Best Insulated Tents for Summer and Winter Camping

Insulated tents are essential when camping out in any kind of bad weather. You’ll want to stay warm and dry in the winter time, yet still need to be cool and comfortable during the summer.

Luckily for you, there are now plenty of these tents on the market to choose from.

Compared to a conventional tent, you’ll get way more protective and useful features on an insulated model.

From temperature regulation to light and sound blocking, you’re completely protected from the outside no matter what time of year you choose to go camping.

That’s why, after lots of careful research, we’ve selected the Crua Cocoon Maxx Combo Tent as our best insulated tent overall.

 We’ll give you a full rundown of it — and each of our top picks — below, along with a complete buying guide for your convenience.

Learn more about how you can enjoy hot and cold weather camping the right way.

The Best Insulated Tents Reviewed

There are plenty of upsides to having an insulated tent. Their thick walls are climate controlled, soundproof, and offer UV protection and weatherproofing so you’re ready for all outdoor conditions. 

With everything they have to offer, we say these tents are well worth the money you’ll spend.

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1. Crua Cocoon Maxx Combo Tent

Our best overall pick is everything that a good insulated tent should be. Crua’s Cocoon Maxx Combo is light, spacious, easy to pitch, and works great in all kinds of weather conditions thanks to a special TT insulation technology.

This dark rest type tent relies on the Culla Maxx — an inner cocoon made with breathable polyester and thermal insulation that also provides light and sound blocking. And internal air beams make for a fast and easy set-up of only one to two minutes.

The outer shell is also made from polyester fabric and uses aluminum poles and stakes to hold it up. It’s also laminated to be fully waterproof and fire retardant to protect the inner sleeping area.

Both the Culla and the Maxx provide ventilation at the top to keep you from feeling too uncomfortable while inside. And the large floor area creates a decent amount of space for you and at least two other people. 

The built-in groundsheet works like an insulating carpet to ensure greater comfort. Its large zippers make both tent structures easier to open and close. And a large vestibule area makes for excellent storage and a space for you to either get ready or remove your gear.

Between the thick insulation and double layer design, it’s one of the warmest tents you’ll ever find, while still being easy enough to modify for the summer.

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Light and sound proof
• High quality materials
• Climate controlled design
• Provides lots of storage

Cons:

• High price tag

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2. Crua Duo Combo Tent

Crua’s smaller Cocoon Duo Tent is just as effective as the more popular Maxx version. In fact, its smaller size and lighter weight make this model a better option for either a couple or solo camper. 

Here you’ll find the same Culla inner cocoon tent and fully waterproof Duo outer shell — both made from breathable polyester.

The inside layer is thermally insulated for temperature, light, and sound, and features bug mesh sections at the top for added airflow. And with the Duo tent’s roof vents, you’ll stay comfortable even when it’s warm out.

The bathtub style floor keeps rain, mud, and snow out of the inner sleeping area. And the low ceiling lets your body heat warm the space even faster. Although it lacks inside storage — minus the front vestibule — it’s still large enough to comfortably fit one more sleeping bag.

Despite its strong weatherproofing qualities, some reviewers say that the Crua Duo Cocoon isn’t fit for stormy weather. Yet as long as you have all the necessary tie-downs and keep the outer tent closed while it’s raining, you’ll be able to enjoy all kinds of weather safely.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Freestanding design
• Light and sound-proof
• Climate control

Cons:

• Feels cramped inside
• Not for strong storms

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3. Crua Cottage Premium Quality 4-6 Person Family Tent

Crua’s Cottage tent is both high-quality and perfect for the whole family. It provides you with plenty of extra space, and even has separate rooms so everyone can have their privacy.

Both the inner tent and large tent fly use a breathable poly cotton, with bug mesh used for the windows. The bathtub floor has pre-treated polyethylene to keep you dry even while you’re inside. Heavy duty poles hold it all together to better withstand harsh winds and rain.

You’ll find two bedrooms and a living space inside, all with the same 8’2” x 8’2”x 8’2” dimensions. The insulated sleeping rooms have thick cocooned walls for optimal warmth and dark rest, yet there’s plenty of decent airflow thanks to the floor and wall vents.

Yet this tent’s most standout feature is the large sun room located at the front entrance.

You can keep it closed most of the time to protect against bugs and harmful UV rays while still letting in enough light. Once the weather calms down, open the door and prop it up so you can sit outside in comfort while having your morning coffee.

Because this tent is so heavy, we don’t recommend the Cottage for hiking trips or mountaineering. Despite that, it’s still the best tent for extended group trips during all four seasons, and well worth the expensive price.

Not to mention that it would also make a great car camping tent for any trip to a local park campground.

Pros:

• Plenty of floor space
• Lots of headroom
• Privacy and storage
• Breathable materials
• Good for all year round

Cons:

• Too heavy for hiking
• High price tag

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4. CRUA Loj Six Person Thermo Insulated Tent

Most cold weather tents are smaller so they can better contain your body heat, but not the Crua Loj. This tunnel type tent is super spacious, provides lots of storage, and regulates inner temperature just as well.

Crua believed so much in their Loj tent that they tested it out by setting up in Greenland for an entire winter. The end result was proof that it can withstand everything from heavy snow to high speed winds.

This tent uses a specialized TT Insulate design with DuraBreathe construction, paired with a thick poly cotton inner tent and laminated outer tent. While the floor is already protective enough, there’s also a built-in groundsheet for added waterproofing and ground insulation.

It has three doors — one in the front and two on the side — for more convenience. There are several large windows and mesh screens with either zip-up panels or roll-down shades for privacy. This also provides light and sound proofing qualities for extra comfort while sleeping.

Other convenient features include several mesh pockets and a zippered slot under the front door that serves as an electrical port. And finally, its spacious front vestibule doubles as a porch area with a large built-in awning. 

And while it may be too heavy to take with you on a hike, it’s definitely the best insulated tent for extended group camping trips.

Pros:

• Offers lots of room
• Highly durable
• Holds up to harsh weather
• Light and sound proof

Cons:

• Too heavy for hiking

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5. Crua Tri Three Person Insulated Tent

We know we’ve shown many tents from the same brand here. Yet when a company like Crua Outdoors spends years perfecting a certain product, they’re bound to come out with a number of top-rated designs.

While all insulated tents should protect you from the weather, the Crua Tri Tent takes this several steps further with a huge waterproof rating. And its design provides plenty of space for any group of three to enjoy camping throughout the year.

This design uses a poly cotton inner tent fabric along with a laminated outer tent that’s both waterproof and fire-retardent. Instead of a cocoon structure, it uses the TT insulation design and DuraBreathe construction for greater comfort in both the summer and winter.

And because Crua won’t use just any materials for their tents, everything is held up with Aerospace grade aluminum poles for enhanced durability. This, plus the impressive 5000MM waterproof index, ensures that you’ll stay safe even while out in harsh conditions.

Along with the vestibule at the entrance, the front door becomes a large awning to give you your own porch area. Bring a camping chair or two so you can sit underneath and enjoy your amazing surroundings.

Don’t let its heavy weight and high price tag scare you away. If you enjoy camping in comfort throughout the year, then Crua’s Tri Tent is the perfect option for you and your partner.

Pros:

• Durable materials
• Provides lots of space
• Weatherproofing features
• Great for most of the year

Cons:

• Heavy
• Expensive

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6. Flytop Four Season One-Two Person Double Layer Backpacking

If you want a smaller tent that’s better fit for hiking trips, then try this Flytop four season backpacking tent. It’s lighter, compact, and very affordable compared to the other tents on this list, yet it still proves to be just as protective.

This polyester and mesh tent has a full-coverage rain fly with a built-in snow skirt — which you can tuck underneath to further block out the elements. The fly is large enough to create two separate vestibules for extra storage.

There’s even an extra door located in the back so you won’t disturb your partner while getting ready.

Everything is held together with aluminum poles, which create a freestanding structure for greater convenience if you have to move. You may have to replace the tent pegs, however, as they can wear down overtime.

Along with the double walled design, it features a ceiling that’s under four feet high so your body heat can better warm the space. The materials are also fire-retardant to prevent accidents and UV-blocking to shield you from the sun’s rays.

Even if it does feel a bit cramped when there’s two people inside, the overall lightness, weatherproofing, and affordability make it one of the best backpacking tents that you’ll find.

Pros:

• Weatherproof
• Easy to set up
• Affordable price
• Lightweight design
• Great for extreme weather

Cons:

• The inside feels cramped
• Aluminum pegs are too flimsy

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7. Ayamaya Pop-Up Four to Six Person Tent

Unlike most insulated camping tents, Ayamaya’s Pop Up Tent can be set up in a little as two minutes. Its inner and outer layers are already attached so you don’t have to stay outside for long. Yet despite the convenience, it doesn’t skip out on any of the important weatherproofing features.

This dome structure uses polyester fabric and mesh yarn, along with a PU-coated and heat-sealed outer layer that blocks out rain and snow. And preassembled fiberglass poles are already in place and hold everything together. 

The windows have roll-down shades to let you control how much light comes in. There’s even a built-in vestibule at the front for either extra storage or a space for your dog or small child. And once inside, you’ll find mesh pockets and a hook for you to hang your lantern.

As an added bonus, you get several color options to choose from when buying this tent — dark green/grey, bright blue, and even khaki/brown. 

Reviewers have said that it’s not ventilated enough for extremely hot weather, and the fiberglass poles can break if they’re handled too roughly. Still, this is a good tent for families who want to enjoy hiking and camping all year round.

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Lots of storage space
• Protective design
• Multiple color options
• Reasonable price tag

Cons:

• Flimsy fiberglass poles
• Not enough airflow for summer

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Finding the Best Insulated Tent for You

Because insulated tents are so new to most campers, it can be difficult to know which one to buy. Even more challenging is that some don’t even work well during the summer months.

That’s why we’ve created a complete guide below to help you learn what to look for so you can pick the right tent for warm or cold weather camping.

Ease of Set-Up

Although most insulated tents take longer to set up than standard models, many new insulated tents try to make this process a little easier. And considering the types of weather they’re designed for, this change is very much welcome.

Some such tents have an instant pitch design – like Ayamaya’s Pop Up Tent — that lets it be ready within a few minutes. Others require you to set up the outer layer first to keep you protected while you then pitch the inner tent.

The Crua Combo and Maxx Combo pair both these processes for your safety and convenience.

You start off by setting up the larger main tent directly over the unpacked and laid-out cocoon tent. Then, while sitting in the vestibule area, you use an air pump to pitch the smaller structure in no more than 60 seconds. 

Temperature Regulation

A good insulated tent has to strike the right balance when it comes to warm and cold weather. It should keep you warm when you’re out camping in freezing temperatures. But you also don’t want the inside filling up with warm air when it’s hot outside.

Many insulated tents for cold weather become uncomfortable during the summer. That’s why Crua designed most of their models with removable insulation for warmer weather. Flytop also makes this easier by using breathable mesh and polyester for their backpacking tent.

Pay close attention to what buyers are saying in the online reviews. Make note of how often they use their tents for winter camping or complain about the tent being too warm.

We also suggest that you read up on how to best modify your tent for all four seasons, or determine which times of year you’ll be camping. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a tent that you can’t even use because it’s so hot inside.

Weatherproofing

Insulated tents are among your best options for camping out in extreme weather. They keep you warm in the winter, provide ventilation in the summer, and have extra water and windproofing features to hold off rain and snowstorms.

They’re a step up from your average double-walled tent that you would use for mountaineering or winter camping. Except those with heavy thermal insulation don’t need other features such as a low ceiling or built-in snow skirt to regulate the inner temperature.

No matter its design, the right tent should have a waterproof outer coating and sealed edges to fully block out the rain or snow. It also needs proper airflow to prevent condensation and possible water damage inside the tent. Roof and air vents for your comfort.

Also, make sure your insulated tent has a fully waterproof polyethylene floor with a groundsheet that acts as an insulating carpet. You’ll feel much better about laying down a sleeping bag or air mattress knowing that the floor will stay completely dry.

Tent Shape

You might have noticed that four of these tents are dome shaped, which plays a big role in how well they perform in severe weather.

Tents typically come in three different shapes — cabin, dome, and tunnel. Most insulated tents are either dome or tunnel shaped, as the rounded roof prevents rain or snow build-ups and keeps it from caving in under the weight.

Both shapes are also more resistant to strong winds, although the dome does this better by deflecting the oncoming air away from it.

Although some cabin-shaped insulated tents are on the market today, they have more rounded roofs and aren’t usually designed for heavy snow loads. 

Durability

Because they’re made for severe weather, insulated tents have to be highly durable. It should maintain its shape throughout heavy rain and snowstorms and withstand any potential UV damage.

In fact, having your tent out in open air can damage it more than camping out in the middle of the woods because that exposes it to even more of the elements.

Most tents use polyester fabric, which is breathable yet more resistant to tears than nylon or mesh. Others, like many of Crua’s tents, use a stronger and softer poly cotton fabric instead. 

Some are also treated with a fire-retardant chemical to prevent damage — and protect you — in case you either have an accident or encounter a forest fire.

We also recommend swapping out fragile fiberglass poles and tent stakes for aluminum or steel to ensure that everything stays in place.

Light and Sound Blocking

Although many tents on the market have blackout features, insulated tents take this quality even further by providing total light-blocking.

Aside from helping you sleep better while out in the wilderness, it also regulates temperature and protects you from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

And along with light blocking comes sound blocking. If you select a heavily insulated tent, you’ll get a quieter camping trip and much better sleep than you would with a regular tent. In fact, some reviewers said that they overslept because of how quiet it was inside the tent.

Remember to bring a high-power flashlight or lantern with you for when you have to move around at night. And don’t forget to set your alarm to help you get up at a reasonable hour. You don’t want to sleep too late or else you’ll miss out on some of nature’s best sites.

Price

As we’ve mentioned, insulated tents cost more than average due to their special features and materials. They use either high quality insulation or multiple layers for warmth, along with stronger metal frames for more support.

There are some insulated tents that are reasonably priced, such as the Flytop Two Person Tent or the Ayamaya Pop-Up Tent. While they do keep you warm in cold weather, however, they don’t come with actual insulation like all of the Crua tents.

And considering that these five are all larger, have more storage, and tested in more severe conditions, their high cost makes perfect sense.

Decide ahead of time whether you will use an insulated tent frequently enough to justify the cost. If you can, but are still hesitant about spending that much money at once, then find a site that lets you get on a payment plan.

With the protection, comfort, and durability you’ll receive, we promise they’re well worth the extra money spent.

Our Verdict

In the end, the Crua Maxx Combo Tent is our choice for the best insulated tent for summer and winter camping. 

It’s not too heavy, easy to put together, and works in almost all types of weather. The insulated cocoon and waterproof outer layer work together perfectly to keep you protected during all four seasons.

Years ago, it would have been impossible for the average person to camp out in the freezing cold. Now thanks to this — and many other insulated tents for camping — you don’t have to let extreme temperatures stop you from enjoying the great outdoors.