This tent comes with a nylon fly that offers complete coverage of your tent to ensure that no matter if you are using this tent in the rain or snow you will stay dry and protected without issue.
Water Resistance
Again, as stated above this tent does a great job of protecting you against the rain and snow and you will not have to worry about waking up to find there is a puddle underneath you as this tent also comes with a footprint to give you extra protection from the ground.
Breathability
This tent comes with vents that are angled so no water or snow can penetrate the tent but they still provide fresh air to breeze in and out of the tent to allow you to feel fresh and cool.
10. Naturehike Cloud-up
This four season tent is compact and easy to set up and also provides you with full protection no matter the terrain or weather you will find yourself in. It is also quite affordable and fits up to three people comfortably.
Read moreInsulation
This tent from Naturehike is a basic design that provides great protection from the elements. This tent could do a better job at maintaining heat but still protects you from any rain or snow that may find its way onto your tent.
Weather Resistance
The fly on this tent is really what offers the protection from the rain and snow. This fly is made from nylon and not only protects you from wet weather but also protects you from dangerous UV rays.
Water Resistance
Again, as stated above this fly protects you from any rain or snow that may find its way onto your tent.
Breathability
This tent comes with a variety of vents to allow you to have fresh air flowing through the tent and helping you feel refreshed and breathing easy.
Sources
