We all love a bit of backcountry camping once in a while, I mean, it’s important to put all our mountain hardware to good use, right? Classic 4 season tents have come a long way since their beginning.
No longer will you only find big, bulky, and heavy models that are difficult to lug around on trekking camping trips. Now even some of the smaller, more uniquely designed tents have been manufactured with resistant enough materials to withstand a winter camp and snow season.
We’ve compiled a fantastic list of some of the best camping tents for 4 seasons. For backpacking, hiking, kayaking expeditions, snow sports, and other outdoor recreation activities.
We’ve made sure to include a variety that ranges in size, weight, and overall design, and made it easy for you to find the ultralight or big family tent for all year round usage.
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10 Best All Season Tent List Reviewed
1. ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 4 Season Tent
7000 series robust aluminium poles make a solid freestanding framework that is shock-corded to protect against strong gusts of wind. A simple installation that is easily done even for first-timers or those not too familiar with setting up tents. 2 vestibules are a nice touch for added storage space, particularly if there are 2 people using it, they do also have a 3 person model if you need more space.
The polyester rainfly is water and UV resistant so you can be ready for any weather. The buckles that connect the fly to the body are also weatherproof. The 2 D-shaped doors make it easy to enter and get out, and they’re made from mesh for air circulation. Even in winter, this is important as some condensation can still appear.
In terms of weatherproofing, this has got you covered. The seams are factory sealed which means they are reinforced for serious security from leaking. Both the flysheet and flooring are 75D 185T poly materials, and the ground has a 5000mm coating which is extremely high and excellent for downpour level weather.
Numerous meshed pockets and an upper loft allow you to store gear without it getting in the way of your sleeping bag. It also ensures that your valuables are within close reach for any emergencies.
Features:
- Lightweight 7.9 lbs
- 5000mm Coating
- Top Rated 4 Season Model on the Market
2. Dream House Luxury 4 Season Bell Tent
Another perfect choice for glamping, this has a gorgeous bell shape which is versatile enough to be used without any of the walls. During very hot conditions, you can zip off the groundsheet, roll the sides, and use only the roof and make a cute spot for relaxing out of the sun.
In opposite weather, any moisture is wicked away thanks to the 3000mm waterproof PU coated canvas. All the seams are taped, and the PVC ground tarp is also heavy-duty to resist water entering. The stitching is also doubly reinforced in all key areas where weakening could otherwise occur. To ensure bugs can’t get inside, the windows and door area have mosquito-repellent mesh screens.
As well as waterproof, this has been tested and holds up against 30 mile/hour winds. This is due to the robust guy lines and pegs that keep this big structure in place. Hooded vents line the very top of the ceiling to create airflow to maintain the temperature.
The stove jack is conveniently placed on the side so you can add a cooker to keep it extra toasty inside and feel safe knowing the chimney is outside. When your trip is finished, it packs down just as seamlessly as the setup and fits conveniently in the matching cloth canvas carry bag.
Features:
- 8” D x 196.8” W x 118.1” H
- 100% Cotton Canvas
- Additional Waterproof Treatment
3. GEERTOP Portable 4 Person Backpacking 4 Season Tent
Featuring a huge canopy that can be set up with your own trekking poles, this has a large capacity which is optimal for 2 or 3 people to sleep. It’s quite lightweight despite its size, which we think is a huge benefit for trekkers who enjoy travelling with others.
This is another model that could work well in hotter weather, as there are plenty of large openings that you can leave exposed during the day to promote ventilation. These include the huge doors, the hooded mesh windows, and the ground screen vents.
Installation isn’t difficult and only takes a few minutes to complete. It has a 2-pole construction because it is a classic dome design and can be done by just 1 person. Inside the fly, the structure is a 210T polyester that is breathable yet sturdy.
Double-sided heavy-duty zippers permit hassle-free access to conveniently hop in and out without disturbing others. 2 vestibules produce enough space to put all your supplies, as well as an interior pocket for storing smaller belongings at an easy reach, like phones, torches, maps, and so on.
There’s even a hook to hang up a lantern so you can read at night. The transport pouch is highly compact for effortless portability, and it has a nice handle to carry it without hurting your hands.
Features:
- 99” L x 80” W x 56” H
- Just 9.1 lbs
- Highly Weatherproof 5000mm Water Rating
4. Naturehike Cloud-Up 3 Person 4 Season Tent
Set up is very simple with a pole and hook design, finishing in a matter of minutes. Duraflex buckles fasten into the ground stakes to create more stability. We think this is a good choice for warmer weather as it has plenty of mesh surrounding the structure, to aid in cooling circulation.
We’d recommend using just the inner section during very hot weather, and for colder conditions there are double layers when including the rainfly. When it’s fully closed off, you’re able to still get some air coming in through the upper vent – it’s hooded which shelters against lots of rain and wind.
The materials are high-quality to last a long time and many adventures. The first part is a 20D nylon mesh which is breathable, yet firm against scratching or tearing. The fly is also 20D, but it’s made of rip-stop nylon and coated with silicone for further shielding. To resist water, it has a rating of 4000mm which is an ideal amount for heavy rains. The carry bag is also nylon, meaning you can trust it will be long-lasting which is important as it is often heavily used. A sturdy build is all thanks to the 7001-space aluminium which is lighter in weight, but very supportive against moderate to slightly intense conditions.
Features:
- UV 50+ Protection
- Ultralightweight 5.7 lbs
- 6” L x 70.9” W x 43.3”H
5. Eureka Alpenlite 2XT 2 Person 4 Season Tent
Ideal for 1 or 2 people for a snugger fit, this is a premium tent that is perfect for the professionals. A 6-pole A-frame structure keeps everything stable to withstand tough conditions. They are 9.5mm shock-corded poles made from aluminium and create a freestanding effect.
The overhead rainfly is completely full coverage to stop drafts from sweeping up underneath the vestibule. This canopy has a PU see-through window to allow light to come through during the day when you need some time to relax out of the elements.
It’s slanted on an exact angle that encourages snow build-up and rain droplets to slide off. While the walls are 70D nylon taffeta, the fly is slightly thicker at 75D and has a waterproof rating of 1800mm. The flooring is further resilient to allow snow camping, with a 3000mm water rating. Several small mesh openings are placed throughout and are bug repellent.
Don’t let the size fool you when it comes to storage options. There are 6 pockets inside, 2 separate gear lofts, 2 loops for lanterns or flashlights, as well as space under the awning. A centre peak of 3.4 feet gives you just enough room to sit up comfortably. While not fully ultralight, this is still a very light tent that is compact enough to fit in backpacks or other camping bags.
Features:
- 90″L x 54″W x 40″H
- Weighs 7.7 lbs
- Packs to 5.5” W x 19” L
6. Vidalido Teepee 4 Season Camping Tent
With enough space for 5 people you can take the family on a luxury camping trip in this adorable teepee inspired model. The cone shape allows people to stand up inside. This design is known for its stability. A combination of 150D Oxford material and 190T polyester makes it tear-resistant to truly hold up against harsh elements.
The poles are reinforced steel and anti-rust making them perfect for wet weather, as they won’t deteriorate.
Even with the large size, assembly is extremely simple taking just minutes. Since the inner tent is fully meshed, you only need to drape the outer cover over the top and fix everything down with the provided stakes. For stronger weather, you can completely close the front entrance, and the bottom area still allows air to flow freely through.
Cold air is sucked in through the bottom and hot air can make its way out through the top. During hotter times, you’re able to leave the front wide open, or take the top flysheet off completely and use the full 3000mm high-density mesh.
The door flap can be converted into a huge canopy to increase the overall size and allow more people to sit protected. While it’s made for 5 people to sleep inside, we think 2 to 3 is a better option so you have more space to move around.
Features:
- 120” D x 96” W x 144”H
- Robust 150D Oxford Fabric
- Complete Mesh Interior
7. Moose Country Gear Base Camp 4 Season Expedition Tent
Suitably sized for 6 people, this is designed for severe weather occurrences like extreme winds, heat, cold temps, rain, and mild to moderate snow. At the entrance, you can stretch out the rainfly a full 36” to create a large covered chamber for storing all your gear, plus another one at the back reaching 12”.
The base frame has a 2-pole structure, making for set up in a cinch. Poles are 7.9mm and shock-corded, which means they don’t add bulk to your bag whilst remaining robust for constant use.
Although it’s a dome shape, the inner peak is quite high and the walls don’t slope down as much as traditional ones, giving you and others more space. A queen air mattress will easily fit inside with some room to spare. The ground is a bathtub design which helps to eliminate moisture from creeping inside.
A combination of the polyester Oxford material and taped seams create a waterproof rating of 2000mm. Additional weather resistance is given with the 190T polyester taffeta that makes up the external fly.
We believe this is more suited to chillier weather than the warmer months, as there is a slightly limited amount of ventilation that is built-in. You can leave the flysheet off entirely and the doors can be left exposed to reveal a mesh screen.
Features:
- 120” L x 96” W x 66” H
- Incredibly Lightweight 9.9 lbs
- Waterproof Bathtub Flooring
8. GEERTOP 4 Season 1 Person Tent
This is a classical backpacking companion that is truly ultralight for serious backpackers, hikers, climbers, and basically all intense outdoorsmen and women. Using your own trekking poles, you have the freedom to adjust the height to your liking.
We think this is an awesome idea because it contributes to its extremely light nature as there are no additional poles to carry with you. There are 4 inner rods that sit in the corners that provide added strength, as well as a higher base to stop condensation build-up.
The centre height is rather high due to the teepee design, so it’s perfect for sitting inside to change your clothes without straining your neck. Double layering ensures superior warmth inside, and there are entrances on either side which you can leave open to make more space and initiate ventilation. Mesh gauze at the very peak acts as a sort of skylight as well as a place for hot air to exit to lessen humidity.
Waterproofing is very high throughout every part. The silicone-coated nylon rainfly rests at a 3000mm rating and has taped and double-stitched seams to truly prevent any water getting through.
5000mm flooring is also coated nylon, and the inner section is a thick 20D 360T woven nylon material. Everything is high density to protect you, but still lightweight.
Features:
- 3” L x 47.2” W x 41” H
- Super Lightweight 2.2 lbs
- High Bathtub Floor
9. White Duck Outdoors 4 Season Cotton Canvas Tent
This heavy-duty camping shelter is suitable for up to 8 people and is perfect for a weekend of glamping, or any other outdoor event. Each pole and bracket are colour coded to make set up as user-friendly as possible. It can be assembled by just 2 people, and you can even replace the standard legs for thick wood if you’re in a bind while out in the wild.
Exterior and interior buckles combined with long-lasting and durable YKK zippers on the doors help keep the harsh elements where they should be: outside. On better days, you can set yourself up at the entrance and stay out of the sun with the 16” awning – it also stops rain entering when the doors are open.
Hight-density canvas is tightly woven, yet still breathable for superior performance against extreme weather. It is naturally protective against UV rays and has already built-in insulation. A water mildew treatment is integrated between the pores of the cotton and expands during wet conditions.
This means there is a higher level of water repellence, as well as mildew prevention. The outer connecting ropes are also UV resistant which is integral for preventing early wear-and-tear. These are also elasticated with a bungee absorption system to withstand rampant winds. A free-floating groundsheet provides further defence against any damp grounds like grass or mud. The stove jack is a nice touch for letting you stay warm or cook inside.
Features:
- Double Filled 100% Cotton Duck Canvas
- Heavy-Duty 16-ounce Polyvinyl Skirting
- 3 Layer Mesh Storm Windows for Ventilation
10. Winterial 4 Season Teepee Tent
This is basically the ultimate modern version of a teepee. Sized for 7 people, we suggest 3 to 5 people for fitting comfortably. An interior peak height of 8 feet is massive for easily standing up inside, so you can get changed and hang out without hitting your heads.
A 5-minute set up is handy for intense camping expeditions or big festivals where high winds and distractions can make it difficult.
Durability is maintained with the 210T polyester material that is made to be long-lasting and hardwearing. While this is waterproof, there is also an additional rain cap propped directly at the top of the cone to let water slide straight off.
The flooring is a waterproof tarp to keep you dry when you’ve set up camp in a wet area. In addition to the mesh door, there are 4 screened windows that can be fully closed using the interior rollable covers, as well as 4 other vents. This all assists with ventilation to prevent humidity build-up.
For a large capacity shelter, the pack weight is awesome. We’d recommend this for warmer weather as there are plenty of ventilation options and the outer material is breathable. The upper section also allows a lot of wind to blow through, lessening the risk of condensation.
Features:
- 144” D x 144” W x 96” H
- Weighs Only 15.81 lbs
- 6-7 Person Capacity
Buyers Guide – How to Choose a 4 Season Tent
So Many Styles
As we’ve tried to include on our list, there are many designs out there that differ in shape and size. Depending on the type of camping you’re doing, you can choose from dome, tunnel, teepee, cabin, bell, and more. You can find some of the same shapes that are made for different types of trips, so you should always take note of the materials and go from there.
As an example, you could choose one with more mesh openings and larger doors if you’re travelling to a warmer place. Domes are probably the most common for more extreme outdoor adventuring, as they can become quite compact and they don’t take up much space. They’re also quite easy to set up.
Weight
This should be based on the duration of your camping trip. A long trekking journey lasting weeks or months will need something quite heavy-duty – in weight and quality. As you’re going for longer, it makes sense to bring something that you know will withstand all the elements, as there’s more of a chance of breakage. Short trips are usually fine with an ultralight option, as you’ll most likely be moving fast and need as little as possible to carry on your back.
Of course, if you’re not backpacking at all, the weight should not be an issue. Big canvas versions are almost always very weighty, particularly if it’s built for more than 5 people. These are specifically made for winter weather, placing them in the 4-season category.
Double or Single?
No, we’re not talking about bed sizes here. You’ll find that most of these kinds of tents will have double layering. If not, the materials usually do the trick for providing warmth. You need to consider where you’re travelling to and what kind of weather will be present.
If it’s going to be snowing, double walls are essential. But, if you’re backpacking or hiking through extremely tough mountains, a single wall may be the way to go as they’re lighter to carry. Sometimes it’s necessary to sacrifice the layering over the weight, as you don’t want to be transporting a huge load on your back. Single types are also easier to pitch in small spaces, like between rocks or on small cliffs.
Installation Type
Much like the style, the method of assembly may differ with each one you find. We’ve often found the most common in this group is with aluminium poles that can be arranged in a few variations depending on the amount. The more poles there are, the more crossovers there will be, and the higher the level of strength. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to splurge on a 4-pole or more tent on your first go.
It all depends on the conditions you will be entering and whether the structural integrity must be extremely sturdy. For example, if you’re heading to the freezing mountains where snow can pile on quite heavily. Many models on the market today, even with a 2-pole design, are built to be very stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 4 Season Tent?
While their 3 season counterparts are made for summer, autumn, and spring, tents for 4 seasons are intended for all year round use. They are built to shield you from substantial snowfall, ice build-up, hail, strong winds, and heavy rainstorms. Mesh is usually not a main factor in the construction and is only included in windows or vents. They are designed to keep you warm without the need for too much extra heating gear.
Vestibules are often included to provide added space as well as extra protection from winds, as they secure very tightly to the ground. The frame is solid and usually made from aluminium for ultimate strength. You can find many versions that suit different kinds of camping, however, they are particularly popular with backpackers.
Is a 4 Season Tent Warmer Than a Normal Tent?
Because they are designed for winter, they are definitely warmer than your average tent. Here are some aspects that make them better at containing heat:
- Highly dense rainfly made from thick nylon or polyester.
- Long vestibules that stay close to the ground to prevent any winds from entering through the bottom.
- High levels of waterproofing and weatherproofing using thick materials and sometimes silicone coatings.
- Sometimes double layers are used to further enhance insulation.
- Small amounts of mesh to lessen cold drafts, but still provide ventilation when needed.
Is a 4 Season Tent Worth It?
While they may be known for being high in price, it is worth it when you’re either a professional camper, or you’re travelling somewhere with harsh conditions. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and in the long run, they’ll give you the protection that is necessary for all kinds of rough climates.
The weather is never predictable, no matter where you go. While 3 season models can be used in some cold conditions, you usually must bring along additional gear for creating a warmer environment. Using one with the purpose of being used in all seasons, especially winter, means you can have less bulk in your backpack.
Conclusion
With our in-depth list of the best 4 season tent options on the market, you can find the right one to suit what you’re looking for. Whether you’re a solo camper, outdoor activity enthusiast, or occasional glamper, we’ve given you a range for you to choose from for your next big adventure.
Resources and Sources
How to keep warm outdoors on the trail
