Best 4-Season Tents of 2024/25
Top Tents for Winter Camping, Ski Touring, Mountaineering & Cold Weather
Our upgrade pick, the Hilleberg Jannu, on a winter backpacking trip in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. Photo courtesy Arlette Laan
November 13th, 2024
To make all your winter camping, hikes, climbs, and ski tours a reality, you need a good shelter. The best 4-season tents are designed to see you through rainfall and can withstand the low temperatures, high winds, and overnight snowfall that comes with winter camping.
From burly expedition tents to ultralight, fast and light alpine tents to below treeline basecamp tents, we’ve found tents for cold weather camping, mountaineering, and backcountry ski trips. We reviewed 20+ winter tents to find the best 4-season tents for all kinds of users. Here are our winners for every kind of winter camping adventure.
Looking for more tent recommendations? Check out our Best Backpacking Tents and Best Camping Tents guides.
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For more of our favorite winter gear recommendations, see our most popular Snow Guide stories:
Four Season Tent Summary Tables
Price, Capacity, Peak Height, Single vs Double Wall, Entry Doors
| 4-SEASON TENT | TREELINE AWARD | PEOPLE | Peak Height (inches) | WALLS | Entry Doors | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 | Best Overall Read why |
2 | 38 | Double | 2 | $900 |
| Black Diamond FirstLight 2P | Best Fast & Light Alpine Tent Read why |
2 | 42 | Single | 1 | $450 |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 | Best Single Wall Pyramid Read why |
2 | 64 | Single | 1 | $699 |
| Hilleberg Jannu | Best Fast and Easy Set-up Read why |
2 | 39 | Double | 1 | $1,125 |
| Nemo Chogori 3 | Best for Winter Camping Read why |
3 | 46 | Double | 2 | $899 |
* Prices reflect MSRP and are subject to change. We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.
Floor Space, Vestibules, Weight
| 4-SEASON TENTS | TREELINE AWARD | FLOOR SPACE (SQ. FT) | VESTIBULES | VESTIBULE (SQ. FT) | MIN. WEIGHT | PACKED WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 | Best Overall Read why |
40.0 | 2 | 12.0 | 8 lb, 9.7 oz | 9 lb 10.2 oz |
| Black Diamond FirstLight 2P | Best Fast & Light Alpine Tent Read why |
27.3 | Sold Separately | 0.0 | 2 lb, 9 oz | 3 lb 6 oz |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 | Best Single Wall Pyramid Read why |
63.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 lb, 2.72 oz | 1 lb 2.72 oz |
| Hilleberg Jannu | Best Fast and Easy Set-up Read why |
34.4 | 1 | 12.9 | 6 lb, 3 oz | 7 lb 1 oz |
| Nemo Chogori 3 | Best for Winter Camping Read why |
44.3 | 1 | 17.4 | 8 lb, 0 oz | 8 lb 10 oz |
The Best 4-season Tents
The Best Overall Tent: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
Price: $900
Minimum Weight: 8 lb, 9.7 oz
Floor area: 40.0 ft²
Peak height: 38”
Capacity: 2-person
What we liked: sturdy basecamp for high altitude weather, time-tested durability
What we didn't like: weight, walls can slope under heavy snow
Some pieces of gear truly stand the test of time, and the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 is one of them. We found reviews for this beast going back 10 years (with some reviewers having owned theirs since 1995!). Each one said the same of this 4 season tent—comfortable, tough, reliable, and absolutely bombproof.
Treeline Review senior editor Brandon Lampley, who spent the last several years working at the Khumbu Climbing Center in Nepal, says this is among the most popular tents he’d see Himalaya mountaineers use and is one he has a lot of experience with doing expedition-style climbs.
Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
The author Brandon Lampley camping in the Mountain Hardwear Trango at basecamp in Kashmir in the Himalayas. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Exceptional design
If you want a large, comfy 4 season tent that will keep you sheltered through high winds or heavy snow—whatever nature throws at you, this is the one.
The four tent pole, dome tent design is the strongest and most stable geometry for the weight.
For the past few decades, the design has been popular among other brands looking to include a mountaineering tent in their lineup, including our former winner, The North Face Mountain 25.
With a peak height of 38 inches, a 40 square footprint, and tons of internal pockets, including a light diffuser pocket, the Trango 2 checks all the right boxes for livability as well. A bonus! Four snow stakes and all the fiberglass poles are included–though the footprint is sold separately.
We found the peak height to not be the best of the tents we tested, but it's liveable, and our 5'11" tester had no complaints.
Weight
At 9 pounds, 10.2 oz, this tent is heavy. But that might be misleading. Even if you’re often a solo traveler during warm season adventures, you’ll most likely be with a partner in winter. Ski touring, mountaineering, and winter backpacking trips are safer and more enjoyable in teams. Most of the time you will split the weight between two people. Four and a half pounds for a winter shelter is reasonable — actually, excellent.
Rain on the window of the Trango tent while Treeline writer Stasia Stockwell was guiding a mountaineering trip on the Sahale Glacier in North Cascades National Park. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
While we wouldn’t recommend this tent for quick and light trips for the solo winter climber, we chose the Trango 2 as the overall winner because it works in a majority of other winter or high altitude use case scenarios. The Black Diamond FirstLight is better suited for fast and light teams of mountaineers and alpine-style climbing and the Jannu is a better fit if you have a little more to spend for something faster and easier to set up.
Winter tents are all about knowing your use case scenario, conditions, and the projected weather. But thousands of mountaineers have found that The Trango 2 is the tent that can match a majority of their expedition-style situations where a winter tent is necessary.
Treeline writer Stasia Stockwell used the Trango on a spring alpine trip in the Colorado Rockies and reported that it was “too warm.” Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
What to watch for
While we haven't had any issues with seams, some customers reported issues 2 years ago when working with Mountain Hardwear's Warranty program. We're guessing that customer service may have lagged during the pandemic. More recent customer reviews seem much better with regards to experience with customer service.
Best Fast and Light Alpine Climbing Tent: Black Diamond Firstlight 2P
Price: $450
Minimum Weight: 2 lb, 9 oz
Floor area: 27.3 ft²
Peak height: 42”
Capacity: 2-person
What we liked: very light, and very strong for its light weight, can fit on very small ledges, very compact
What we didn't like: not waterproof, not designed for interior space–both are in service of its fast and light design
The Black Diamond FirstLight–previously our winner for Best Ultralight 4-Season tent–is now dubbed the Best Fast and Light Winter Tent. It’s similar to the previous winner of this category, the now-discontinued Black Diamond Eldorado, but there are a few differences that will appeal to folks who want the lightest climbing tent possible. For light and fast solo missions, the Black Diamond First Light offers better protection and more interior space over the Eldorado. Our senior editor Brandon Lampley uses this tent for solo missions because it’s about half the weight of other 4-season tents.
Black Diamond Firstlight 2P
Treeline Review writer Kate Hoch ski touring on Mt. Hood in the Black Diamond FirstLight winter tent.
Weight savings and compact
The Black Diamond First Light saves weight compared to other 4-season tents in several ways. First, like the Eldorado, our former pick that is now discontinued, it's a single-wall tent. However, it is a bit shorter than the Eldorado, which saves some weight. Our 5'11" tester doesn't find this to be much of a problem, though, and has comfortably used the First Light on cold-and-dry weather backpacking trips as well as alpine and mountaineering expeditions.
The real weight savings compared to other 4-season tents is found in the fabric. The First Light uses lighter single-wall fabric, a water-resistant, breathable NanoShield fabric. Like its predecessor, the Eldorado, it's easy to set up, even from the inside (handy when the wind is blowing).
While the First Light isn't quite as light as our Best Single Wall 4-season test, the HMG Mid, it's not quite fair to compare the two. The First Light has some features not found on the HMG Mid, like bug netting. The First Light also has a sturdy two-pole design. The HMG is a Mid, which is also good in wind but has drawbacks with sloping walls.
The author using the FirstLight on a winter thru-hike of the Prescott Circle Trail.
Designed for a purpose
The durable NanoShield material is water-resistant but not waterproof. It may seem counter-intuitive, but this design is to meet a very specific purpose. The fabric wicks moisture in very cold and somewhat dry conditions, minimizing condensation. Dry conditions are the best climbing conditions, and the cold is inevitable at altitude. So the NanoShield fabric is designed to save weight and make you as comfortable as possible in the conditions you're most likely to encounter when using this tent.
As with the Eldorado, it also requires seam sealing.
Look inside the Black Diamond FirstLight
Interior space
Other reviews ding the First Light for not having much interior space and not being liveable. But as with the NanoShield fabric, it was designed for a specific use: providing shelter on a small ledge while alpine climbing. As with the Eldorado, the vestibules and ground sheets are sold separately.
Ease of pitch
This tent can be set up from the inside, which is nice to get your body out of the weather. There's a learning curve to the set-up, but this is common with lightweight, specialized gear. We recommend, as we do with all tents, to practice setting up at home or in a controlled environment before taking it in the elements.
Best Single Wall 4-Season Tent: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2
Price: $699
Minimum Weight: 1 lb, 2.72 oz
Floor area: 63.0 ft²
Peak height: up to 64”
Capacity: 2-people
What we liked: very light weight, USA-made, spacious
What we didn't like: as a category, ultralight tents are not suitable for blizzards, extreme cold, extremely high altitudes
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 is our recommended 4-season tent for highly skilled adventurers on multi-day ski tours or other situations where an ultralight tent is preferable to a heavier set-up and where conditions can allow for a pyramid tent. For an ultralight tent, this USA-made tent is hugely spacious and can still withstand some snow load, a rarity among ultralight designs.
It’s also the only 4-season tent that we’d recommend using for 3-season backpacking—as it’s the only option light and versatile enough for multi-use. But just as a reminder, we don’t recommend ultralight tents for polar blizzards or extremely high altitudes.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2
Pyramid tent design
Unlike the other winter tents we considered, the UltaMid isn't a freestanding tent. Instead of coming with a tent pole, it is designed to be held up by a pole, paddles, sticks, or skis. A mid style is preferable to other ultralight designs for being more windproof and allowing some snow load to slide off.
A non-traditional shelter, the UltaMid is a floorless pyramid tent. Just a single layer of bombproof fabric with no hardware, it doesn't come with a tent pole. You use items you already have on hand such as ski poles to pitch the shelter (or a trekking pole, hiking staff, or canoe paddle).
There’s a learning curve for sure — how you stake out your tent becomes much more important, and you have to get used to not having a floor. But the benefits? Digital Trends says, “near bombproof shelter that weighs as much as a loaf of bread.”
Now, this experience extends to many pyramid-style tents, but what elevated the UltaMid above others we considered such as the Black Diamond Mega Light was a bare minimum weight of 1 lb, 3 oz.
Versatility
One advantage of this ultralight tent is it's the one option that is lightweight enough to consider using in non-winter conditions. Even in non-snow conditions, pyramid tents are excellent for high winds, which is one reason our testers will often take Pyramid tents on alpine traverses where taking shelter from trees isn’t an option. Our senior editor uses a similar pyramid for cross-country bicycle touring, where wind protection from trees isn’t always a given.
Floor space
The HMG pyramid is also fairly spacious: 64 square feet of space. Four people can squeeze in, but it’s best as a palace for two (HMG says it's a two-person tent plus a dog or for one person plus their gear).
The UltaMid is made of innovative DCF8 Dyneema® Composite Fabric (formerly cuben fiber) that is exceptionally strong and extraordinarily waterproof. DCF is expensive, though. If you like the idea of a pyramid tent but are ok with heavier ripstop nylon instead of DCF, see our notes on the Black Diamond Mega Light below.
If you find yourself wanting more room, it’s also available as the UltaMid 4, which can be used as a basecamp or for 3 to 4 people and their gear on alpine expeditions.
Customizability
You can customize the UltaMid by raising or lowering the peak to alter wind resistance, digging out a floor to increase space, or adding a bug net/bathtub floor. It’s designed to add some extra warmth and protection in inclement weather. It’s slightly smaller than the tent itself, so won’t touch the walls while minimizing condensation.
An ultralight pyramid-style tent isn’t for everyone, but for those with the skills and interest in experimenting with winter minimalist fast+light camping, there’s a consensus that this is the favorite tent out there.
What others say
The UltaMid has 4.9 out of 5 star reviews from everyday users — 95 of them. In our job of considering everyday users’ opinions, we find that amount of praise from customers is almost unheard of, considering many people are generally eager to be nit-picky when leaving reviews.
There’s a lot to love about this ultralight tent: it is hugely spacious, the minimal weight, and you don’t need to carry tent poles. But again—to stay warm, safe, and dry in extreme winter conditions, we recommend one of our winners that has a pole-supported tent design. Remember the key to winter camping is to have the right tent for the right conditions. But if you’re going fast and light in moderate conditions, the UltaMid 2 is our recommended tent.
The Best Fast and Easy Set-Up Tent: Hilleberg Jannu
Price: $1,240
Minimum Weight: 6 lbs, 3 oz
Floor area: 34.4 ft²
Peak height: 39”
Capacity: 2-person
What we liked: lightweight but expedition sturdy, high-quality of design and construction, durable materials, fast and easy set-up
What we didn't like: price
You’d be hard-pressed to find an outdoors person who doesn’t rave about the Hilleberg Jannu 4-Season Tent, our winner for Best Fast and Easy Set-up Winter Tent. While Hilleberg tents are on the premium end of the spectrum, it is also universally agreed that they are worth the cost. After a long day ski touring, snowshoeing, or alpine climbing, a reliable, sturdy, and easy-to-set up tent can truly make a difference and be a morale booster.
Hilleberg Jannu
The Jannu 2 (in red) on The White Mountain Direttissima, a backpacking trip that summits all 48 of the 4,000 foot mountains in New Hampshire in one go. Photo courtesy Arlette Laan.
We found the Hilleberg Jannu 2 to be our overall favorite of Hilleberg’s 4-season options due to its versatility. Whether you’re subjected to strong, gusty winds at elevation or heavy snow loads and precipitation in the trees, customers report that the Hilleberg Jannu 2 has excellent weather protection and is one of the most reliable tents for winter camping.
The Jannu is a strong double-wall shelter known for its roominess and weather protection. It has a pole supported dome tent design that holds up better to snow loads and extreme wind better than other designs
Versatility
For those looking to save weight, but don’t need the full protection, or simply want to expand their space, the outer and inner tent can be pitched separately. However, we found that pitching the inner tent alone requires optional pole holders. We do like this modular functionality. Some folks will be happy saving some weight by ditching the inner tent and choosing to only pitch the outer tent when ski touring in the trees.
If the 6 lbs 2 oz of this tent are too much, or if you’re heading solo, we recommend the lighter Hilleberg Soulo, which gets rave reviews from Backpacking Light, perfect 5/5 on Trailspace, and Rock and Ice and Backpacker magazines.
Rich Gambale in the Jannu 2 on the White Mountain Direttissima. Photo by Arlette Laan
Who else likes it
Professional users mention the delightful balance of weight and function, and everyday users point out that it’s comfortable enough for basecamp yet small enough to fit on ledges and in tight trees.
The Jannu ranked #1 on Outdoor Gear Lab and #7 for Switchback Travel and has 5/5 star customer reviews on every website we researched.
Is the hilleberg jannu worth it?
Compared to the Mountain Hardwear Trango, this 4-season tent saves two and a half pounds while costing a few hundred bucks more. For some, that weight savings on a mountaineering tent is worth it. Especially since the Hilleberg tents are known to last decades.
One of the only major downsides of the Hilleberg Jannu 2 (like all Hillberg tents) is that it can be hard to find as it isn’t sold at most major retailers. Hilleberg is a 45-year old family-owned company and their tents are handmade in Europe. One person makes each tent (the person even signs their name inside your tent).
Still, we think the Jannu is worth the extra time spent finding a reputable retailer. See our links below for stores we trust that sell the Hillebergs tents. While prices remain fixed across retailers on Hilleberg tents and they can’t go on discount, one of the advantages of going with one of these retailers is they may qualify you for store-wide credit or rewards programs, which can function similar to cashback.
Best for Winter Camping: Nemo Chogori 3
Packaged weight: 8 lbs, 0 oz
Floor dimensions: 89 x 80 inches
Floor area: 44.3 ft²
What we liked: liveability, versatility, fast and easy set up
What we didn't like: not as lightweight for fast and light expeditions, stretchy material
Among 4-season tents, we found the Nemo Chogori 3 to be the most liveable and comfortable winter tent we’ve camped in, and the simplest to set up as well. It’s a jack-of-all-trades tent: solid, quick to pitch, and roomy. After sleeping more than 100 nights in this tent, we love it and applaud its fast and ease of setup, relatively light weight, two-door entry, and generous floor and vestibule space. It handles strong winds with ease, too. This all adds up to this versatile, all-arounder tent winning our best winter camping tent category.
The Nemo Chogori is out of stock currently but we hear it will be coming back soon. We think this is such a good tent that we're going to still include it here as an award-winner and we look forward to it becoming available again soon.
Nemo Chogori 3
The Nemo Chogori camping near Salida, Colorado after a snow storm. Photo by Lawton Grinter
Small, thoughtful features make winter camping more comfortable
After more than 100 nights sleeping in this tent all through the Colorado mountains, we find its features make it a stand-out compared to other 4-season tents we’ve lived in. We are impressed by the attention to small details.
Winter camping isn't always comfortable, and each little detail that makes sleeping overnight easier and more enjoyable is something we applaud.
One example is that the Chogori has upper vents you can reach through to the outside. Forgot to unclip your solar charger before bed? Just reach through the vent and retrieve it! You can take a mug of hot chocolate from your campmates without getting out of your warm cocoon. Some reviewers dinged this tent for no mesh, but we think it’s a clever design and saves on weight!
There are lots of inner pockets in just the right spots (stow the unzipped door in one!), snow valences on the fly for wind and spindrift protection, and Bungie stake-out points with durable metal rings to accept the stakes.
Large group accommodation
We also liked that you could link multiple tents together for a larger, connected shelter. Ski tour slumber party anyone? This zip-off vestibule feature, which allows you to securely zip two tents together, is perfect for parties of four to six winter skiers or winter outdoor programs.
Weight
The Chogori 3, only 1 lb heavier than the 2-person tent, is a better choice for folks over 6 feet tall (it has a 46” peak), or who regularly want to sleep 3 in the tent. That said, we can fit 3 folks plus their gear traveling mountaineer light.
For light and fast missions, splitting the 2-person tent between two partners, with the 3rd carrying the cooking gear, helps distribute weight evenly. The Chogori isn't the lightest tent, so may not appeal to those looking for minimalist shelters for fast-and-light alpine climbs. Still, we think split between two or three people the 2.3-lb per person is quite reasonable, especially if you're only looking to buy one 4-season tent.
Pole structure
If you regularly build camp while snow is falling, the external pole structure makes this the best choice for a quick and easy set-up. The inner tent stays snow-free and dry, and there’s no pfaffing with connecting the fly in the wind. The valences when buried are another layer of wind protection. Nineteen fly tie-down points, made of reflective webbing, means the shelter can be securely lashed to your desires. In our testing, high winds were no problem with only four of these used to secure guy lines at the four corners.
However, the external pole design that makes it so easy to set up also raises some long-term durability concerns. The Nemo Chogori isn’t the first winter tent design to employ the external pole design and we’ve seen other tentmakers have structural issues with an external pole design. Since the pole sleeves and other structural pole attachments are exterior, that means they’ll take the brunt of UV damage, repeated wind-blown ice crystals, sand, and abrasion.
We think that criticism, also voiced by the Alpinist, is speculative though, and would take hundreds of days of high altitude sun exposure to even begin to be a worry. So far, our 100 days at altitude hasn't been enough to show signs of damage.
In fact, the Nemo Chogori may be the best external pole design we’ve seen. Our internal pole design winter tents have lasted 20 years of wear and tear. Even as the fly has had some UV damage, the heavy polyester has survived. With the Nemo being a newer model, we don’t have 20 years of data. But after 100 nights, we haven’t seen any damage so far. Only time will tell whether this will be an issue—but if it does, it’s protected by Nemo’s Lifetime Warranty.
Material
Our one criticism with the Chogori is the slightly stretchy nature of the outer fly material when wet. The external pole design doesn’t allow for the fly tensioning system common on most traditional tents similar design. That said, there are 19 tie-down points for the Chogori’s fly, and even when wet and a little slack, the tent performs like a champ in very strong winds.
Who else likes it
We're not alone in our praise for the Chogori. The Chogori is a solid shelter for winter ski and mountaineering missions, and comfortable as an all-season basecamp.
Everyday users stressed the comfort and interior space (40.1 sq ft with a peak height of 39”), adding that “if you are looking for a bombproof, light, easy to set up tent that doesn't require you to snuggle with your partners, then this is the one for you.” Palatial for two adventurers and gear, and cozy for three. Brandon who is 5’ 11” can sit up in the Chogori 2 with an inch to spare overhead.
Bottom line
If you seek one 4-season tent for both ski touring, winter camping, and mountaineering, the Nemo Chogori is bomber and roomy enough for basecamp, and light enough for a team of two or three on alpine-style missions. Its ease of setup and liveability make the Nemo Chogori the most versatile choice for winter adventures.
Other 4-season tents we tested
Black diamond hilight 2p
Price: $500
Minimum Weight: 3 lb, 8 oz
Floor area: 27.3 ft²
Peak height: 43”
Capacity: 2-person
With a minimum weight of 2 pounds, 10 oz, the Black Diamond HiLight is a superb choice for ultralight hikers who dabble in winter pursuits. The large side entry door with a bug net is a killer feature for warm-season use. It’s a similar design to the First Light, except for the door on the big side and the mesh inner door.
Black Diamond Hilight 2P
Price: $400
Minimum Weight: 2 lb, 5 oz
Floor area: 50.7 ft²
Peak height: 57”
Capacity: 4-person
The Black Diamond Mega Light is our runner-up single-wall winter tent, ranking just behind the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2. Like the HMG tent, it is a floorless pyramid tent with an optional floor/bug net insert. Ultimately, we liked the HMG Pyramid better because its DCF construction made it stronger, more waterproof, and about a pound lighter than the Black Diamond Mega Light.
Black Diamond Mega Light
Price: $1,095
Minimum Weight: 6 lb, 3 oz
Floor area: 31.2 ft²
Peak height: 41”
Capacity: 2-person
You can’t go wrong with a Hilleberg, but for the criteria we set in this story, we felt the Jannu was a better all-around tent than the Allak 2 because it has slightly more space and a more bombproof design.
Hilleberg Allak 2
Price: $625
Minimum Weight: 2 lb, 14 oz
Floor area: 24.0 ft²
Peak height: 44”
Capacity: 2-person
If you are a serious climber who wants a minimalist, ultralight, tiny footprint, but strongly structural tent, then the MSR Advance Pro should be on the list you consider. It takes the structural integrity of pole-supported tents and marries it with the small footprint and single-wall design of an ultralight or alpine tent. It’s 2 lbs 3 oz minimum weight or 3 lbs 3 oz standard—an incredible weight for a non-DCF tent. Testers, however, felt there was just too much to sacrifice in comfort to get there.
MSR Advance Pro
Price: $1,224
Minimum Weight: 3 lb 2 oz
Floor area: Custom
Peak height: 41”
Capacity: 2-person
We are very intrigued by the Made in Maine Stephenson’s Warmlite two-person tent, which won Climbing Magazine’s 2019 Editor’s Choice Award. The standard version ships in 48 hours, but you can also get fully customizable, spacious, ultralight tents for up to five people. and It didn’t quite make the cut as we couldn’t find commentary from everyday users. We’ll keep our eye out for everyday reviewers and look forward to further researching and testing this tent, but in the meantime, we wanted to shout out this Made in the USA tent brand.
Stephenson’s Warmlite two-person
Not all winter adventures require sleeping outdoors, but if you’re looking to go farther, higher, or deeper into the backcountry, a 4-season tent is a must. Photo courtesy Sarah Longley.
Do you need a 4 season tent
The short answer? Not everyone needs one. While “4 season” makes these tents sound incredibly versatile, the truth is you primarily want to use these in winter, because for any other season, they’re simply going to be too much tent.
Our award-winning 4-season tent picks are best suited to ski touring, mountaineering, and alpine climbing in all seasons, or snowshoe and snowmobile overnight trips. Basically, if you will camp in the winter, or winter conditions up in the big mountains, you need a strong 4-season tent. For tips on winter camping, take a look at our How to Get Started Winter Camping guide
The double-wall tents that won awards do make great car-camping tents for year-round use. If you’re looking for a one-tent-fits-all model and you primarily backpack and recreate during the fairer seasons, check out our How to Choose a Backpacking Tent guide or The Best Camping Tents instead.
We used the Mountain Hardwear Trango while guiding mountaineering trips on the Sahale glacier in North Cascades National Park. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
If you need a cold-weather tent and expect stormy weather this season, you'll want a strong, reliable home. A winter tent is primarily designed with a pole system that can withstand high wind and accept a heavy snow load without collapsing. These conditions are found year-round in higher altitudes and mountainous regions of the world, such as when mountaineering.
And while you’re planning your winter adventures, our guides to What to Wear Winter Hiking and Best Winter Traction Devices (Microspikes + Crampons) are helpful for planning your wardrobe. Just getting into backcountry skiing? Be sure to read our How to Get Started Backcountry Skiing guide for tips as well.
Winter playtime in Maine. Photo courtesy Sarah Longley
Types of 4-season tents
Even within 4-season tents, there is a range of features and uses. Our winners come from several groups based on structure and intended use. Here we outline the most common types.
A 4-season tent allows you to take ski touring to the next level without working around ski cabin reservations. Photo courtesy Sarah Longley
Expedition-style mountaineering, ski touring, and snowshoeing tents
This is the 4-season tent category that the overwhelming majority of users pick for mountaineering, ski touring, etc.
Expedition-style, mountaineering, ski touring, and snowshoeing tents have the interior space and comfort to make long winter nights more comfortable.
Nights are long in the winter, and more interior space and lots of pockets and a big vestibule are nice.
Plus, you can afford the extra weight since you’ll generally be splitting the tent weight between two people. This style of camping shelter is typically a double-wall tent by keeping you in the inner tent and letting condensation collect on the outer tent. The double wall helps to keep condensation off you. Additionally, most contain a large vestibule for cooking and dry gear storage. The dome tent design allows each pole to work together to create multi-directional support in the case of high winds and snow loads.
The Black Diamond Mega Light tent in 3-season conditions.
Fast and light alpine style tents
Mountaineering tents like the Black Diamond Eldorado are built for high-alpine environments where weight and size are primary considerations.
Sometimes called "treeline tents" these tents are the ones you’ll see in photos perched on a ledge on technical climbing routes. They are meant to fit in tight spaces with extreme wind and limited weather protection.
Mountaineering and alpine shelters are typically single-wall tents. They are also not meant for spending large quantities of time in. They are fast and light shelters meant for fast and light climbs.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but some treeline tents like the Eldorado are not designed for rain. Instead, the fabric serves to wick moisture in very cold and somewhat dry conditions, minimizing condensation.
We’ve found that double-wall tents account for the majority of tents used in the mountains. Single wall tents are popular with alpine climbers or those who see the advantage of the weight savings, but most climbers use a double-wall tent. If you’re interested in learning more about ice climbing, check out our How to Get Started Ice Climbing guide.
On big mountains around the world and in the US, it is common for 3 people to share a 2-person tent like The North Face Mountain 25. But there are certain trips, like many technical summits, where light and reliable shelters that can withstand wind and be set up on small ledges are the only way to get the job done.
Treeline in Maine. Photo courtesy Sarah Longley.
Below treeline and three season plus tents
These versatile, budget tents can double as your summer tents. Below Treeline tents, including the popular Marmot Fortress, contain many features that help extend their use into winter conditions. However, they’re not going to be as much of a stronghold in extreme wind or heavy snow load. As the name implies, these tents shine in winter use where the campsites are somewhat sheltered. A glade in the aspens or spruces just below treeline for example.
Still, these 3+ season tents will fare better in wind and snow load than most 3-season tents. They have features that may benefit you in winter: less mesh to let in blowing snow, a heavier rainfly that will add strength and a more substantial bathtub floor. However, they are heavier than most three-season tents — so we’d advise going with one of our backpacking tent recommendations for most three-season trips.
Black Diamond Mega Light on a winter camping trip.
Pyramid tents
Designed to be as light as possible while still providing formidable protection against the elements, pyramid shelters like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 and Black Diamond Megalight are very popular among ultralight hikers and expert backcountry ski tourers. Compared with the other tents we mention, these can work well for use in all seasons in the right conditions if you have the skills and experience to stake and guyline them out and choose a protected tent site.
While there is some disagreement as to under which conditions ultralight pyramid tents shine best, most experts and everyday users agree that they’re ideal for larger spaces with deep snow. This makes them great for backcountry ski trips, where you can dig and shape the snow to make sleeping and cooking platforms covered by the pyramid.
For winter conditions, Pyramids are best below treeline. While they are good in high winds, if you anticipate being in exposed and open areas, you’re better off going with a more traditional 4-season tent. We’ll reiterate that while Pyramid tents have a learning curve in 3-season conditions, they require an extra level of familiarity in anchoring, staking out, and guy lining for winter conditions. If you have this mastery and are very weight conscious, a pyramid is awesome.
Senior editor Brandon Lampley’s high camp with the Black Diamond tent. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley
How to choose a 4-season tent
Do you want a single wall or double wall tent?
We’ve found that double-wall tents account for the majority of tents used in the mountains for 4-season use. Single wall tents are popular with alpine climbers or those who see the advantage of the weight savings, but most climbers use a double-wall tent. For this review, we tested both single-wall and double-wall tents–each which have different criteria with which we judged. See our section above on fast and light alpine tents for more on what we looked for in single wall tents.
Do you want a lightweight tent?
If you're base camping or winter car camping, weight won't matter as much. For alpine fast and light expeditions, weight will be one of the most important factors to you. Because most 4-season expeditions are completed in teams, we aimed for tents that are around 2-2.5 lbs per person when split amongst team members.
How much do you want to spend?
Four-season tents generally require stronger and sturdier material than 3-season tents because they are designed to withstand the pressure of snow loads. As a result, the price is often more than summer tents. Expect to spend at least $300 minimum for the most basic of winter tents. The best winter tents will cost $800+ or more for a design that can last a decade.
How much ventilation do you need?
Ventilation and airflow are important in winter tents to minimize condensation. With winter camping, moisture management is an important skill to maintain the insulation capabilities of your down gear. Double wall tents typically are better at ventilation and preventing condensation than single-wall tents.
Do you want your tent to have pockets?
Nights are long in the winter. You'll likely be spending more time in your 4-season tent than you do in a summer tent. As a result, we appreciate small design features that make the interior more comfortable and convenient to use. At the top of this list are pockets. A well-placed pocket can make it that much easier to find essential items like a headlamp, gloves, glasses, or a lighter.
Buying advice
Weather resistance
When searching for the best 4-season tent, weather resistance stands out as the top thing to keep in mind. There's nothing worse than having a tent collapse on you in a snowstorm and having to get out and fix it (or realize it is unfixable). Here's what we looked for in winter tents:
WIind resistance
One of the primary challenges in harsh weather is wind. The best 4-season tents should feature a structure designed to handle strong winds. We found tents with geodesic or dome designs to be the hardiest, as these shapes distribute wind forces more effectively. Reinforced poles, multiple guy-out points, and sturdy stake options contribute to enhanced wind resistance.
Snow and ice resistance
Winter camping demands tents that can handle snow and ice accumulation. Tents with steep walls facilitate the shedding of snow, preventing it from accumulating on the roof. Additionally, robust pole structures and snow skirts aid in maintaining the tent's integrity under the weight of snow. A snow-rated or four-season tent should feature durable materials that resist freezing and cracking, ensuring reliable performance in icy conditions.
Waterproofing
Unpredictable weather conditions can include rain, sleet, or snow, making waterproofing a non-negotiable attribute. Quality 4-season tents often come with a durable rainfly that provides an extra layer of protection. Look for tents made of fabrics with high hydrostatic head ratings (see our Best Rain Jackets guide for more on what hydrostatic heads means), taped seams, and treated fabrics to ensure optimal waterproofing. A bathtub-style floor design, where the floor extends up the tent walls, prevents water from seeping in during heavy rain or snowmelt.
Durability
Weatherproofing in 4-season tents all comes down to durability. Assessing the quality of materials and the meticulousness of construction and stitching will guide you in selecting a tent that will last you multiple seasons.
Quality of materials
Fabric: Examine the denier (D) rating of the tent fabric. Higher denier values typically indicate thicker and more durable materials. Ripstop fabrics are advantageous as they prevent tears from spreading. Just because you're using your tent in the winter doesn't mean can't get damage from the sun. Look for materials treated with UV-resistant coatings to enhance longevity and protect against sun damage.
Poles: Aluminum poles are common in high-quality 4-season tents due to their strength-to-weight ratio. DAC (Dongah Aluminum Corporation) or Easton are reputable pole manufacturers and come with many 4-season tents. Shock-corded poles simplify setup and reduce the risk of losing components.
Zippers: Inspect the zippers and other fastening mechanisms. YKK zippers are well-regarded for their durability. Zipper flaps and storm flaps contribute to weather resistance and prevent water infiltration. Consider tents with glove-friendly zipper pulls for convenience in cold conditions. We also tend to like bigger zippers (e.g. YK #3 and up), which are less likely to get jammed.
Constructions and stitching
Reinforced stress points: Critical stress points, such as pole attachment points and corners, should feature reinforced stitching or additional fabric layers. This prevents wear and tear at points of maximum tension, ensuring the tent's structural integrity over time.
Seam taping: Well-sealed seams are vital for waterproofing. Tents with taped seams prevent water from seeping through needle holes. Double-stitched and factory-taped seams enhance the tent's ability to repel moisture, especially during prolonged exposure to rain or snow. Plus, having to seam seal a tent yourself is no fun. We prefer if the tent comes ready-made seam-sealed.
Freestanding vs. non-freestanding: Freestanding tents are generally easier to set up and more versatile to pitch in the snow. Non-freestanding tents rely on stakes for support–and you'll definitely want snow stakes for winter use. With the exception of our Ultralight winner, all the 4-season tents we tested are freestanding. Proper staking contributes to the stability and durability of non-freestanding tents–and also helps keep your freestanding tents from blowing away if you're basecamping.
Floor design: The tent floor should be durable and resistant to abrasion. A bathtub-style floor, where the floor material extends several inches up the tent walls, provides an extra layer of protection against ground moisture. We preferred tents with reinforced corners designed to withstand the wear and tear associated with repeated use.
Versatility
Opt for a tent that offers adaptability to various conditions. Some 4-season tents come with removable panels or adjustable venting systems, allowing you to customize the tent's ventilation and temperature control based on the season and weather. Theoretically, this means you can use your 4-season tent in the summer or shoulder seasons. However, we find that most 4-season tents are overkill in the summer and weigh too much to justify using in warmer conditions. The exceptions are our Best Ultralight winner and our Budget Winner.
Ease of setup
In nasty weather, a quick and straightforward setup is invaluable. Look for tents with color-coded poles and clips or those with intuitive designs that make assembly easier. Practice setting up your tent in optimal conditions at home in your backyard or at a park before your trip to become familiar with the process. Believe us–it is no fun learning how to set up a tent in the snow in the dark after a long snowshoe into your campsite!
Interior space and storage
Consider the tent's interior space and layout. 4-season tents should provide ample room for you and your gear. Additionally, look for tents with vestibules or gear lofts to keep equipment organized and protected from the elements.
Warranty and customer support
A solid warranty and responsive customer support can be crucial, especially when investing in 4-season tents, which are on the pricier end of types of outdoor gear. Check the manufacturer's warranty policy and customer service reputation to ensure you have support in case of unexpected issues.
Maintenance and care tips
Investing in a 4-season tent is not only about the initial purchase but also about maintaining its performance over time. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and reliability of your shelter in diverse outdoor conditions. Consider the following tips to care for and maintain your 4-season tent:
Regular inspection
Conduct routine inspections of your tent, both before and after each trip. Check for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Pay attention to seams, zippers, poles, and the condition of the fabric. Promptly address any issues to prevent them from escalating.
Cleaning
After each use, clean your tent to remove dirt, debris, and any potential contaminants. Use a soft brush or sponge to wipe down the exterior, and be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric. For more stubborn stains, a mild soap solution can be used. Ensure the tent is completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Storage
It's worth a reminder: make sure your 4-season tent is completely dry before storage. Store your tent in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade tent fabrics over time. Store the tent loosely in its storage bag to allow the fabric to breathe. Avoid compressing the tent for extended periods, as this can affect the elasticity of the materials.
Avoiding abrasion
When you're setting up your tent, choose a campsite free of sharp rocks and debris that could damage the tent floor. Consider using a footprint or groundsheet to provide an extra layer of protection.
Seam sealing and waterproofing
Over time, the waterproof coating on your tent may wear off. Reapply seam sealer and waterproofing treatments as needed, following the manufacturer's recommendations. This is especially crucial for high-stress areas and seams to maintain the tent's water-resistant capabilities.
Zippers and fasteners
Keep zippers and fasteners clean and lubricated to ensure smooth operation. Apply a silicone-based zipper lubricant to prevent rust and corrosion. Check for any fabric caught in the zipper teeth and address it promptly to avoid damage.
Repair kit
We recommend carrying a small repair kit on your outdoor adventures, especially winter trips where tent failure can be potentially a life-threatening gear disaster. This should include patches for quick fixes on the tent fabric, seam sealer, spare guy lines, and a pole repair sleeve. Familiarize yourself with basic repair techniques to address minor issues on the go.
Follow manufacturer guidelines
Always adhere to the manufacturer's care and maintenance guidelines specific to your tent model. Different tents may have unique features or materials that require specific attention. Following these guidelines ensures optimal performance and longevity.
FAQ
What distinguishes a 4-season tent from other types of tents?
4-season tents are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including winter snow, heavy rain, and strong winds. They feature robust construction, durable materials, and enhanced weather resistance compared to 3-season tents. See our Best Backpacking Tents guide or Best Camping Tents guide for 3-season tents that can handle almost any weather those seasons may throw at you.
Can I use a 4-season tent in warm weather?
Yes, 4-season tents can be used in warm weather, but they may have less ventilation than 3-season tents. We've found 4-season tents to be overkill even in late spring. If you're dead set on using your 4-season tent in non-winter seasons, look for models with adjustable vents and mesh panels to manage airflow and prevent condensation during milder conditions.The exception is our Ultralight tent winner and maybe our Budget Winner. Those two tents are versatile enough to use in other seasons.
Are 4-season tents suitable for backpacking?
While 4-season tents tend to be heavier due to their durable construction, almost all of our winners are designed to be backpacked, snowshoed, or skied into a winter campsite. The more base-camp style 4-season tents will be heavier, but can generally withstand worse weather. The lightweight versions are designed for fast and light operations. Consider the weight, compactness, and your specific backpacking needs when choosing a 4-season tent for this purpose.
How do I choose the right size of a 4-season tent?
Consider the number of occupants, gear storage needs, and desired comfort. Many tents provide a person capacity, but it's essential to check floor dimensions and peak height to ensure a comfortable living space. In our testing, we found the person-capacity to often be exaggerated. Remember you'll also need room in your tent for your gear.
Are all 4-season tents fully waterproof?
While 4-season tents are designed to be highly waterproof, the level of waterproofing can vary. Check the tent's hydrostatic head rating, seam sealing, and the quality of the rainfly to ensure it meets your waterproofing requirements.
Can I set up a 4-season tent on snow or icy surfaces?
Yes, most 4-season tents are designed for snow camping. If you aren't sure, ensure the tent has snow skirts, sturdy poles, and proper ventilation to handle snowy conditions. A quick reminder to practice setting up your tent in optimal conditions before your trip.
What accessories are essential for a 4-season tent?
A few extras you may want for your winter camping trip include: a footprint for added floor protection, snow stakes for winter camping, and a gear loft or storage pockets for organization. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible accessories. You can also check out our How to get started Winter camping guide for accessories we like.
Testing the Black Diamond FirstLight in Oregon in January.
How we tested
To bring you the best of the best tents for winter camping, we compared reviews from Switchback Travel, Outdoor Gear Lab, The Manual, Outside Online, Gear Institute, Backpacker Magazine, Business Insider, Gear Junkie, Men’s Journal, Backpacking Light, Sectionhiker, and Rock and Ice.
We then compared the professional reviews with those from everyday users on Backcountry, Moosejaw, REI, Feathered Friends, and individual brand sites. Adding in a dose of our own experiences, we identified 31 tents worthy of further study and consideration.
The authors of this article both contributed their experience, testing the models in the Himalaya, South America, Canada, Alaska, and Europe. In the case of one model, we tested by sleeping 100 nights in a 4-season tent.
The editor is a mountaineer and alpine climber with decades of experience on mountains the world over. The author is an avid outdoorswoman with Maine and New England-based winter overnights and the co-author.
About the authors / why you should trust us
Senior editor Brandon Lampley in the Smokies in the Winter. Photo courtesy Brandon Lampley.
Brandon Lampley is the editor of this story. He is a mountaineer with extensive experience with 4-season tents and has used them on summit climbs of Denali and Ama Dablam and pioneering first ascents in the Indian and Chinese Himalaya.
For three years, Brandon lived and worked in Phortse, Nepal as the project director of the Khumbu Climbing Center where he worked alongside Nepali climbers to increase safety for high-altitude climbers and workers. There, he used and talked with mountaineers about the most popular 4-season tents and innovations in 4-season tent technology.
His bigwall climbs include several El Cap routes in Yosemite. He’s spent a month kayaking the Sea of Cortes, bike toured across the U.S. several times, and thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
When not he’s not on a long trip or traveling, Brandon lives in his van exploring the U.S. and has biked and climbed in 48 states and 20+ countries. Brandon gear reviewing experience includes previously working as senior editor at Outdoor Gear Lab. He holds degrees in Environmental Science, Geology, and Psychology from Duke University. You can read all of Brandon's Treeline Review stories on his author page.
Co-author Sarah Longley with friends on winter adventures. Photo courtesy Sarah Longley
Sarah Longley is a lifelong Mainer and adventurer.
My gear philosophy can be boiled down to three things:
Like a good Mainer, I will use this item until it dies (or I do);
I am willing to pay more for quality and lifespan, but am still frugal to a fault; and
I will research a piece of gear for 6 months before making a purchase
Finally, it’s important to mention that there is nothing professional about me – I have no sponsors, work for no outdoor companies, and rep no brands. All opinions here are formed from a combination of research, experience, and reviews written by the people themselves. Treeline Review does not accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews.
Find me (and most importantly, my dog) on Instagram @sjlongley
