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Winter camping may not be everyone’s idea of a fun outdoor activity, but it certainly has its charms. The forest you have already explored will appear novel and mysterious once it’s blanketed in snow. It also helps that there are fewer campers and insects during this season. 

Before creating your itinerary for a winter campout, you should prepare the essentials first because the extreme cold can be challenging and dangerous. At the top of that list is the winter camping tent. 

We have compiled in this post the best winter camping tents available in the market today. You will also find plenty of tips and reminders to guide you in picking the ideal tent for your needs, camping experience, and budget. We have also answered some common questions first-time buyers have about winter camping tents. 

The best cold weather tents for campers

If you’re looking to grab a tent for your winter camping journey, look no further. We’ve compared some of the best suited winter camping tents in this guide and we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of each one. 

You can find them in the handy comparison table down below:

Summary of winter camping tents

Product	Type	Season	Waterproofing	Capacity	Cost
GEERTOP 4-season 2-person 20D Lightweight Backpacking Alpine Tent	Mid-Priced	4 seasons	8000 mm HH	2 person	££
Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent	Budget	3 seasons	5000 mm HH	2 person	£
Night Cat Backpacking Tent	Budget	3 seasons	3000 mm HH	2 person	£
Coleman Oak Canyon 6 Tunnel Tent	Mid-Priced	4 seasons	4500 mm HH	6 people	££
CAMPROS CP Tent 8-Person Camping Tent	Mid-Priced	3 seasons	3000 mm HH	8 people	££
Night Cat Pop Up Tent	Budget	3 seasons	3000 mm HH	2 people	£
Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent	Budget	3 seasons	5000 mm HH	1 person	£
Gonex 1 Man Tent	Mid-Priced	4 seasons	3000 mm HH	1 person	££

*Cost Rating: £ = Budget, ££ = Mid-Priced,  £££ = High-End, ££££ = Luxury

Types of winter camping tents

Winter camping tents may be classified into four types according to their basic structure. 

• Dome Tent – A dome tent is easily recognized by its rounded top. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to set up or disassemble. It provides adequate headroom, but the vestibule tends to be smaller than average.  
• TeePee Tent – The height of a teepee tent makes it ideal for tall people. This type has a rounded base and a high, pointed roof. However, note that some models don’t’ come with a built-in floor.  
• A-frame tent – The two sloping sides of an A-frame tent allow it to withstand heavy rain, wind, or snow. It does not have a lot of headroom, though. 
• Tunnel Tent – Large groups typically opt for a tunnel tent because of its spacious interiors and ample height. Most models can be too heavy for backpacking trips, so be sure to consider the weight and your capacity to carry one before picking this type. 

The best winter camping tents: Our top picks

The best overall winter camping tent:

Do you want to skip through all the glorious details and know what is the best winter camping tent? Well here you go. Our overall top pick is: GEERTOP 4-season 2-person Alpine Camping Tent which performs exceptionally well in winter for its lower price point.

So here are our picks for the winter camping tents that you need to consider.

1) Best winter tent for alpine expeditions: GEERTOP 4-season 2-person Alpine Tent

The GEERTOP Lightweight Backpacking Alpine Tent offers a high degree of versatility and convenience for campers who are not afraid of the challenges the alpines pose. 

Carrying this tent around on your back won’t be a hassle because it is made of durable but ultralight materials. Its fabric has excellent waterproofing and UV protection, while its frame is designed to withstand gales, heavy rain, and snowstorms. 

This model also has one vestibule for your camping gear. There’s a ceiling pocket with a hook for the lamp. Another pocket in the corner is large enough to store your valuables. 

Why this tent stands out:

• The silicon-coated flysheet and floor have taped seams to keep you warm and dry inside the tent. 
• It has a snow skirt and two ventilation windows for proper air circulation and to reduce condensation.
• The provided guy ropes come in a reflective, fluorescent colour to prevent people from tripping over them, especially at night.  
• You can anchor this tent to the ground with 16 aluminium tent pegs – 4 on each side – and one extra peg if you need extra strength or a quick replacement during the trip.  
• This four-season tent has enough space for a dedicated sleeping area, living room, and two doors for a quick entry or exit.

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 310 x 120 x 100 cm 
• Capacity: 2 People 
• Weight: 2.8 kg 
• Waterproofing: 8000 mm HH flysheet and 5000 mm HH floor
• Seasons: All seasons
• Included: Tent, carry bag, flysheet, aluminium tent pegs, aluminium poles, and ropes

Concluding thoughts:

Year-round campers will likely find the GEERTOP 4-season 2-person 20D Lightweight Tent as the ideal companion for their expeditions. It has various features that will keep you safe and comfortable during your winter campout. Once the season is over, this tent can still serve you well wherever you’re heading next. 

Buy the GEERTOP Alpine Tent Now!

2) Best lightweight winter tent: Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent

The Clostnature Lightweight 2-Person Backpacking Tent is a compact yet dependable addition to your list of winter hiking essentials. Compared to previous models released by the brand, this one provides better water resistance, ventilation, and liveability. 

The PU5000 coating applied to the polyester tent fabric makes it lighter and easier to manoeuvre while setting it up. It will also be a breeze to take it down and pack it back to the carrying bag. This tent also comes with extra poles so that you can create a roofed area outside the tent for your camping gear or lounge space.  

Why this tent stands out:

• Each corner of the tent is sealed with a special waterproof tape that will not only prevent moisture from getting in but also help retain warmth inside the tent. 
• Ventilation windows near the door and above the tent keep the air flowing in and out of the tent. 
• The construction of the tent considered the optimal gap between the rainfly and the inner tent to minimise the possibility of condensation formation. 
• The tent poles are made of aircraft-grade aluminium for added durability and resistance against the wind.  
• Though it is a freestanding structure, the tent also comes with thick aluminium stakes and reflective guy ropes to keep it stable even during a snowstorm. 

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 220 x 150 x 115 cm 
• Capacity: 2 People 
• Weight: 2.9 kg 
• Waterproofing: 5000 mm HH 
• Seasons: 3 seasons
• Included: Tent, carry bag, inner tent, flysheet, aluminium poles, ropes, aluminium stakes, and pole emergency repair kit

Concluding thoughts:

The Clostnature Lightweight 2-Person Backpacking Tent has superior flexibility and reliability to most of its peers today. This tent can be the ideal camping accommodation for almost any type of weather. Considering its multipurpose design, solid frame, and high portability, we believe this ultralight tent offers excellent value for money. 

Buy the Clostnature Lightweight Tent Now!

3) Best single wall lightweight winter tent: Night Cat Backpacking Tent

Winter hiking can be a lot easier with the Night Cat Backpacking Tent. Its single wall construction and foldable fibreglass poles will allow you to strap and carry it on your back with relative ease.

While this model might feel cramped if you’ve got a companion, the size and height can work well if you want to set it up near a tree for added safety. In terms of waterproofing, the coated fabric and taped seams prevent water leaks or seepage from entering the tent. 

Why this tent stands out:

• This single wall tent may be pitched or taken down in 10 minutes or less. 
• Compared to similar tents in the market, its small packed size makes it a convenient choice for hiking or trekking. 
• Though the three sides have a single layer, one side has a mesh ceiling and door for air to circulate and prevent the development of condensation or off-odours inside the tent. 
• The fibreglass tent poles can withstand moderate wind, rain, or snow, especially when you pitch the tent in a sheltered area. 
• The four corners of the tent are reinforced with double-taped seams to minimise further the possibility of getting wet.  

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 220 cm 
• Capacity: 1 to 2 People 
• Weight: 2 kg 
• Waterproofing: 3000 mm HH 
• Seasons: 4 seasons
• Included: Tent, tent bag, rainfly, foldable poles, pegs, and ropes

Concluding thoughts:

Though most people go for double wall tents for winter camping, the Night Cat Backpacking Tent can be an effective single wall option for those who value portability over other qualities. This tent’s design circumvents many of the known limitations of its kind, especially in terms of ventilation and waterproofing. 

Buy the Night Cat Backpacking Tent Now!

4) Best winter tent for family camping: Coleman Oak Canyon 6 Tunnel Tent

The Coleman Oak Canyon 6 Tunnel Tent promises plenty of liveable space and a solid frame in relatively light and small pack size. This feat of engineering is possible because of its hybrid pole construction, which consists of steel and fibreglass. 

Using this tunnel tent for winter camping will provide your family the comforts of having three sleeping cabins made of waterproof and blackout fabric. It also has multiple doors, windows, pockets, and a large vestibule for lounging or storage.   

Why this tent stands out:

• The color-coded hybrid tent poles will make the tent setup quick and painless.
• Each door has two layers to shield you from the cold and bugs while providing extra ventilation and access point to the outside world. 
• The vestibule can accommodate your food supplies, cooking equipment, and even a small table and chairs for your mealtimes.
• It comes with Velcro loops to keep your cables or strings in their proper place. 
• In case of emergency, the zippers may be opened or closed by any member of the family because they are positioned within reach of children. 

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 500 x 210 x 195 cm 
• Capacity: 6 People 
• Weight: 27.2 kg 
• Waterproofing: 4500 mm HH 
• Seasons: 3 seasons
• Included: Tent, carry bag, guy ropes, and tent pegs

Concluding thoughts:

The Coleman Oak Canyon 6 Tunnel Tent may be a key to a fun and enjoyable winter campout with the family. Parents will be reassured that everyone feels safe and cosy inside the tent, and kids will have an accessible refuge from the ice and snow whenever they need one. 

Buy the Coleman Oak canyon 6 Tunnel Tent Now!

5) Best large winter tent: CAMPROS 8-Person Tent

Whether you’re travelling with a large group or want as much space as you can get while winter camping, we believe the CAMPROS 8-Person Tent is the best choice in the market today. It feels extra roomy because its height is tall enough for most people to stand and walk around. You can also designate everyone into the two rooms created by putting up the curtain dividers. 

Pitching this large tent is not a big challenge, even for beginners. The heavy-duty tent fabric can be for almost any type of weather, too. 

Why this tent stands out:

• This large tent can be assembled by two people only within 5 to 10 minutes because it comes with colour-coded poles and a pin-and-ring setup system. 
• With a floor area of almost 11 square metres, the tent will not feel cramped even if you use air mattresses or have a lot of camping gear. 
• You won’t have to worry about keeping the tent ventilated and insect-free because it has a mesh roof and five windows. 
• The curtain divider provides extra privacy and may work well with a projector in case you want some indoor entertainment at night time or while waiting for the weather to improve.  
• Though it is a 3 season tent, its frame and fabric can withstand light to moderate snow and wind. 

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 426.7 x 274.3 x 182.9 cm 
• Capacity: 8 People 
• Weight: 7.89 kg 
• Waterproofing: 1000 mm HH 
• Seasons: 3 seasons
• Included: Tent, carry bag, tent poles, stakes, and ropes

Concluding thoughts:

Given the specs and features of the CAMPROS 8-Person Tent, this model deserves our recommendation as the best large winter camping tent for 2022. Its spacious and customizable interiors may feel like a haven in a wintry landscape. The easy setup and takedown requirements have also greatly impressed us.

Buy the CAMPROS 8-Person Tent Now!

6) Best Budget Winter Tent: Night Cat Pop Up Tent

The Night Cat Pop Up Tent is affordable yet impressive multi-season camping accommodation. It has an instant-pitch system that will allow you to set it up in just one minute, even without the help of another person. Disassembling it can be just as quick and easy with its built-in hydraulic spring system.

This tent also has ample room for up to 4 occupants. You can also safely store your mobile devices, keys, and other small items in the inner mesh pockets. For your comfort and safety, the tent has an excellent waterproofing system and sturdy fibreglass poles. 

Why this tent stands out:

• The instant-pitch system is handy if you are setting up the tent in the dark or if a sudden snowstorm occurs during the trip. 
• To prevent water leakage, its rainfly is coated with waterproofing spray, and all the seams and zippers are covered.  
• It has a heavy-duty tarp with a bathtub design to prevent moisture seepage from melted snow on the ground. 
• The two high-density mesh doors on each side of the tent make it highly accessible, well-ventilated, and insect free. 
• The rainfly, inner tent, and tarp can be connected and disconnected quickly because they are attached with buckles.  

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 210 x 140 x 230 cm 
• Capacity: 2 to 4 People 
• Weight: 4.94 kg 
• Waterproofing: 3000 mm HH 
• Seasons: 3 seasons
• Included: Tent, carry bag, fiberglass tent poles, and tarp

Concluding thoughts:

The Night Cat Pop Up Tent can be the ideal choice if you are going to a destination where speed is necessary to be safe and dry. It’s also highly recommended for first-time campers or those who want to focus more on other activities besides pitching a tent.  

Buy the Night Cat Pop Up Tent Now!

7) Best Low Budget Winter Tent: Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent

If you are winter camping on your own or want a separate tent from your companions, consider the Clostnature 1-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent. It has similar features as its 2-Person counterpart, as elaborated earlier in this list. However, it feels roomier since you will get all its floor space for yourself and your camping gear. 

This affordable backpacking tent is ideal for trips that involve climbing or hiking, especially if it’s your first attempt. However, please don’t assume that its portability comes at the cost of its durability and protective capabilities. 

Why this tent stands out:

• The tent’s coated polyester rainfly, double-taped corners, and bathtub floor design will help you and your belongings stay dry. 
• The ABS pole clips help create a more solid structure than traditional netting sleeves. 
• It has two ventilation windows on the flysheet, and the mesh wall on the inner tent lowers the risk of condensation inside the tent. 
• The length of the tent is more than enough for anyone to lie down comfortably and have enough space to store some winter camping supplies.
• Carrying it around is not a significant burden because it is relatively tiny when packed in the tent bag.

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 220 x 150 x 115 cm 
• Capacity: 1 People 
• Weight: 1.7 kg 
• Waterproofing: 5000 mm HH 
• Seasons: 3 seasons
• Included: Tent, carry bag, inner tent, flysheet, aluminium poles, ropes, aluminium stakes, and pole emergency repair kit

Concluding thoughts:

People on a tight budget should consider the Clostnature 1-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent. It can also be a great starter option for those who have gone on winter camping yet. It offers adequate security, comfort, and privacy at a much lower cost than many of its peers. 

Buy Clostnature 1-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent Now!

8) Best Winter Camping Tents With Stoves: Gonex 1 Man Tent

The Gonex 1-Man Tent is the best winter camping tent for solo campers who want a awning that they can use for multiple purposes. This A-frame tent can be set up in 4 ways depending on the purpose or weather. 

Putting up the awning using canopy poles will allow you to place a stove in front of the tent. The awning can also be held up using ropes to serve as shade. If the weather is nice and sunny, it can be removed entirely. On rainy or snowy days, however, you can stay warm and dry by zipping it shut. 

Why this tent stands out:

• This half-inner tent has sufficient length and height for a tall person to sit and lie down. 
• The tent is easy to pitch yet highly resistant to harsh weather conditions because of its thick aluminium central pole, guy lines, and tent stakes. 
• It has a fireproof stove jack and a covered chimney cloth so that you can safely cook or reheat food. 
• The multiple vents and windows ensure that the interiors remain well-ventilated and free from condensation. 
• Its polycotton material and tent skirt design will shield you from the wind, rain, or snow.   

Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 300 x 300 x 180 cm 
• Capacity: 1 People 
• Weight: 6.96 kg 
• Waterproofing: 3000 mm HH 
• Seasons: All seasons
• Included: Tent, carry bag, inner tent, aluminium tent poles, tent stakes, and ropes

Concluding thoughts:

You can brave any weather with the Gonex 1-Man Tent. Its excellent adaptability and premium construction make this A-frame tent the ideal choice for destinations where the conditions can suddenly take a turn for the worse. You won’t have to worry about getting wet, feeling uncomfortable, or being blown away. 

Buy the Gonex 1-Man Tent Now!

What to look for in a good winter camping tent

Below are the five essential qualities of an excellent winter camping tent:

1. Strong resistance to heavy snowfall and strong wind

The most important feature of a winter camping tent is its ability to endure frigid weather. This varies depending on the materials used, the tent form, and some special design attributes, such as tapered seams, insulated walls, or built-in groundsheet.

2. High Livability

Quality winter camping tents possess special features that will make you feel safe, warm, and comfortable in case you get stuck in the tent due to extremely poor weather. For example, we always go for winter camping tents with good ventilation, multiple interior pockets, and a vestibule where we can cook or hang out.

3. Multi-season versatility

More likely than not, you won’t be using the tent only during winter. Therefore, you should look for a model that will also serve you well for most of the year.

4. Manageable weight and pack size

Winter camping tents usually weigh heavier than their 3 season counterparts. Remember to check if you can comfortably carry a specific model, especially if you’re going to a forest or alpine region.

5. Good value for money

Some assume that cheap winter camping tents will do given that they will be used for one trip only. What they fail to see is that the cold weather imposes more significant risks to your safety and comfort. Durable camping winter tents typically come with a heavier price tag, so think of them as an insurance and investment for a great winter escapade. 

Winter camping tent buyers guide 

Not all winter camping tents are built the same. They come in different sizes and shapes. Some can handle light snow only, while others have been engineered to keep you safe and comfortable even during a blizzard. 

We understand how tough it can be to explore all the available options in the market today. 

As such, we’re here to guide you in your search for the ideal winter camping tent. Let’s go over the following elements to help you narrow down the choices and find the model that best matches your camping needs and preferences. 

Tent size 

Looking online for the amount of people that a tent can fit can sometimes be deceiving. You could come across a tent that says that it will be suitable for 4 people, but the reality is that it actually fits 2 people comfortably and maybe 3 at best. Sometimes it is better to go at least 1 person larger than what you actually need to accommodate, unless you are going for a solo tent.

This is definitely something to consider if you or someone else that will be sleeping in the tent is much taller than the average or if you would just like more room to comfortably move around in.

Floor area 

A winter camping tent should have enough floor area for your sleeping bag or mattress, at the minimum. Of course, you can go for something more spacious. However, note that a lot of empty space inside the tent can make it harder for you to stay warm. One workaround for this issue is to place your valuables and cargo in vacant spaces around your sleeping area for added insulation from the cold. 

Peak height

The peak height of the tent refers to the point at which the tallest part of the tent stands at. Tents generally have heights ranging between 0.9 metres going up to 2.1 metres. It must be noted that whilst young children and teenagers have no problem with crawling or kneeling inside tents, older family members might not share the same levels of flexibility.

The ideal tent height that would be comfortable for everyone taking this into consideration, will be between 1.5 to 1.8 metres. Tents at these heights can typically accommodate around 4-6 people. Any taller and it may cause you a problem in more windier regions as the tent will be more likely to shake or topple over.

Ventilation 

Though you might want to keep all the chilly air outside the tent, you still need enough vents to keep you comfortable and minimise condensation. 

In general, double-wall camping tents offer better ventilation than those with single walls only. A double-wall tent comprises two primary layers: the protective rainfly and the interior mesh. This type also allows condensation from the snow or wet camping gear to dissipate through its multiple and larger vents. These vents will also allow you to control and maintain the balance between warmth and fresh air inside the tent. 

That isn’t to say that single-wall tents should be wholly avoided. Some manufacturers use coated but breathable fabrics for their single-wall tents nowadays. As such, you may still consider this type of tent, especially if you prefer light and simple camping gear. Nonetheless, don’t expect the same degree of comfort and dryness as you would from a double-wall tent. 

Waterproofing

Waterproofing and good sealing for your tent becomes incredibly important if you are deciding to camp in winter as you are more likely to experience harsher weather such as high rainfall or heavy snow. Your tent should be able to accommodate this to help prevent any leakages.

It is especially important to pay attention to the areas of the tent that have stitching as this will likely be the first place that your tent will start to leak through.

Condensation

In your attempts to keep your tent nice and dry from the outside, you might find that there is some moisture that is building up on the inside of your tent. You shouldn’t be alarmed as it is the build up of condensation and is perfectly normal. It usually forms over a few hours as a result of the outside of the tent being cold whilst the inside is warm due to natural body heat and respiration.

If you want to avoid a large build-up of condensation, one of the best things you can do is to allow for good airflow and ventilation in your tent. This can simply be unzipping your door slightly to allow for fresh air to come in when the winter weather permits.

Durability

The ability of a winter camping tent to endure extreme cold and high winds is based mainly on the thickness and protective coating of the tent fabric. 

Rain typically rolls off the tent walls, but the snow doesn’t. It can build up and cause significant distress to the tent fabric. Therefore, you need thicker materials that can handle the additional weight. 

Thick tent fabric will also help protect you from harmful UV rays. You might not be aware yet, but your exposure to UV rays will be much higher in a winter landscape because snow reflects radiation. This becomes an even bigger issue in high altitudes because the atmosphere’s protective layer is thinner up there. 

Don’t assume that thick tent fabrics are automatically waterproof, though. You also have to check the coatings applied to the material to ensure that moisture won’t leak or seep inside the winter camping tent. 

Most manufacturers use polyurethane (PU) coating because it is more affordable and easier to apply. Silicone coating is more durable and lighter. However, it is applied only to nylon tents. Expect the price points to be higher for silicone-coated tents, too. 

Material

A well built tent made out of the right material could be the difference between a fun camping experience and a nightmare. Most tents are built out of canvas which is durable and offers good ventilation. Nylon or polyester tends to be the much cheaper option but are also likely to degrade over time if frequently exposed to the sunlight.

When it comes to tent poles, they usually come in two types of material, aluminium and fibreglass. Aluminium poles are easier to move around but can come at a higher cost, whilst fibreglass tends to be cheaper but could break more easily when they are being handled by less experienced campers.

Storage

Ample storage is critical during winter camping. Given how destructive snow and ice can be on your valuables, you cannot simply leave them outside because the tent space can only accommodate you and your sleeping bag. Similarly, it will not be comfortable to surround yourself with snow-covered or damp camping gear while trying to rest or wait out a snowstorm inside the tent. 

Manufacturers offer solutions to these issues through tent pockets and vestibules. Some are designed to be built-in features, while others sell them as add-ons to the primary tent structure. 

Interior pockets

The interior pockets are typically integrated into the tent itself. They vary in size and location, so campers will have enough room to organise their personal valuables inside the tent. Most tent pockets are made of simple mesh, while others throw in zippers or fasteners to keep everything in place.  

For example, you might roll over and destroy your eyeglasses if placed haphazardly beside you while sleeping. To prevent this, you can store the eyeglasses in the interior pocket, along with your mobile phone, flashlight and other things you want to keep within your arm’s reach. Knowing where you have stored those items will also keep you from scrambling around to look for them in case of an emergency.  

There is no standard on how many interior pockets a winter camping tent should have. In general, however, single-wall tents offer fewer pockets than double-wall tents. For the sake of organisation, we suggest having at least one pocket dedicated for every person staying in the tent. 

Vestibules 

A vestibule refers to the space outside the sleeping area of a tent. It is often floorless and must be attached to the primary tent body to hold itself up. Depending on the size, this can be used for storage, a changing area, or as an added living space.

 Vestibules can also offer an added layer of protection from the cold wind, and you can set them up as your cooking or dining area, too. 

There are two basic types of vestibules according to their location. The front vestibule is placed in front of the tent door, while the side vestibule may be placed on either or both sides of the tent. 

A vestibule may be used to store dirty camping gear or anything too bulky to keep inside the tent. Note that if it’s too small or cramped, you will likely find it harder to enter or exit the tent because of the gears you have placed near the door. 

Vestibules are not strictly necessary, so some manufacturers offer them only as an add-on. If you prefer having one, however, remember that the vestibule will add to the weight you have to carry around. 

Doors

Aside from serving as the entrance or exit to the tent, a door may also provide added ventilation and protection from insects. A tent door is typically made of mesh and a tieback. Most winter camping tents feature one or two zippers that may or may not be seam-sealed. 

If the tent is intended for a single occupier, then one door will suffice. However, if you have a companion, having at least two doors in your tent will allow you to enter and exit the tent with relative ease. Please note that having many doors is not necessarily good because they can eat up the space that you could have used for sleeping or storage instead. 

The tent door tiebacks are used to keep the rolled-up door in place when you want to keep them open. If your tent has two doors because of the vestibule, you can tie back the vestibule door for air circulation and zip up the mesh door to prevent insects from getting inside the sleeping area. 

Tent pole quality

Regular tent poles will not work just as well during winter because the low temperature can increase the brittleness of certain materials. 

For example, fibreglass tent poles are considered durable enough to handle the rain and winds during spring or summer. However, the same poles become essentially useless in sub-zero conditions. They tend to snap when the tent is subjected to heavy snow. 

Therefore, the better choice for winter camping may either be aluminium or carbon fibre tent poles. These materials can better handle the pressure and harsh conditions. Be sure that the tent poles have thick diameters of about 25 to 28mm each. 

Take note that the thicker the tent pole is, the heavier the overall weight of your tent will be. Carbon fibre tent poles are lighter than aluminium, but they are also quite expensive. 

Some campers consider tent poles made of composite tent poles to be good alternatives, too. Composite poles are made of resin and other materials, which are typically not disclosed. Manufacturers claim that this type has greater flexibility and durability than aluminium. They are also incredibly light, and the price tag might make you hesitate. 

Anchor points

Pounding stakes on the ground is a straightforward process, provided that the ground you’re pitching the tent is not rocky, cemented, or frozen solid. This issue arises during winter camping, so you must create anchor points or use special tent stakes designed for snow-covered ground. 

Snow anchors

There are various anchoring techniques you can learn, but most campers agree that the best one involves creating “deadmen”—a handful of snow or rocks typically wrapped in fabric and tied to the tent using the guyline. By burying these deadmen in at least 3 cm of snow, your tent will be stable, as if you have pitched them using regular stakes.  

You can purchase pre-made pouches for the deadmen, so all you have to do is fill them up and bury them under the snow. However, if you prefer a cheaper and more rustic approach, you can tie the guyline to a rock, log, ice block, or a compacted snowball and then bury it where the tent should be secured. 

For bigger or long tunnel tents, some campers opt to use a log with a similar or exact length as the tent. The log will be buried along the edge of the tent floor to keep the entire structure stable. 

Stakes

Regular stakes do not usually work well for winter camping. Therefore, if you prefer to use stakes for the tent, you will have to look for snow stakes that can penetrate a frozen solid ground. 

A standard snow stake is made of aluminium with a length of about 20 to 25cm and a width of 3 to 5cm. The sides are curved inward so that they can hold themselves under the snow. This is further enhanced by a series of holes along the stake where the snow can pass through and freeze into a more solid form. Each snow stake weighs about 25 to 30 grams, so a set of four can significantly add to your camping luggage. 

The other typical snow stake design is shorter but wider. Its length is less than 20cm, while its width is almost 8cm. This type is only around 15 grams each, so carrying it around on a backpacking winter adventure can be more convenient. 

Important features of winter camping tents

Here are six features that winter camping tents must possess:

1. Waterproof but breathable fabric – The tent fabric should have a layer of a protective coating against leaks from melted snow. It should also allow air to circulate to reduce the possibility of condensation inside the tent. 
2. Full fly coverage – The coated fly should cover not only the tent body but also the doors and windows to ensure that you will be well protected from the harsh winter elements. 
3. Taped seams – All tent seams, including the ones near the door, should be sealed well to keep moisture and chilly air from entering the tent. 
4. Sturdy tent poles – The tent poles should have the strength and flexibility to withstand snow storms or blizzards. 
5. Extra guy line points – Guy line points are necessary for securing the tent to the snow anchors or stakes. 
6. Vestibules with groundsheet – A vestibule is indispensable for a comfortable winter camping trip. Though you can keep it floorless, it will be best to lay a waterproof groundsheet in the vestibule to shield your valuables from frost and ground moisture. 

What is the difference between a 3 season and 4 season tent?

3 season tent

Campers generally use 3 season tents for destinations where the weather may be sunny, rainy, or chilly. This type of tent is portable, flexible, and quick to assemble. 

Some utilise a 3 season winter camping tent, too. However, you would likely have to pair it with a suitable sleeping bag to ensure maximum comfort during your trip. Water leaks might also become an issue if the snow melts. 

Pros

• A 3 season tent tends to weigh less than a 4 season tent with a similar capacity. 
• Most 3 season tents are made of breathable fabric for good exhaust and ventilation inside the tent.
• Many novice campers find 3 season tents to be easy to assemble. 

Cons

• A 3 season tent to withstand does not provide sufficient insulation to protect you from extreme cold or a snowy day.
• Winds of more than 30mph can topple over a 3 season tent.
• You will have to buy an extra tent in case you want to go winter camping in a location known for its strong winds or heavy snow.

4 season tent

A 4 season tent is highly recommended for those who frequent areas with harsh weather conditions – for example, winter hiking in the alpines. From its frame to fabric, this tent is well equipped to handle just about any kind of day you might have while exploring the great outdoors. 

Note that this high level of protection comes at a price – in terms of its overall weight and the price tag. 

Pros

• The thicker walls of 4 season tents offer extra protection from the elements. 
• On average, its tent poles are made of more robust and more durable material that remains stable even against high winds.  
• A 4 season tent can be a good investment for people who go camping all year round. 

Cons

• The weight of a typical 4 season tent can be too much for backpacking trips, so you might be limited to using it only for winter car camping.
• In general, a 4 season tent comes with a thicker tent fabric that does not allow proper air circulation inside the tent. 
• A 4 season tent costs more than its 3 season counterpart. 

FAQs about winter camping tents

Invest in the perfect winter camping tent for you

A memorable winter camping experience is impossible without the right tent to protect and keep you warm. Whether you intend to go for only a night or two or stay for a week-long expedition, a cold-weather tent should always be part of your essential camping gear. 

The process of choosing the best winter camping tent requires some added considerations. It should have the right balance of space, durability, versatility, and organisation. 

Yes, a 4 season tent can cost a bit more than what you usually pay for your favourite summertime tent. However, we believe the perks of having one you can use no matter the weather outweigh this downside. 

Finding the winter camping tent that will tick all the boxes can be a long and confusing affair. That’s why our team has come up with the list of the best models for 2022. After going through our recommendations, we hope you have found the right winter camping tent to bring along to your dream winter campout.

Check out some of our other tent guides:

• Best Winter Camping Tents with Stove Jack – Find a cosy winter tent to keep you warm.
• Best Wild Camping Tents – Find the perfect tent for your next wild camping adventure.
• Best large Camping Tents – Find an excellent tent that will give you more space and comfort.