Best Extreme Cold Weather Tents

While it seems odd at first, there are many reasons why you might enjoy camping in frigid temperatures. The bugs are all gone for the season, it’s more quiet and peaceful, and you don’t have to store your food in a cooler to keep everything fresh.

But in order to fully appreciate it, you’ll need to make sure you have all the right equipment — starting with your tent.

A good cold weather tent should keep you warm and block out the elements, all while still providing enough airflow for you and room for your gear. In fact, it could mean the difference between a fun winter camping trip and a dangerous situation.

After plenty of careful research, we found that the Geertop Two Person Four Season Tent has everything our readers need for extreme cold weather camping.

This includes weatherproofing, sturdiness, and enough space for you and your equipment — even in extreme conditions. Keep reading to learn more about it, and see all our other picks for the best extreme weather tents.

7 Best Extreme Cold Weather Tents Reviewed

Having the right tent ensures that you stay safe and comfortable throughout your winter camping trips. Some may not look like cold weather tents at first, but you’d be surprised at just how well they hold up to extreme weather conditions.

It all depends on their construction, materials, and the different technologies that each brand puts into them.

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1. Geertop Two Person Four Season Tent

Geertop’s Four Season Tent provides everything you could want when camping in freezing temperatures. It’s as lightweight as it is durable, can withstand harsh winds and wet weather, and lets you safely enjoy the outdoors even in rough conditions.

Its simplicity, convenience, and durable comfort make it the best extreme cold weather tent for campers of all levels.

The tent is made with a combination of nylon and polyester for a good balance of breathability and durability. And the freestanding aluminum poles and tent stakes maintain their shape even in severe weather conditions.

The seam-taped rain fly even has a built in snow skirt to keep the inside of your tent completely dry.

As for the inside, its oxford floor is seam-taped and PU-coated for enhanced weather and water-proofing. You’ll also find a small gear loft for extra storage as well as an o-ring to hang your lantern. Furthermore, you get to choose between army green, beige, and yellow when buying this tent.

With all that it has to offer, this Geertop backpacking tent can be your go-to all winter long. Although if you’re going to use this during the summer, we would recommend either removing the tent fly or keeping it open for better ventilation.

Best For: Backpacking, multi-day hikes, winter camping, extended camping trips

Pros

• Very affordable
• Lightweight
• Easy to set up
• Highly durable
• Protective materials

Cons

• Limited ventilation

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2. Flytop Four Season One-Two Person Double Layer Backpacking Tent

Most cold weather tents are on the pricey side due to their stronger materials and intended usage. Yet Flytop’s Four Season Backpacking tent proves to be budget-friendly without losing any of the high quality you’d expect.

The inner tent features a breathable polyester for ventilation, which is then covered by a full rain fly – sold in green and orange – for both waterproofing and insulation.

And aluminum poles and tent pegs give everything its shape and hold it together. Be careful, though, as these pegs can be flimsy depending on the types of ground you’re camping.

This rain fly also creates a small vestibule and comes with a built in snow skirt to shield against extreme conditions. Aside from being waterproof, it’s also fire retardant and UV protective for when the sun shines down.

Once inside, you’ll find a PU-coated oxford tent floor for better protection against the cold winter ground, along with a decent amount of inside storage.

While it may be a little cramped for two people plus their gear, it’s well worth the chance to stay warm while you’re settling down from a long hike.

Best For: All four seasons, backpacking, multi-day hikes, extended camping trips

Pros

• Very affordable
• Easy to pitch
• Durable fabrics
• Lightweight
• Great for extreme cold weather

Cons

• Feels cramped inside
• Aluminum pegs are too weak

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3. MoKo Waterproof Family Camping Tent

The name says it all – this waterproof tent by MoKo is large enough to fit a family of three yet is still small and sturdy enough for all your winter adventures.

This double layered dome tent is designed to keep rain and snow from caving the ceiling in, meaning you won’t wake up to a collapsed structure. The inner mesh layer and water-resistant polyester rainfly work together to provide breathability and weather protection . And its fiberglass poles, aluminum pegs, andeasy set-up.

All the fabrics used to make this tent, including the polyethylene floor, are fire retardant to keep you safe as you stay warm.

It also includes a three-foot long vestibule for your camping gear and clear back window with a roll-down shade. You’ll also find side pockets, a ceiling ring, and enough room to fit three sleeping bags.

And if you decide that this is the tent for you, then you even get your pick between three striking colors – army green, bright blue, or light green. Considering all these amazing features, the Waterproof Family Camping Tent is just as perfect all year round as it is for extreme cold weather. 

The poles can break when they’re handled too roughly, however, so don’t get too carried away while setting up. It also feels much heavier than expected, although this isn’t too surprising given how much space this tent provides.

Best For: All weather camping, hiking trips, extended camping stays, small families

Pros

• Very easy set-up
• Protective and durable
• Well-ventilated
• Space for gear storage
• Affordable price tag

Cons

• Poles can be flimsy
• Feels heavy

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4. Snugpak Scorpion 2 Camping Tent

Even though it’s marketed as a four season tent, Snugpak’s Scorpion Two Person Tent was clearly made with the cold weather in mind. It’s double layered, compact, and extra durable to withstand harsh conditions, making its fast and easy set-up all the more convenient.

The Scorpion 2 is a fly first pitch tent, meaning you set up the outer structure before pitching the inner tent. This means you’ll have a completely dry space to relax in by the time you’re done. A

nd it’s all composed of Featherlite aluminum poles, a PU-coated polyester flysheet, and a nylon and polyester mesh inside space with a bathtub style floor.

The most distinguishing feature is its large vestibule area that gives you time to warm up while taking off all your gear, as well as a good place to store it all.

Between this, and its protective comfort, we say it’s the one of the best cold weather tents for multi-day hiking and mountaineering trips.

While this design may help you stay warm in cold weather, it also makes the interior uncomfortable during summer despite its roof vents. It’s also quite cramped for a two person tent – even with the extra storage – so we suggest packing lightly for your trip. 

Best For: Winter camping, hiking, mountaineering, extended camping trips

Pros

• Easy to put together
• Very lightweight
• Reasonably priced
• Highly durable
• Great for severe weather

Cons

• Feels cramped for two people
• Not suitable for warm weather

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5. Naturehike Cloud-up Two Person Four Season Tent

Naturehike wasn’t exaggerating when they named this cold weather tent the Cloud-Up. Weighing in at just over four pounds, it’s super easy to carry around on your winter camping adventures. In fact, it just might be the lightest cold weather tent that you’ll ever find.

For the most part, its lightness doesn’t have any effect on this tent’s protective features. The inner tent uses scratch-resistant nylon mesh, while the tent fly is made with silicone-coated nylon to ensure waterproofing.

And the aluminum free standing pole system lets it maintain its shape throughout high winds, heavy rain and sudden relocations.

The outer tent forms a front vestibule and even comes with a snow skirt to keep the inside completely insulated and protected from snow and cold air.

Furthermore, all materials are not only water resistant but also UV blocking. Even in the midst of heavy snow storms, freezing temperatures, and blazing sunlight, you can take this cold weather tent with you anywhere.

Its zipper can be tricky and get stuck at times, so remember to pack some cleaner and lubricant for your trip. And while the poles are nice and durable, you may need to replace the aluminum tent stakes after some time as they start to wear down.

Best For: Backpacking, mountaineering, winter hikes, extreme weather protection

Pros

• Super lightweight
• Reasonably priced
• Breathable and durable fabrics
• Has a decent amount of space
• Sold in a wide range of colors

Cons

• The zipper regularly gets stuck
• Tent stakes can be flimsy

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6. Eureka Mountain Pass Four Season Backpacking Tent

Although all good tents are waterproof, Eureka’s Mountain Pass Tent goes above and beyond to protect you from wet weather in more ways than one. And aside from being great for cold temperatures, this double walled tent is also surprisingly versatile.

The inside tent’s aluminum pole frame is both lightweight and durable. It also uses breathable polyester and no-see-um mesh for breathable comfort.

The thick grey and orange rain fly is polyester taffeta with roof vents and an optional awning out in the front. It even includes a tent footprint that you lay underneath as an extra barrier against moisture.

The tent has two doors, two vestibules, a ceiling loft, five mesh pockets along the inside walls for ample storage. The bathtub style floor not only keeps out rain, snow, and mud but also fits up to three sleeping bags.

And unlike some extreme weather tents, this one converts into a comfortable space for the summer thanks to its zippered mesh windows and high/low vents.

This tent does feel heavier than expected, despite its listed weight, so it may not be the best option for long hikes. But if you’re planning an extended trip, it’s one of the best tents for wet winter weather on the market right now.

Best For: Backcountry camping, cold weather camping, extended camping trips.

Pros

• Durable materials
• Protects against winter weather
• Water and wind-proof
• Also great for summer
• Easy to set up

Cons

• On the heavy side

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7. Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe Tent

If you want a more luxurious winter camping experience, then we recommend the Kodiak Canvas Flex Bow Deluxe. It’s easily one of the best cold weather camping tents that you could buy when comfort is key.

Unlike the previous six entries, the Flex Bow Deluxe isn’t a double wall tent. Instead of nylon or polyester, it uses 100 percent cotton duck canvas that’s breathable and watertight. I

ts name comes from the flex bow steel rods that hold everything up. Front and back D-shaped doors and  four large no-see-um mesh windows for privacy.

While there’s no vestibule on this tent, unlike most weather tents, it has plenty of other features to make up for it. The large front flap creates an awning so you can pull up a chair and sit outside as you admire the views around you.

Inside you’ll find a six-foot high ceiling, four organizer pockets, and plenty of space for you and your gear.

Given its heavy weight and longer set-up time, we obviously don’t recommend the Flex Bow Deluxe for hiking trips or mountaineering.

But if you’re planning some mid-winter glamping or a multiple-day hunting or fishing trip, then we say it’s one of the best premium tents that you could buy.

Best For: Four season camping, hunting and fishing trips, outdoor events

Pros

• Durable materials
• Protects against winter weather
• Water and wind-proof
• Also great for summer
• Easy to set up

Cons

• On the heavy side

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Picking the Best Extreme Cold Weather Tent For You

The right tent can make or break your camping trip, especially when going out in extreme cold weather. In fact, knowing what features to look for can actually save your life if you’re new to this kind of outdoor exploration.

Fortunately, we’ve created a guide to help you find the right winter tent for you and your winter outdoor needs.

Cold Weather Camping Activities

Before selecting your winter tent — or any tent for that matter — the first thing you have to determine is what kind of camping trip you’d like to take.

Are you planning an overnight hiking trip, or will this last anywhere from several days to over a week?

Do you want to do some serious mountaineering or fishing while you’re out there, or do you just want to relax and get away for a few days?

And finally, how much camping gear do you think you’ll need?

No matter what you plan to do while enjoying the wilderness, your tent should reflect that. For example, a compact double wall tent is much better for hikes than a heavy canvas model that’s built for glamping. When your tent matches your chosen activities, they become that much more enjoyable.

Single vs. Double Walls

All tents that are on the market fall into one of two categories — single wall and double wall. And each one is typically designed for different weather conditions. 

Most four season tents have a double wall design — the tent itself and a full-cover rain fly —to keep the inside of the tent warm at all times.

And depending on their fabric thickness, they also tend to be more versatile as they can be modified more easily for use in warmer weather. You just open up the vestibule when the rain or snow stops and the temperature starts to go up.

For this reason, we always recommend the double wall, insulated tent for camping out in the snow. Just like your clothing, it’s better to have an extra layer that you can always remove if you get too hot and uncomfortable.

With that said, it’s not totally unusual for a single wall tent to work in the middle of winter.

Some just rely on thicker fabrics such as canvas, which keeps out water and air more efficiently while still providing enough breathability to keep you comfortable.

Yet it’s also too heavy to carry around while hiking, which is why most go for double layered nylon or polyester.

Rain, Snow and Wind-Proofing

Any extreme cold weather tent should be able to withstand high winds, heavy rain and snow, and frigid temperatures. That’s why they come with very specific features to help them withstand these harsh conditions and keep you better protected throughout your adventures. 

While all tents come with a removable rain fly, the ones found on four season tents are designed to cover the entire structure.

This then creates a vestibule space near the entrance to let you dry off before stepping inside the tent. And for even greater protection, many also have a snow skirt to block out the elements and keep the inside of your tent dry and comfortable.

If you’re really serious about weatherproofing, then we recommend looking for a dome-shaped tent. Not only does this shape prevent snow from caving the roof in, but it also adds to the overall wind resistance by directing air away from it. It also provides less headspace, which is normally a downside yet in this case helps the inner tent retain more heat.

Storage Space

Although it still has plenty of floor space for comfortable sleeping, your average winter tent typically has a low ceiling to give your body heat a great chance to warm the entire space. But that doesn’t mean it has to skimp out on storage space for all your necessary gear.

Most cold weather tents usually have a vestibule at the front entrance. Not only do they give you an opportunity to remove your equipment before stepping inside, but they also provide enough room to store them.

You now have an area where you can safely leave your backpack, hiking poles, or other gear with risk of them being stolen or damaged in a storm.

You’ll usually find several inside storage pockets on the walls to keep your belongings on-hand while you’re sleeping. Many tents also have a gear loft – a small mesh canopy you hook onto the ceiling – that keeps your most important items as far off the ground as possible.

Fabrics and Other Materials

A tent’s fabric makes a world of difference for winter campers – as it does all year round. It has to be equal parts breathable, durable, and weatherproof in order to be as effective as possible against the elements. But as you’ll see, not all fabric is created equal.

Most tents are made with either nylon or polyester fabrics, which are waterproof, enable plenty of airflow, and are mostly tearproof. These fabrics also have factory sealed seams to further strengthen them and block out water and mud.

Many companies go one step further and pre-treat them with a coating – usually PU or silicone – for better weather-resistance.

If you want a stronger material, then a canvas tent is your best bet when camping in freezing cold temperatures. It’s made with 100 percent cotton that’s both more breathable and tear-proof than nylon or polyester and woven so tightly that water can’t seep through. This construction makes it excellent for extended camping trips but is also heavier and harder to carry.

Don’t stop with the fabrics, as your tent’s poles are just as important. Instead of standard fiberglass, which is known to break easily, most harsh weather tents have poles that are made of either aluminum or steel.

Aluminum is both more common and more lightweight – so it’s perfect for hiking – while steel is stronger and pairs better with heavier canvas tents.

Additional Features

Even if a tent is designed for winter weather, it should still provide you with a decent amount of ventilation. If you choose a double walled model, make sure it has an inner tent with mesh windows and a rain fly with roof vents. Not only will they make it more versatile, but they’ll also prevent condensation from building up inside.

Along with the vestibule, many of these tents also have a front flap that you can turn into an awning – which shields you from rain, snow, or direct sunlight as you sit outside.

They also include an o-ring in the middle of the ceiling where you can hang your lantern. This way you’ll have a convenient light-source as you relax at night before going to sleep.

Some other features that you might find include ports for all your electronics and specially-designed jacks where you can plug in a camping stove and safely cook hot food.

No matter how small it might be, anything that improves your camping trip should be added to your list of must-haves.

Our Verdict

In the end, we’ve determined that Geertop’s Two Person Four Season Tent is the best extreme cold weather tent you can buy right now.

Whether you’re a complete novice or have years of camping experience, its simple yet effective design has everything you’ll need to camp out in extreme weather the right way. And the fact that it’s reasonably priced is a great bonus.

No matter what kind of weather you’re going out in, your safety and comfort should always be your number one priority.

And this four season tent has the durability, weather-resistance, and overall ease you’ll need to enjoy camping both in the winter and throughout most of the year. And the fact that it’s also reasonably priced makes it that much better.

Are you ready to see the great outdoors in a new light and give cold weather camping trips a go? You can find our top pick, along with all of these other incredible tents, on sale at Amazon today.