If you are fortunate enough to be camping in winter you’re going to want to sleep in a tent that is up to the responsibility. Winter camping tents are known as “four season” tents to distinguish them from “three season” tents that tend to be lighter and cooler.
Here are four key characteristics you’ll want to look for in your winter camping “four season” tent. All 4 season tents may not have every characteristic and you’ll have to decide which features are most important to you.
- An extra rigid exterior framework, known as the “exoskeleton.” In winter your tent may be exposed to snow, ice, hail and high winds and the exoskeleton protects it and you.
- Steeply angled sides for shedding show
- Good venting to prevent condensation and facilitate breathability
- A vestibule for removing snow-covered boots or clothing to keep snow out of the tent’s interior and to serve as a windbreak
What’s the difference between a single wall and double wall tent?
A single wall tent has only one layer of fabric. This is usually a coated, waterproof, non-breathable material. A double wall tent has 2 walls, the tent and a rainfly – the tent is breathable but not waterproof; the rain fly is waterproof but not breathable. A single wall tent is usually lighter, but the downside is there is more likely to be condensation inside the tent. With a double wall tent you’re more likely to sleep in a dry tent. If you’re camping in a dry environment, a single wall tent may be fine. For a more humid or rainy environment, pick a double wall tent.
Here are 20 Top, Four Season Tents for Winter Camping. All are listed in alphabetical order. Click on the links to read more about each one.
| Tent Name | Image | Weight | Tent Info |
| Black Diamond Ahwahnee |  | 6 lbs., 15 oz., 2 person tent | Single Wall, ToddTex fabric. 2 optional vestibules & ground cloth |
| Black Diamond Eldorado |  | 5 lbs 1 oz., 2 person tent | Single Wall, ToddTex fabric. Optional vestibule & ground cloth |
| Black Diamond Firstlight |  | 5 lbs 1 oz., 2 person tent | NanoShield single-wall fabric. Optional vestibule & ground cloth |
| Black Diamond Fitzroy |  | 7 lbs 1 oz., strongest 2-person Bibler tent | NanoShield single-wall fabric. Optional vestibule & ground cloth |
| Brooks Range Invasion |  | 3 lbs 12 oz., 2 person tent | 15D sil-nylon, 1200 mm polyurethane coating, single wall. |
| Hilleberg Jannu |  | 7 lbs 1 oz., 2 person tent | Kerlon 1200 fabric. Double wall. |
| Hilleberg Nallo 2 |  | 5 lbs 5 oz., 2 person tent | Kerlon 1200 fabric. Double wall tunnel. |
| Hilleberg Nammatj 2 |  | 6 lbs 2 oz., 2 person tent | Kerlon 1800 fabric. Double wall tunnel. |
| Hilleberg Tarra |  | 9 lbs 8 oz., 2 person tent | Kerlon 1800 fabric. Double wall dome. |
| Hilleberg Unna |  | 4 lbs 14 oz., 1 person tent | Kerlon 1200 fabric. Double wall. |
| Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 |  | 3 lbs 5 oz., 2 person tent | 30D Nylon Ripstop fabric. Single Wall |
| Mountain Hardwear EV2 |  | 5 lbs 2 oz., 2 person tent | 30D Nylon Ripstop fabric. Single Wall |
| Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 |  | 9 lbs 13 oz., 2 person tent | 40D Nylon 238T Ripstop fabric. Double wall. |
| MSR Dragontail |  | 5 lbs 1 oz., 2 person tent | Ripstop fabric. Single wall tunnel |
MSR Fury 2 |  | 7 lbs 0 oz., 2 person tent | Ripstop fabric. Double wall. |
| Nemo Tenshi |  | 7 lbs 3 oz., 2 person tent | 30D PU Nylon Ripstop fabric. Single wall. |
| Rab Latok Summit |  | 3 lbs 3 oz., 2 person tent | eVent Waterproof Technology DVStorm fabric. Single wall. |
REI Arete ASL 2 |  | 5 lbs 14 oz., 2 person tent | Ripstop fabric. Double wall dome. |
Sierra Designs Covert 2 |  | 5 lbs 2 oz., 2 person tent | 20D Polyester Ripstop fabric. Single wall. |
The North Face Mountain 25 |  | 8 lbs 8 oz., 2 person tent | 40D 240T nylon fabric. Double wall. |
