We’ve compared several tents to find the best cold weather tent that is the most efficient at keeping you warm in cooler climates. We’re pleased to present some of our favorite tents for camping all year round.
Staying warm and comfortable while camping is probably one of the most important factors when looking for the best cold weather tent. Below you will find our top choices in camping tents for one person or even up to four people! No matter what your needs are, we’ve got you covered!
Best Cold Weather Tent: Our Recommendations
- Top Choice: ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian Cold Weather Tent
- Best for large groups: Unistrengh Camping Tent With Stove Jack
- Best value: GEERTOP 4 Season Cold Weather Tent
- Most lightweight: Nature Hike Cloud-Up Backpacking Tent With Snow Skirt
- Best for extreme cold: Russian Bear Camping Tent With Stove
- Best cabin-style: The Original-Authentic 4-person Cabin Tent
- Best for backpacking: One Tigris Camping Tent With Stove Jack
- Best instant tent: Moko 4 Season Tent
Best Cold Weather Tents: Quick Answers
Let’s dive into some of the essential needs for cold weather camping and see which tents are going to give you the best outdoor experience regardless of the cold temperatures!
1. ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian Cold Weather Tent
Top Choice
We were impressed with the sleek design of this quick setup cold weather tent. From the waterproofing to the UV protection, this tent is a great option to camp in any weather conditions!
What we liked the most:
- The free-standing pole system that makes it a very quick setup.
- Comes fully equipped with mesh storage pockets, gear loft, stakes, guy ropes, and 8 zippers!
- Resists water with the polyester fly and helps to keep you dry all night long!
- Great ventilation with the two doors that both zipper with mesh windows.
The ALPS Mountaineering Tent works well in all weather conditions, in all four seasons, and accommodates up to three people.
The quality design of the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian Backpacking Cold Weather Tent is perfect for camping experts or even if you’re a camping enthusiast who only just started cold weather camping.
This quality winter tent has the best extra features and is the fastest to setup! Although this tent is a little heavier than other similar models, the extra luxury it provides is well worth it!
It really holds up well under extreme weather conditions and keeps the inside dry the entire time. Definitely suitable for hardcore campers.
Specs
- Weight: 9.8 lbs.
- Dimensions: 6’7 x 7’8, Center Height: 54″
- Material: Polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
- Storage Bag: Yes
- Capacity: 3-person tent
- Seasons: 4-season tent
2. Unistrengh Playdo Canvas Tent
Perfect for large groups
This is the cream of the crop. It’s made of 100% natural premium cotton canvas with a heavy-duty sewed-in groundsheet and a stove jack. This tent can be used any time of year and does an amazing job at keeping the whole family warm in the coldest of weather.
What we liked the most:
- 4 season canvas tent – can be used any time of year
- Made from high-strength cotton canvas
- Available in different sizes – can sleep up to 10 people.
- PVC ground to help with insulation
Ideally, it sleeps 6-8 people but can sleep a couple more if you don’t mind the tight squeeze.
In the summertime, when you’re not using the stove, you can cover the stove pipe hole with cotton, so you can use this tent all year round.
The PVC ground on this tent keeps you dry from water and other elements on the ground, and adds an extra layer of insulation that is very important in keeping you cozy and comfortable.
The waterproof material of this canvas tent can withstand strong rain or snow and stays dry and warm on the inside. We loved the quality of this tent and how you can safely camp with it all year round. While it can be a bit cumbersome to set up, this canvas tent with stove jack is a great choice if you plan on camping in harsh weather.
Specs
- Weight: 44, 57, 67, 101 pounds
- Peak Height: 8’2″, 9’8’’, 11’2”
- Material: 100% cotton canvas
- Waterproof: Yes
- Storage Bag: Yes
- Capacity: up to 12 people
3. GEERTOP Cold Weather Tent
Best Value
This full rainproof lightweight cold weather tent is top-notch! It will give you the privacy and protection you need while enjoying the best cold weather camping. It’s quick and easy to set up within minutes with just one person.
We found this cold weather tent to be the Best Value and we gave it 4.9 stars out of 5!
What we liked the most:
- It’s a double layer heavy-duty tent that gives you extra protection during any storm. You can easily add the outer layer when high winds or inclement weather is expected.
- Waterproof and extremely lightweight – makes carrying this tent super easy!
- Incredibly EASY to set up, just one person can install this cold weather tent in minutes.
- With its freestanding design, it’s the perfect size to comfortably fit two adults.
- Perfect for camping, hiking, and exploring at any time of the year!
This two-person tent was designed and built with the highest standards in mind to keep you both dry and warm during the toughest weather conditions out there. And the convenient outer layer vestibules will keep your luggage safe and dry.
Something to consider would be recognizing and understanding the ventilation flaps. To ensure the best experience, you might want to test this out prior to heading into snowy mountains.
Overall, we really liked the GEERTOP 4 Season Cold Tent and found that it really did a good job of keeping us dry and comfortable during high winds and cold temps!
Specs
- Weight: 6.4 lbs.
- Dimensions: Outer layer: 82(L) x 102(W) x 45(H) inches. Inner layer: 78(L) x 55(W) x 41(H) inches
- Material: Rugged 210T anti-tear checkered polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
- Single / Double Layer: Double
- Storage Bag: Yes
- Capacity: 2 person tent
- Seasons: 4-season tent
4. Nature Hike Cloud-Up Tent With Snow Skirt
The Most Lightweight
If you’re after a lightweight tent that’s not too bulky to carry, then this cold weather tent may be what you need. This tent is a great choice for snowy or wet weather conditions with a built-in snow skirt that keeps moisture out.
What we liked the most:
- Super lightweight and comfortably sleeps up to three people.
- Comes with a carry bag, tent stakes, footprint, wind ropes, storage pockets, and gear loft loops.
- Upgraded ventilation – provides additional ventilation to reduce the condensation.
- Can be setup easily by one person in less than 5 minutes!
- Incredibly durable rip-stop fabric materials with dual zippers.
If a stress-free cold weather camping experience is your top priority, then you will like this winter tent. It’s easy to set up, reliable, and does a great job at keeping the inside warm and dry!
With free-standing poles, upgraded ventilation, and excellent workmanship, we’re certain the Nature Hike Cloud-Up Backpacking Tent With Snow Skirt won’t disappoint!
Sizing is a little optimistic and should be noted that two smaller adults would fit comfortably in the two-person tent, but one larger person might be more comfortable alone in this tent.
Specs
- Weight: 3.8 lbs. (2 person) and 5.2 lbs. (3 person)
- Dimensions: Outer layer: 84.6″x70.9″x43.3″(2 person) and 84.6″x70.9″x43.3″ (3 person)
- Material: 20D Rip-Stop Nylon
- Waterproof: Yes
- Single / Double Layer: Double with snow skirt
- Storage Bag: Yes
- Capacity: 2 or 3 person tent
- Seasons: 4 season tent
5. The Original-Authentic Tent
Best Cold Weather Cabin Tent
If you want a cold weather tent that you can stand up in and walk around, then this tent is for you!
What we liked the most:
- Fits up to four people comfortably – perfect for families!
- Fully waterproof fabric ceiling that is guaranteed to stay dry.
- Comes with two power cord outlets that Velcro shut and four storage pouches conveniently located throughout the winter tent.
- Allows tent stacking for groups with multiple tents!
- Easy setup that even the kids can help get it up quickly in under 10 minutes.
This tent is fast and easy to set up and it doesn’t lack in space, in fact, it has a whopping 8.5’ of clearance at the center of the tent. The four separate doors make the tent really airy during the day and can be completely closed-off at night.
If you’re looking for something that offers a lot of space and want to take the whole family camping, then The Original-Authentic Cabin Tent is a great choice.
This tent offers the most space and flexibility, it’s perfect for families. Plus, there is none of those feelings of tightness that a lot of the other smaller tents give.
Note: You must have the canopy frame and it is not included in the tent.
Specs
- Weight: 6 to 8 lbs.
- Dimensions: N/A
- Material: Heavy Duty 150D Weatherproof Polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
- Single / Double Layer: Single
- Storage Bag: No
- Capacity: up to 6
- Seasons: All four
6. Russian Bear Tent With Stove
Best extreme cold weather tent
While this is not large in size but the Russian Bear is an amazing winter tent. Being smaller in size really helps keep the heat in and keep you warm. Plus, you can use a wood-burning stove inside!
What we liked the most:
- Designed for use in Fall and Winter months
- Sleeps 1-3 people
- Durable stainless-steel chimney
- Aluminum bars hold the tent up
The aluminum bars that hold the tent up are durable and can withstand windy conditions. Doors and windows have mosquito nets to keep the bugs out and reinforced zippers for durability.
The tent wall is actually able to be opened up on one side, so you can use that to expand the space of your tent. The stainless-steel chimney is top of the line and works well under any conditions.
You will not feel cool drafts blowing through this tent. If you do a lot of cold weather camping, you cannot go wrong with this one.
You can remove the awning around the stove if it is summertime and you’re looking to get a little more air and ventilation into your tent to cool down. This makes it a good tent option if you’re camping in warmer weather as well.
Specs
- Weight: 44 lbs
- Dimensions: Width 13.39″; Length 19.29”; Peak Height 20.08″
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: High-tech Oxford fabric
- Storage Bag: Yes
- Capacity: Up 3 people
7. One Tigris Iron Wall Stove Tent
Best Backpacking Stove Tent
If you’re interested in a lightweight camping tent because you do a lot of backpacking and will carry it over long distances, this is the tent for you. While lightweight, it is still durable and will protect you against most winter elements.
What we liked the most:
- Lightweight – best for use when it is not freezing outside.
- Great for backpacking.
- Easy to set up – can be done by one person.
- Silicon nylon material to wick away moisture.
The silicon nylon is lighter in weight than canvas tents and it still does an effective job at protecting against rain.
The nylon tent material is great for wicking away rain and moisture. The unique heptagon shape helps keep out the strongest winds.
While it only sleeps 1-2 people, that’s all you would expect when looking for a lightweight backpacking tent. What it lacks in size it makes up for in durability and ease of use. You can easily set this tent up quickly after a long day of hiking or backpacking.
Specs
- Weight: 4.2 lbs
- Dimensions: Width 10.5 ft, Peak Height 5.2 ft
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Silicon-coated Nylon
- Storage Bag: Yes
- Capacity: Up to 2 people
8. Moko Instant Tent
Best Cold Weather Dome Tent
This is a comfortable three-person dome-style winter tent that’s perfect for camping in cold weather. The setup is incredibly easy, one person can do it quickly.
What we liked the most:
- Comfortably sleeps three people without feeling squished together.
- Easy to watch installation video that provides clear and quick instructions.
- High quality, waterproof, and durable. Made from fire retardant materials too!
- Suitable for all weather conditions and holds up extremely well in winter conditions.
- Windows for good ventilation and 3-foot vestibule for outdoor gear storage.
The Moko 4 Season Tent offers great value with quality materials making this a great cold-weather tent for anybody who wants to enjoy more of the outdoors. Its simple setup makes for a great experience wherever you choose to go.
The detachable rainfly comes in handy and the duffel bag to carry this tent in is easy to use and you don’t feel like you are fighting to put it back in the bag when you are finished.
This cold weather tent is the most budget-friendly while still offering good quality and design.
Specs
- Weight: 158.7 Ounces
- Dimensions: 6.7 ft. inner floor, 7.9 ft. whole tent, 3.5 ft. height
- Material: Polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
- Single / Double Layer: Double
- Storage Bag: Yes
- Capacity: 3 person tent
- Seasons: All four
Cold Weather Tents Buying Guide
First, let’s take a look at the most common types of cold weather tents.
3-season tents
3-season tents are suitable for summer, autumn and spring. They can withstand moderate wind, rain or light snow. These are designed to preserve some warmth but are not suitable for extreme cold conditions with heavy snow or for very strong winds.
4-season tents
4-season tents are suitable for winter use, and can withstand rain, wind and snow, but are not necessarily suitable for extreme weather conditions.
Extreme cold weather tents
Extreme cold weather tents are designed for extreme environments and feature a double layer construction with some also featuring a stove jack to accommodate a wood-burning stove inside.
Winter tents
These tents are warm enough and strong enough to withstand high winds and heavy snow with some models featuring insulation. These wouldn’t be suitable for summer camping due the absence of mesh and large windows.
How To Choose The Best Tents For Cold Weather
There are a few things to consider when looking for the best winter tent. For instance, you should consider where you’re planning on going and what types of weather conditions you will experience during your camping trip.
Knowing upfront what your intentions are for buying a winter tent will help you immensely in choosing the perfect tent to fit your needs.
Keep in mind that camping in the summer is very different than cold weather camping and you need to be prepared with the proper cold weather tent that can protect you from harsh elements during very cold temperatures.
Tent Construction
There are single-wall and double-wall options that provide different benefits, for instance – a double-wall cold weather tent is going to weigh more than the single-wall and provide more versatility for other weather conditions.
The single-wall style tends to be on the smaller size and has fewer poles to install. However; they provide excellent slope effects that allow water and snow to slide off more easily.
The best characteristics you will find when looking at the single-wall cold weather tents is how lightweight they are and super easy to carry.
Let’s take a look at some important details below:
Most Important Factor For Comfort
Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof! We can’t say this enough, it’s so important to make sure that the cold weather tent you choose is made of high-quality waterproof materials that stand up to the test of rain, heavy winds, and snow! There is nothing more miserable than waking up in the middle of the night to a wet or damp tent.
This is why our #1 pick for tents for cold weather is the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian Cold Weather Tent! The heavy-duty polyester rain fly offers you extra protection during any storm conditions. This winter tent is going to provide you with dry, well-ventilated conditions throughout the entire length of your trip.
How Far Are You Willing To Go?
If you intend on taking a long trip hiking through mountains and staying a few weeks in the middle of winter, you’re going to need a serious setup that doesn’t leave any room for mistakes. The longer you intend on cold weather camping will help determine the size of the tent you should be considering.
Larger tents are ideal for longer stays in cold weather, so looking at something like The Original-Authentic 4-person Cabin Tent is ideally what you would need. It offers both space and durability, allowing you to set up ‘home’ more easily for the upcoming weeks.
However; if you’re just taking a weekend backpacking trip and trekking through some mountains by yourself or with a few friends, then you would want something much lighter and easier to carry.
The Nature Hike Cloud-Up Backpacking Tent With Snow Skirt is the most lightweight winter tent that we would recommend for using in any cold weather conditions.
Features To Look For in The Best Cold Weather Tent
There are a lot of features you want to consider when buying a tent to camp in colder weather. Here are some of the things to look out for when buying a tent for cold weather camping.
Material
The walls and material need to seal tightly, and also work to keep out the elements. You want a tent with a durable floor, so you have an extra layer of insulation to protect against the coldest, snow-covered ground if you are camping in winter.
Weight
Don’t forget that you might want to consider the weight of the tent. While it might be tempting to purchase a heavy-duty canvas tent to stay warm, that won’t necessarily be the best option if you go backpacking. In that case, you would want a lightweight tent.
Size
When choosing the best winter tent, consider your priorities. Think about how many people will be sleeping in it, how big you need it to be, and how cold it will be outside when you use it.
How to Stay Warm in a Tent
Setting up your warm, cold weather tent is just the first step to keep you warm in your tent. Make sure to bring tools to build a campfire and maybe pack that portable heater too, just in case!
Insulate Your Tent
A good way to ensure that the warm air doesn’t escape and that your tent stays warm is to add some layers of insulation to it. Read our Guide on How To Insulate A Tent For Winter Camping to learn how to do this.
Layer Up
Another crucial part of staying warm on a winter camping trip is by wearing multiple layers of clothes, holding onto heat packets, and keeping your head and hands covered.
Layering up is one of the easiest and most recommended ways to stay warm in any environment. The multiple layers work together to keep you warm without being too bulky.
Also, you should keep your head covered to prevent the warmth from escaping from the top of your head.
Keep Wet Gear Outside
Another easy way to avoid catching a chill is by keeping any wet gear outside of your tent. Moisture can create issues and bring down the temperature of your tent if left inside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How cold is too cold to sleep in a tent?
Nighttime temps in the high 30s or low 40s are too cold for tent camping without the proper tent and the use of professional gear.
Having a tent heater, even when it isn’t winter, is also ideal for those instances where the weather is inconsistent or too chilly. This can ensure you stay comfortable and dry through all seasons and changes in elements.
Having a tent heater on hand can expand the window of time that you’re able to camp given it can keep you warm when it’s otherwise too cold outside. If you’re looking to branch out and try winter camping, having a tent heater is optimal for doing so safely and comfortably.
2. How long does it normally take to set up a cold-weather tent?
The answer will be different depending on the size of the tent you chose and whether it is a single or double layer. Some winter tents can be assembled within minutes and other larger cold weather tents can take up to 30 minutes and require more than one person to assemble.
But there are winter tents that can be set up by one person and only take a few minutes to assemble and install, such as the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian Backpacking Cold Weather Tent!
3. Can you fit air mattresses inside tents for cold weather?
Yes! Almost all cold-weather tents fit some type of air mattresses for comfortable sleeping conditions.
In fact, we easily got a queen-size air mattress inside of the GEERTOP 4 Season Cold Weather Tent and the UNISTRENGH PlayDo Canvas Tent without any issues! Just be sure to check the exact sizes of the air mattress and your winter tent before trying to install it in cold weather.
If air mattresses aren’t really your thing, then we highly recommend making sure you have a high-quality sleeping bag that is well insulated and provides warmth to get you through the cold nights. Do your research because the options are endless!
4. Are cold weather tents insulated?
There are cold-weather tents that come insulated and help with maintaining the inside temperature. But not all cold weather tents are insulated and do require you to sleep with at least thermals and a good quality cold weather sleeping bag.
However, most tents for cold weather have been designed to protect the tent from high winds and allow adequate ventilation that will help keep a decent temperature throughout the night.
If you are concerned about freezing temperatures or being too cold, you might want to look into options for heaters that can be used in winter tents. There are a lot of good options out there and they do work very well!
5. Do I need a cold-weather tent to go camping in the snow?
es! In fact, even a three-season tent would not be okay to use in extreme winter conditions with snow or frigid temperatures. The design and durability of a winter tent, aka, the four-season tent have unique qualities that can withstand severe weather conditions in the cold winters.
Here are just a few features you should consider when cold weather camping:
Assembly Time
Ventilation, windows, and insulation
The durability of the poles
Waterproof Guaranteed
Gear Loft and storage compartments
Double or single-wall
6. How do you safely heat a tent?
You can safely heat a tent by using a portable space heater or by using a stove inside a tent if there is an opening for a stove pipe.
If you have an electrical outlet, you can plug in a portable heater to warm up any tent. Portable heaters and stoves are safe to use as long as you position them correctly, away from any bedding or tent walls.
With the right tent, you can use a tent stove to heat the tent and then ventilate the stove out through the roof or walls of the tent, wherever the professional hole was created in the tent.
As for space heaters, whether you choose to use a gas or electric heater, it’s good practice to keep anything flammable or subject to melting out of the way of the heater. This includes blankets, clothing, and the fabric of the tent.
7. How do you keep a tent warm without electricity?
Without electricity, you have the option to use butane or portable propane heaters. These utilize cylinders of gas to create warmth. They are especially handy when you have limited or no access to electricity.
Beyond tent heater options, there are several other methods you should employ to keep your tent heated with limited resources, namely having the right gear.
Look for sleeping bags and pads that are designed for cold weather conditions. You can use Mylar blankets to contain heat and stay warm in cooler conditions.
In addition to a warm tent and sleeping bag, be sure to pack appropriate clothing that will keep you warm and dry. Prioritizing your body warmth is key for staying warm.
Finally, finding an optimal place for your tent is another major factor. Look for a spot where trees will shield you from harsh winds and snow.
8. Should I be concerned about the weight of my tent?
This is a tricky question because the more important detail is whether or not you are going to be carrying your tent long distances or will you be driving to the location and setting it up. As you can imagine, the weight will make a huge difference in the distance it needs to be carried.
If you are traveling by car and arriving close to the location of your camping site, then the weiht won’t make much of a difference. However; if you plan on hiking with a backpack and your tent is attached to your back – then yes, weight definitely matters!
This is when ‘lightweight’ materials play a huge part in the decision-making of buying the perfect winter tent for your camping needs. Any tent between 3 to 6 lbs. is doable for backpacking to your location of choice.
Note: Camping should always be looked at from a minimalist point of view, meaning less is better even in winter! Only take essentials and always have a well-planned list of necessities. Ultimately, this is something you learn as you go – the more winter camping you do, the better at packing you will get!
Wrapping Up
There are a lot of winter tents on the market and we narrowed down the best options we thought could stand the test of time. After all, nobody wants to find themselves in the cold winter conditions unprepared!
Our #1 pick is the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian Cold Weather Tent because it has all the qualities we thought mattered most when heading out to the mountains for some cold weather camping. It’s waterproof, easy to set up, and extremely lightweight. It comfortably fits two adults with wiggle room!
We were impressed with everything the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian Tent had to offer!
Another great choice was the GEERTOP 4 Season Cold Tent with its easy setup and being lightweight as well. It’s a little larger than our first pick and accommodates up to three people.
A notable option would also be the UNISTRENGH PlayDo Canvas Bell Tent. It’s a four-season tent made out of 100% canvas and is waterproof with galvanized poles. It includes a 5” stove jack with a weather flap designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
To be completely honest, all our picks are of the highest quality materials and offer you a nice option for being the best cold weather tents. If you’re ready to get out this winter the best cold weather tent, then now is the time to check these out!
Remember to always check all your options before purchasing. It helps to make a list of what matters most to you so that you are sure to get exactly what you’re looking for.
When planning your excursion, be sure to check the weather forecasts so that you are prepared for any conditions that might arise. It will also help to make sure your winter camping experience is a success!
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