Camping outside in freezing conditions is a dangerous situation without the proper gear. Especially in winter, it becomes risky with every inch of snow and every degree colder. In addition, you’ll have to go against wind, frost, and storms, so investing in the proper winter weather tent is essential for your safety.
Luckily there are specially designed tents to protect you from the freezing elements. The best tents for cold-weather camping are water-repellant and have robust fabric. They also have steep sides to prevent snow from building on the tent. These warm tents will help you retain heat and rest at the end of a cold day in the wilderness.
Whether you spend two nights in the mountains or a week in the wilderness, there are many different types for different winter camping scenarios. We recommend choosing a 4-season tent with a solid structure, weatherproof fabric, high insulation, and ventilation.
In this article, we will review the following best cold-weather tents. These cozy winter weather tents will make camping in the cold way more comfortable:
- ALPS Mountaineering Extreme Tent – 2 Person
- ALPS Mountaineering Taurus – 4-Person Tent
- Geertop Portable Tent Double Layer – 4 Person
- Naturehike Cloud-Up Tent 2 and 3 Person
- Coleman WeatherMaster Tent – 6 or 10-Person
- MoKo Waterproof Family Camping Tent – 3-Person
- GEERTOP Backpacking Tent – 2-Person
- Azarxis Backpacking Tent – 1, 2, or 3 Person
What are the benefits of having a winter tent for extreme weather?
Stay safe, comfortable, and healthy. Extreme weather conditions could jeopardize you; sleeping outside becomes dangerous with every inch of snow and every degree colder it gets.
With an extreme weather tent, you protect yourself from the elements, which could become life-threatening. Therefore, we recommend investing in the appropriate gear. A high-quality cold-weather tent is the most critical piece of winter equipment to invest in. You can traverse any weather conditions with ease and stay warm simultaneously.
How to choose the best extreme weather tents for winter camping?
First, consider where you will be camping and if it will be snowy. If you use your tent for hiking or mountaineering, you will want to feel lightweight options with sloping sides, helping keep snow from weighing down the frame.
If you are camping on flat, dry ground for a short period, your options are pretty open. You can consider more spacious dome-shaped tents.
Another thing to consider is the frame’s strength and the tent’s fabric you choose. For example, blizzard poles will be essential if you’re camping in windy, freezing temperatures for a few days. On the other hand, if you’re planning on taking your tent up a mountain, you won’t need as many flaps, pockets, or gear.
Wherever your adventure, it’s essential to ensure your cold-weather tent is made with fabric treated with a long-lasting, water-repellent coating.
1. ALPS Mountaineering Extreme Tent
The ALPS Extreme tent is a freestanding aluminum pole tent. This tent has a structure that is very strong and sturdy. There is a 3-pole design that gives a frame to protect you from extreme weather elements. In addition, the polyester fly and floor have a coating for a high level of waterproofing.
Pros
- Storage. Many mesh pockets and a gear loft in the vestibule area.
- Ventilation. Each door has zippered windows, a mesh roof vent, and many fly vents.
- Freestanding pole system. Aluminum three-pole design.
- Weather Protection. Factory-sealed seams with 1500 mm coating on the fly and 3000 mm layer on the floor.
Cons
- No extra-thick flooring
- It doesn’t come with a footprint
>> Check Price on Amazon >>
2. ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4-Person Tent
The ALPS Mountaineering Taurus tent requires no assembly frustration. It is a freestanding, fiberglass two-pole design that you can quickly set up. The polyester tent fly is water and UV-resistant with two vestibules for extra storage space. You won’t get damp in cold temperatures as there is a mesh roof, two entryways, and a zippered window on each door for easy access and excellent ventilation.
Pros
- Ventilation with zippered mesh windows in each door
- Stargazing roof vents
- Gear loft storage
- Freestanding pole system
- Quick and easy setup
- Weather protection with factory-sealed seams
- Polyester fly with 1500mm coating
- 75D 185T Poly Taffeta Floor with 2000 mm coating to keep you dry
Cons
- The windows could be more durable
- The poles could be better quality material
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
3. Geertop Portable Tent Double Layer – 4 Person
The Geertop Portable Backpacking Tent is for 4-season outdoor activities. It has a high-quality waterproof and windproof coated polyester material, allowing you to keep safe in the tent even in bad weather. You don’t need to worry about snow or rain! This tent has enough space for 3 or 4 people, which can support a camping trip with family or friends. It’s easy to set up and best for traveling since it is lightweight.
Pros
- The 4-season tent is made of high-quality material
- Fully rainproof and highly lightweight; 210T breathable polyester inner tent, 210D PU 50000 mm Oxford fabric for the floor, and 210 PU 3000 mm anti-tear checkered polyester fly tarp
- Double-stitched seams sealed perfectly to improve the waterproof
- It only weighs 9.1 lbs
- It can be packed into a compact size for backpacking travel
- Strong aluminum poles for stability
- Breathable tent with two entrances and two ventilation window
- Vestibule for awning when set up with trekking poles
- Tent snow skirt design suitable for every season
Cons
- With lots of gear and equipment is better for fewer people
- It may require more ropes and sticks to tie down the tent
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
4. Naturehike Cloud-Up Tent 2 and 3 Person
The Naturehike Cloud-Up tent is an ultra-lightweight tent that helps save space. This tent is excellent for wet weather or snow. The Cloud UP 20D with Snowskirt ultralight tent only weighs 3.8 lbs (2 people) and 5.2 lbs (3 people). It’s also fully waterproof with a 20D polyester rainfly and bathtub with PU 4000 coating. The built-in snow skirt keeps rain and snow away from the tent and the damp ground underneath.
This tent can be assembled in five minutes by one person. Quality details include dual zippers, interior mesh pockets, and durable rip-stop fabric. The full-coverage rainfly and firm, lightweight structure are great for your biggest adventures.
Pros
- Lightweight – the tent and snow skirt only weigh 3.8 lbs (2 people) and 5.2 lbs (3 people)
- Fully waterproof with 20D polyester rainfly
- Bathtub with PU 4000 coating
- Snow skirt to carry rain and snow away from the tent
- Easy set up in under 5 minutes
- High-quality details throughout, such as dual zippers, interior mesh pockets, incredibly durable rip-stop fabric
Cons
- The interior is small and narrow
- Poles could be more durable
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
5. Coleman WeatherMaster Tent – 6 or 10-Person
The Coleman WeatherMaster 10-Person Tent has enough room to fit three queen-sized air beds, which might be a good option if you want something more like a house to keep your group warm. It has a WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry if it rains. Also, the heavy-duty tent is easily set up with color-coded poles and continuous pole sleeves.
Pros
- Leak-free seams. Fully-taped rainfly seams; the rainfly covers doors and windows.
- Weather-resistant fabric. Coated polyester fabric combined with anti-wicking thread.
- Protected seams. Inverted floor seams to increase weather resistance.
- Waterproof floors. Welding technology strengthens the tent floor.
- Zipper protection. Zipper cuff for added security.
- Wind strong frame. Engineered to be solid and wind-responsive.
Cons
- Not for very severe storms
- It may take time to set up
- Heavy poles and materials to transport
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
6. MoKo Waterproof Family Camping Tent – 3-Person
The Moko Waterproof Family Camping Tent is a 4-season dome tent. This tent is appropriate for any time of year. It has three fiberglass poles, 21 metal pegs, and six ropes. This tent offers a solid, stable configuration in wind, rain, and snow conditions.
Pros
- Suitable for 4-seasons.
- Comfortable for 2 or 3 people sleeping.
- Easy setup. One person can assemble.
- Durable and high-quality waterproof material. 25000mm waterproof flysheet and 5000mm flooring.
- The vestibule and transparent window for ventilation and views.
Cons
- Screen for windows operated from outside.
- Smaller size for two people.
- It may take some time to set up.
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
7. GEERTOP Backpacking Tent – 2-Person
The Geertop Backpacking Tent is a double-layer 4-season tent for two people. This tent is easy to set up with a freestanding design and is ideal for camping and hiking trips. Built with snow skirts, it’s a perfect tent for snowy weather and cold.
Pros
- 4-season tent. High-quality material that is rainproof and lightweight
- Double layers. Inner and outer tents superpose together as a windproof tent.
- Lightweight backpacking tent. It only weighs 6.4 pounds.
- Easy to set up. One person can set up a tent with a flysheet in a few minutes.
- Two-person tent.
Cons
- The seam on the floor is down the middle.
- Zippers could be more durable.
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
8. Azarxis Backpacking Tent – 1, 2, or 3 Person
The Azarxis Tent is a 4-season backpacking tent. This extreme weather tent is easy to set up, has a waterproof material, and is lightweight. It also features double layering to keep you protected from harsh elements.
Pros
- Ventilation. A window for air circulation.
- Waterproof. 3000mm and heavy-duty fabric to protect from rain and wind.
- Easy setup. Simple dome tent that one person can install with a flysheet in a few minutes.
- Dual doors and layers system.
- Portable and easy to transport.
- 3 to the 4-season tent.
Cons
- The lightweight nature impacts fabric thickness.
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Winter tent buying guide:
What features should you look for in an extreme weather tent for cold weather?
Waterproofing to keep you dry in winter
you should make any cold-weather tent you purchase with fabric treated with a robust, water-repellent coating. Find a wholly enclosed tent to the ground with waterproof material, which should be in the outer tent.
Every tent fabric and floor has a hydrostatic head measurement (HHM). This rating indicates how waterproof a tent is. The tent’s hydrostatic head rating and the waterproof coating sprayed on the tent make a tent waterproof.
We recommend an HHM of 1500mm above and 3000mm for the tent floor if you want a cold-weather tent.
Ventilation is essential to avoid dampness.
A ventilation system for the outer tent structure is essential. When it’s cold, humidity and moisture need to be released. Otherwise, they will dampen everything in your tent, making you even harder and putting you in danger.
The ventilation system in your tent will allow the moisture to escape by venting your tent. Look for mesh panels that close and ventilation areas to help the tent breathe.
Insulation is critical to keep you warm.
Insulation is critical in cold conditions and will help keep you nice and warm. Tents are single or double-walled. Look for a tent with a double wall or one with two pieces of fabric. This extra layer will add a different level of protection to keep the tent warm.
A rainfly is another way to add insulation to a tent. Get a full rainfly that goes around the bottom of your tent.
If you plan on using the same tent in warmer months, look for one that can remove the insulation. You can then use the tent again in the summer months.
Think about the size and space in your tent.
If camping in freezing temperatures, you may choose less space inside the tent. The heat stays close to you with less space than in a larger interior area.
You may need to consider more space if you have a lot of gear and a heater. For example, you might want to go a person size up in the tent you’re using.
Poles will keep your tent standing tall.
With winter weather, there could be high winds. Poles will help keep your structure stand tall. Blizzard poles will be essential if you spend more than a few days in windy and frigid temperatures.
Here are some popular pole materials and their features:
– Fiberglass: light/inexpensive
– Aluminum: solid/flexible
– Steel: strongest/heaviest
– Composite: super flexible/aerospace grade material
Flooring is a barrier to winter weather.
The flooring of your tent is the barrier between you and the ground. Often overlooked by brands, this is a critical element of your cold-weather tent.
Look for a tent with a quilted thermal layer in colder conditions, offering 360-degree insulation and added comfort.
If camping in a mountainous landscape, you need a high-quality floor that won’t get torn by rocks and rugged terrain.
Weight and thickness add durability
4-season tents are heavier than two or 3-season tents because they have thicker material.
A heavier tent weight can be an advantage in extreme conditions. It can help you stand up to solid wind much better.
What is the difference between season ratings for tents?
All tents have a rating based on the seasons they are appropriate for. For example, a 2, 3, 4, or 5-season tent. For icy weather conditions (especially in winter), it’s recommended to buy a 4-season tent to stay warm.
This means that your tent will be able to protect you throughout the year and all seasons. A 5-season tent is a good choice for camping in especially severe conditions. These tents are for the harshness of Arctic-like climates. They are not for your average winter weather. This Quora response has some good advice for more advice about surviving in sub-zero conditions.
- 1 to 2-season tent: Designed for camping in good weather. Appropriate for the warmer parts of the year with mild precipitation in summer.
- 3-season tent: Can withstand heavier rain and winds. For moderate rain in spring or fall, the warmth of summer, and stronger winds and snow. Usually, sturdier materials.
- 4-season tent: Designed for use all year round – in summer, winter, and snowy climates. This tent can withstand both snow and heat. They are built with sturdy materials and strong poles.
- 5-season tent: This is an expedition tent for the most extreme weather. It is like the 4-season tent yet goes further with insulation and strength. You don’t need this tent unless you go to the Arctic or snow-capped mountains.
You can find a more in-depth guide on tents and a guide on tents and seasonality (from home-bsa.org).
What are the warmest tents? Do you need a special tent for winter camping?
The warmest tents are four or 5-season tents for snow or extreme arctic weather conditions.
These tents are usually double-walled to keep them tent well-insulated. They are also waterproof and made with sturdier materials. As a result, these tents can withstand high winds in blizzards or storms.
You can also make your tent warmer with the accessories inside your tent, including appropriate sleeping bags, blankets, flooring, and heaters.
–>If you plan a winter camping trip, you can find cold-weather camping tips to keep you warm here.
What are the best tents for high winds?
If you are heading out in very high winds, your tent mustn’t blow over with you inside! If you want to buy a tent that can sustain high winds, keep a few key features in mind.
Look for tents that have solid and resilient pole systems. Also, consider aerodynamic shapes and secure guy line formations and stakes to secure your tent.
–> You might be interested in our reviews of winter tents with stove jacks for cold-weather camping.
–> Also, reviews of the best-insulated tents here
How cold is too cold for tent camping?
Camping in freezing temperatures can become a hazardous situation. If you have little experience and amateur gear, avoid nighttime temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit, which is too cold for tent camping. Temperatures of 50°F to 74°F are ideal camping temperatures.
For well-seasoned campers with the appropriate gear, much colder temperatures are ok. However, we recommend staying about 40° – especially if you plan on going somewhere remote.
To wrap it up, my recommendation is.
The extreme weather tents you choose this winter will depend on personal requirements, including the time of year, camping conditions, size of your group, and level of insulation required.
If I had to pick my top choice from the above, I would go with the ALPS Mountaineering Extreme Tent due to its sturdy structure and high level of waterproofing. In addition, mesh ventilation will help prevent condensation so that you are warm and dry in cold conditions.
Choose a freezing tent that will keep you warm and safe. Remember that your tent is the barrier between you and the elements. It is worth the investment to keep you safe and warm. Make sure this structure has a proper design that won’t fail you when you’re outdoors. Do your research, and find a tent that will keep you comfortable.
