Explore the World All Year Round with the Best 4-Season Tent
Camping doesn’t just have to be a summer activity. With the right gear, you can go camping at any time of the year. Getting the right shelter is the first and most important step.
So how do you pick the best 4-season tent? How can you tell whether a tent will perform well on the coldest winter days as well as in high summer?
This article looks into some high-quality options that will shield you from the elements. We included a few shopping tips as well. We hope our selection will help you find the best tent for adventuring in every season.
Table of Contents
Our Top Choice: Eureka K-2 XT Tent
Review:
This impressive dome-shaped tent will let you spread out and store all of your belongings safely. The Eureka K-2 XT Tent is a great choice for people who camp with lots of luggage.
The internal floor space is around 52 square feet. Thus, the tent is large enough for a comfortable family camping trip. The interior height is 48 inches, which means you can move around without trouble and even spend a whole day in your tent if necessary.
What makes this tent perform well all year round? It is double-walled, which means better heat conservation when it’s chilly outside. Additionally, there are zipper-locked vents you can use to prevent condensation from forming.
There are two doors and two vestibules. The vestibules will provide you with a great deal of extra storage space. You also get a clear polyurethane window that will allow you to enjoy the landscape around you while you’re safe and snug inside.
If keeping your tent orderly is important to you, you will enjoy using the Eureka K-2 XT. There are fourteen pockets on the walls, including an attachment that will hold your flashlight in place if you’re in need of a nightlight. You also get four loft loops for storing gear.
But we don’t recommend this tent for backpacking. The packed weight of the Eureka K-2 XT Tent is around 11 pounds and 12 ounces. Thus, carrying it long distances might be a challenge.
However, pitching this tent is fairly easy. The poles are made of aluminum, so they aren’t too heavy to carry and set up. There are clips and mesh rod sleeves to help you slide the poles in place. For easier setup, Eureka included an external vestibule hoop as well.
You won’t have to worry about durability if you decide to go for the Eureka K-2 XT Tent. After all, the manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty. This tent is made of high-quality nylon with polyurethane coating.
So what are the most important upsides and downsides of the Eureka K-2 XT?
Pros:
- Warm and Well-Ventilated
Double walls are the best option when it comes to 4-season tents. The body of this tent is made of a nylon taffeta material. The fly is polyurethane-coated polyester.
While the tent will keep you warm on chilly winter nights, it’s important to use the vents on the door and on the fly. You can also unzip the roof. If you neglect to do that, you may wake up with condensation in the tent.
It’s a good idea to become familiar with the structure of your Eureka K-2 XT Tent before you take it camping. Find every zipper and vent.
Keep in mind that ventilation is especially important in the winter. After all, condensation can easily become frost.
- Easy Setup
Pitching this tent shouldn’t take you too long. Although the vestibules make it look complex and sprawling, the Eureka K-2 XT Tent has a straightforward and clever design.
The dome is hexagonal and you secure it with seven poles. Even inexperienced campers will find it easy to slide the poles into the sleeves. There are also external loops to keep your vestibules in place.
- Lots of Space
This tent is a comfortable fit for three adults. The vestibules add 18 and 3.75 square feet of extra spaces. Hence, you can spread out your belongings and set your clothes up to dry.
Additionally, this is a fairly tall model. The flashlight loop can help you set up some lighting in your temporary home.
- Weather-Resistant
Your Eureka K-2 XT Tent is sure to shelter you from the elements.
Since it has a geodesic dome design, you won’t have to worry about snow weighing down on your tent. The fly is polyurethane-coated. So as long as you close every zipper, you won’t have to worry about leaks.
You also won’t have to worry about setting this tent up on the cold ground. The floor is polyurethane-coated and very tough. It will keep you safe from moisture and it will also offer some thermal insulation.
- Manufacturer Warranty
You get a limited lifetime warranty on your Eureka K-2 XT Tent. Hence, it’s a good long-term investment.
Cons:
- Too Heavy for Backpacking
Although the individual poles are easy to carry, the Eureka K-2 XT Tent weighs too much for hiking. We recommend parking near your campsite if you plan to use this tent.
- Durability Concerns
This 4-season tent is designed to withstand strong wind and heavy precipitation. However, you can expect some fraying and tearing over time.
- The Vestibules Might Not Be Tall Enough
Some campers dislike using vestibules that have low ceilings. After all, they make getting in and out of your tent somewhat awkward.
Materials Analysis:
The Eureka K-2 XT Tent is designed with wet and windy conditions in mind.
The floor and body of your tent are both made of 70D nylon taffeta. Additionally, the floor has a polyurethane coating for some extra insulation. The body contains a mesh material too, which is great for the airflow inside your tent.
Like the floor, the fly of this tent is coated in polyurethane. It’s made of very high-quality ripstop nylon. Finally, the poles are made of sturdy aluminum.
Who It’s Best for:
If you intend to use your tent all year round, the Eureka K-2 XT is a great option for you. It offers plenty of space and it will keep you warm and dry in any weather. While it isn’t too difficult to set up, we don’t recommend it to hikers due to the weight.
To find out more about the Eureka K-2 XT Tent, please click here: https://www.backcountry.com/eureka-k-2-xt-tent-3-person-4-season?skid=ERK0101-ONCO-S52SQFT&ti=U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM6NCBzZWFzb24gdGVudHM6MToyMDo0IHNlYXNvbiB0ZW50cw
The Runner-Up:
Review:
Here is another great 3-person tent. You can use the North Face VE-25 any time of the year without having to worry about the weather.
This tent is extremely stable, making it a perfect choice for windy conditions. Since it’s made of very high-quality materials, you won’t have to worry about the fabric getting soaked with water.
Once again, there are excellent ventilation options. This tent has two doors. Additionally, there is a five-feet-tall vestibule you can use for cooking and storage.
The top height of this tent is 48 inches. It is fairly spacious, with a floor area of 48 square feet. Storage won’t be a problem, as it contains a number of pockets and hanger loops.
There is a large port window that will let you enjoy your surroundings. The North Face VE-25 Tent is designed with very cold conditions in mind. Hence, the polyurethane window won’t crack under any circumstances.
Setup is easy, as there are only five poles. You keep them in place with clips as well as sleeves. The longest piece of equipment is 24 inches, so packing this tent shouldn’t be much of a problem.
However, this also isn’t a very portable option, as it weighs over ten pounds. While it’s a great choice for mountaineering, the weight might be an obstacle for some.
So what are some of this tent’s best features? And what are some downsides?
Pros:
- A Reinforced Structure and Great Thermal Insulation
If you expect heavy snowing during your camping trip, the North Face VE-25 Tent is perfect for you.
It comes with sturdy aluminum poles as well as four snow stakes. You can also use guylines for extra stability in case of a storm. Additionally, there are welded reinforcements on the fly.
All the materials were chosen to fit extreme weather conditions. The fly is made of heavy-duty nylon with polyurethane coating. The body of the tent is fairly durable as well.
What about the floor? This tent comes with a fully-taped bucket floor, which adds to the stability.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Zipper Pulls
Camping in complete darkness can be annoying. But the glow-in-the-dark zipper design will help you a great deal. You never know when you’ll need to increase or decrease ventilation during the night.
- Easy Setup
In most cases, you won’t have any trouble pitching this freestanding tent. You can always use snow stakes and guylines to make your North Face VE-25 Tent more secure.
- Extremely Durable
You can rely on your North Face VE-25 Tent in any conditions. It’s a great choice for campers who explore nature multiple times a year. This tent can withstand extensive use.
- Comfortable
This tent is spacious enough for most campers. Additionally, the vestibule is relatively tall. Hence, getting in and out of your North Face VE-25 Tent won’t be a problem.
Cons:
- The Cost
This is a relatively high-cost tent. You can get durable 3-person tents for less, though they might not perform as well in extremely snowy conditions.
- Problems with the Fly
If you’re unlucky, the polyurethane coating on the fly can melt slightly. This will make your rainfly sticky and less effective. Additionally, this issue won’t necessarily get covered by the warranty, so you may have to invest in a replacement.
- The Weight
While mountain-climbers will love the durability of this tent, it can be too heavy for long climbs. We don’t recommend it to backpackers either. After all, there are lighter 4-season tents you can look into [continue reading].
Materials Analysis:
The floor and the body are both made of 40-denier nylon, while the rainfly is 70-denier nylon. The fly and the floor are PU-coated to keep rain and snow out. Additionally, the poles are designed to be lightweight but can bear a great amount of weight.
Who It’s Best for:
Are you planning to go camping in the middle of winter? Although it’s expensive, the North Face VE-25 Tent could be your best choice. It’s both snow-resistant and stable enough to withstand strong gusts of wind.
Click here to learn more about the North Face VE-25 Tent: https://www.rei.com/product/894457/the-north-face-ve-25-tent
Best Ultralight Weight 4-Season Tent: MSR Access 3 Tent
Review:
Are you looking for a tent you can carry across long distances? The MSR Access 3 Tent is a great choice. After all, it only has four poles and it weighs around 5 pounds.
But can this tent hold up in winter conditions?
It has a double-wall and an extremely sturdy floor. The rainfly is waterproof and coated with DuraShield. Thus, you won’t have to worry about leaks and the seeping cold.
Since the floor area is around 41 square feet, this tent can be a tight fit for three people. However, you get two doors and two spacious vestibules. It has a practical interior space design, so you can make use of every square inch of floor space.
Setting up this tent is extremely simple. You can have it up within minutes, even if you don’t have much camping experience. Here is a quick demonstration by the manufacturer:
At the same time, you won’t have to worry about winds or excessive snowing. The MSR Access 3 Tent is sturdy enough for most weather conditions. It is reinforced and can bear around 25 pounds of snow.
So what are some of the upsides and downsides of this product?
Pros:
- Easy to Pack and Carry
The MSR Access 3 Tent is a highly portable option. When you pack it up, the dimensions are 21 inches by 7 inches. It has four lightweight poles and four guylines for extra stability.
At five pounds, the MSR Access 3 is no heavier than regular summertime tents. However, it is waterproof and it offers considerably more protection against the elements than other lightweight tents.
- A Good Choice for Skiing
The rainfly offers excellent thermal insulation and the structure is designed to withstand at least one night of steady snowing. It can also resist very strong winds. Hence, mountaineers can enjoy using this tent as well.
You will find that the MSR Access 3 Tent is very easy to set up. This is extremely important if you’re using it in cold weather. After all, setting up shelter is your first priority when you’re chilled and exhausted.
- Compact But Comfortable
Although this tent is a tight fit for three adults, it can be a good choice for family camping. The vestibules add a great deal of floor space.
The highest point of your MSR Access 3 Tent is 47 inches. Hence, you can easily spend some time inside if the weather turns bad.
If you’re camping on uneven terrain, this could be an excellent choice for you. The smaller floor size will make it easier to find a good location for your tent. You will need to find a clearing of 84 x 70 inches.
- You Can Use the Rainfly Separately
It’s easy to turn your MSR Access 3 into a single-walled tent. All you have to do is invest in a tent footprint, which you can purchase separately. Then you can set up a small tent using only the rainfly.
This won’t offer adequate protection on the coldest days of the year. But it’s the perfect lightweight solution for autumn hiking or cycling trips.
- A Generous Limited Warranty
MSR has an efficient repair shop that will help in case of damage. Additionally, their customer service is very helpful.
Cons:
- Problems with Durability
While the nylon fabric of the MSR Access 3 Tent is fairly good at thermal insulation, it tears easily. Hence, this tent might not be sturdy enough for constant use.
If you’re out camping in the snow, you should make sure to clear the roof of your tent every morning. This is for the lightweight aluminum poles cannot bear more than 25 pounds at a time.
- The Price
If you’re shopping on a tight budget, this might not be the best option for you. There are slightly smaller tents you can get at a considerably lower price.
- Might Get Too Warm in the Summer
The body of this tent is made of nylon and high-quality durable mesh. Thus, ventilation usually won’t be a problem.
However, the lack of vents can make this tent feel a bit stuffy in the summer. Make sure to leave both doors unblocked whenever possible.
Materials Analysis:
Every component of the MSR Access 3 Tent is designed to decrease weight.
Both the rainfly and the canopy are made of 20-denier ripstop nylon. The rainfly is also coated in DuraShield, which gives it a rubbery texture and keeps the moisture out. Since the floor needs to be a little tougher, it is made of 30-denier nylon.
The poles are made of a special extra-light aluminum. Hence, they are both elastic and sturdy.
Who It’s Best for:
Skiers, hikers, and mountain-climbers will love using the MSR Access 3 Tent. While it might be too expensive for some, this tent is very versatile. It will definitely shield you from cold and damp conditions.
If you’re looking for a lightweight tent for every season, this could be your best option. Go here for more information about the MSR Access 3 Tent: https://www.rei.com/product/112553/msr-access-3-tent
Most Affordable Option: ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent
Review:
Here is an excellent, high-quality tent you can get on a tight budget.
With a floor space of 43.5 square feet, the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent can fit three people. If you want a roomy and tall tent, this could be your best choice. The peak height is 54 inches.
The ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent has a number of storage options. This includes both a gear loft and mesh pockets. You can also fill the vestibules with your belongings.
So how does this tent perform in bad weather?
In spite of the low cost, it is made of extremely durable and waterproof materials. The double-wall will keep you warm in the coldest conditions. Additionally, the mesh windows will provide you with good ventilation.
To set up your ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent, you can use clips. There is a handy shock cord as well, so you can secure your tent against storms. You also get aluminum stakes, which can be extremely useful when it comes to winter camping.
This tent is considerably more affordable than similar 4-season tents. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Since every component is durable, you can rely on this tent year after year.
Let’s take a look at some of the best features the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent has to offer. Is there anything you need to watch out for?
Pros:
- Great Thermal Insulation
The ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent is made of polyester taffeta. The fly and the floor are both covered with polyurethane, meaning they will keep the heat inside and the moisture outside.
- Good Airflow
Since there are mesh windows up top, you won’t have to worry about keeping your tent well-ventilated. The two doors and vestibules will help as well.
- Very Easy Setup
You can pitch this tent within minutes. If you’re worried about strong wind, you can secure it to the ground using the shock cords.
- The Packed Size Is Fairly Small
While this isn’t the most portable tent you can get, it weighs less than 10 pounds. Additionally, it’s only 20 inches long when you pack it up. Hence, you won’t have to worry about fitting this tent in with your luggage.
- Gear Loft and Extra Pockets
You can use the gear loft to store your ski equipment and other belongings.
- An Excellent Long-Term Investment
Finding a good 4-season tent in a low price range can be a challenge. The ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent is fairly sturdy and you really can use it all year round.
ALPS Mountaineering vouches for the durability of this product. Hence, they offer a limited lifetime warranty. You can consult with them if you need repairs.
Cons:
- Sagging Can Be a Problem
If you expect lots of snow during your camping adventure, this might not be the best tent for you.
The poles are relatively sturdy and you can rely on the extra stakes and cords to keep your tent in place. However, this tent doesn’t have a dome structure. Hence, too much snow can weigh it down and stretch the fabric.
- Too Heavy for Some Campers
At 9 pounds and 4 ounces, this might not be your best choice when it comes to hiking or backpacking.
- Might Need Some Extra Care on Muddy Terrain
The ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent will keep you warm and dry in any conditions. But you might have trouble setting it up in the snow or on a muddy surface. The poles can easily slide out of place.
Hence, we recommend practicing setup before you set out with this tent. If you arrange all the poles correctly, you won’t have to worry about slippery terrain.
Materials Analysis:
The ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent comes with sturdy aluminum poles.
The body is made of 75D 185T polyester taffeta as well as a sturdy mesh. This will provide you with ventilation and keep you warm. The rainfly has an extra PU coating, which makes it waterproof and shields you from the wind.
Every seam on this tent is fully taped, so you won’t have to worry about leaks. The material of the floor matches the rainfly and it provides decent insulation.
Who It’s Best for:
Are you looking for a sturdy and comfortable 4-season tent in a fairly low price range? The ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent is one of the best options you can go for. While it may sag a little under heavy snow, you can be sure this tent will keep you warm all year round.
Go here for more information about the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Tent:
A Few Additional Options
The best 4-season tent should fit both your camping style and your budget. There are plenty of options you can go for. Here are a few more high-quality 4-season tents are competitive but didn’t make our top picks list.
Best two person all season tent: If you need an extremely durable 4-season tent, you can go for the Marmot Thor 2P Tent. It comes with a lifetime warranty and it will hold up in any weather. However, it is fairly expensive for a two-person tent.
You might also enjoy using the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent. It is easy to set up and it will provide you with a fair amount of space. Unfortunately, this isn’t a well-ventilated tent, so you might have to deal with increased condensation.
The MSR Stormking Tent is a great choice for family trips, as it can comfortably fit five people. You will also find it durable and extremely stable. But the very high price is a serious downside.
How to Shop for a 4-Season Tent
There is a huge selection of quality tents out there. So how do you decide on the best 4-season tent for you and your family? Here are some of the main factors you need to keep in mind.
- Double Walls Are the Best Choice
A double-walled tent has a canopy and it is covered with a rainfly. In most cases, the fly is waterproof. Single-walled tents only have one layer of fabric.
If possible, you should go for a double-walled tent. After all, you will get better thermal insulation if there’s an external layer to keep the cold out. Leaks are much less likely as well.
Hypothermia is an extremely serious concern. It can set in unexpectedly during the night. Choosing a single-wall tent for camping in winter conditions could expose you to dangerously low temperatures. If you are camping in the winter insure you also have the correct cold weather sleeping bag.
But are there any upsides to single-walled tents?
They are considerably lighter to carry and easier to set up. Hence, they could be the right choice for some hikers and backpackers. But we only recommend single-walled tents to people who expect to go camping in fairly mild weather conditions.
- Make Sure to Get a Spacious Tent
Small tents can be extremely annoying even in the summertime. But if it’s winter, you’ll have to spend more time than usual cooped up in your tent. Thus, you should go for a large enough model.
Many 4-season tents come with vestibules. Although these additions can make setup a little more complicated, they will provide you with some extra storage space.
Staying in wet clothing can easily lead to hypothermia. So if you’re out camping in cold conditions, you need somewhere to hang your clothes out to dry. Vestibules are great for this.
- Ventilation Is Another Crucial Concern
While it’s important to keep the cold air out, you have to make sure your tent has good ventilation. Without good airflow, you will wake up drenched in condensation. This is especially dangerous if it’s cold outside.
So when you’re buying a tent to use all year round, make sure it has great ventilation. You will feel more comfortable in the summer, and you can sleep safely in the winter.
Zippered vents are a good option. Mesh panels also can help a great deal. Most importantly, look for models that have two doors. If a bear tried to come in from one door, you’d be able to escape through the other. Though unlikely, that’s just one benefit of having two doors. Each door would come with a bigger mesh screen than any windows, so better ventilation. You also can’t discount the convenience factor if you’re going to share the tent with other people.
- Check for Wind Resistance
You need to make sure your tent is safe to use in any weather. Having guylines and shock cords can give you some extra stability.
Additionally, always make sure you understand how to set up your tent before you go camping with it. It’s crucial to secure your tent correctly, especially if you expect strong winds.
- Domes Are a Good Design Choice
4-season tents come in many different shapes and sizes. But if you enjoy winter camping, dome-shaped models will likely be the best choice for you. The snow will simply slide down without putting too much weight on the poles.
- Keep Setup Time to a Minimum
Even experienced campers can find it challenging to pitch a tent in very low temperatures. After all, you will likely be tired and impatient to get sheltered from the cold. You also might feel a little clumsy due to chilled fingers.
Fewer poles mean you will be able to set your tent up within minutes. However, vestibules can complicate setup.
- Good Organization Is Important
In addition to shielding you from the elements, your tent will keep your belongings safe and dry. If you need a lot of equipment, look for a model that has a gear loft.
Additionally, we recommend tents with mesh pockets on the walls. This will let you keep an eye on your most important possessions. You can also affix your flashlight in place.
- Consider Your Camping Style Before You Make Your Purchase
Is portability very important to you? Campers who move around a lot require a lightweight tent. Others need a limited floor space, as they prefer uneven campsites.
A Final Word
Some campers like to stick to the warm summer months. They can go for breezy lightweight tents.
However, camping in cold weather can be a beautiful experience. You will be able to see a new side of your favorite campsites. You can test yourself against the elements and try out some winter sports.
Getting a quality 4-season tent will let you explore the world in new ways. But you have to make sure to get a durable model with great thermal insulation.
The Eureka K-2 XT 3-Person 4-Season Tent is our top choice because it is both versatile and sturdy. You can purchase this tent here: