Best Winter Tents for Cold Weather Camping

Believe it or not, there are plenty of upsides to winter camping. It’s quieter and less crowded, you don’t have to worry about bugs, and you get to see a whole new side of nature. 

And having the right gear ensures that you stay safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

Overall, we’ve discovered that the Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 is the best winter tent on the market.

Not only is it durable and protective against all harsh weather conditions, but it’s also easy to set up and provides you with enough storage for all your equipment. 

Plus, the fact that it’s reasonably-priced doesn’t hurt either. 

Thinking about enjoying the great outdoors this winter? Take a closer look at our top pick, along with some of our other favorite winter camping tents. You’ll find plenty of ideas for your cold weather camping adventures.

The 7 Best Winter Tents Reviewed

Winter tents are built much differently than ones made for the summer. They can withstand all types of cold weather, including high winds and heavy snow. 

You also get extra space to store your gear, and some even let you plug in your own heater or camping stove for extra comfort.

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1. Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 Tent

The Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 is one of the brand’s best-selling and best-reviewed winter tents. It’s durable, cost-effective, protective against all forms of cold weather, and freestanding so you won’t have to take it apart if you need to move.

Like most four season tents, this one combines the main structure with a factory-sealed polyester rain fly to form a protective and sturdy double wall tent.

All of this is held together by a set of aluminum poles and a heavy-duty shock cord.

The tent fly even forms a small front area called a vestibule, where you can safely remove and keep your gear. Once inside, you’ll find mesh windows for ventilation, a few storage pockets, a small gear loft for extra storage, and a factory-sealed bathtub floor.

As the name implies, this is a terrific hiking and mountaineering tent for either a lone camper or a couple who wants to enjoy all the beauty that winter has to offer. 

Its simplicity, comfort, and protection make this the best winter tent for anyone from the novice camper to the seasoned pro.

All-in-all, we only had two minor complaints — it feels heavier than expected, and its small carrying bag makes it difficult to take all the parts out for set-up. 

Best For: Mountaineering, multi-day hikes, winter camping, four season camping

Pros

• Protective
• Highly Durable
• Fully weatherproof
• Reasonably priced
• Great ventilation

Cons

• Can be hard to set up
• Feels heavy

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2. MSR Remote 2 Three Person Tent

MSR pulled out all the stops when they designed their Remote 2 four season tent. Whether you’re gone for two days or two weeks, you can hike and camp with confidence knowing your tent will hold up throughout your cold weather camping trip.

Like all mountaineering tents, it has a central support frame for added durability. This one uses Easton Syclone poles — made from a durable metal composite that better withstands harsh wind and snow.

After setting up the tent structure, it’s time to throw on the PU-coated polyester rainfly with a built in snow skirt to block out the wind. Finally, tug on the reinforced guy-out points and velcro them to the inner tent to protect yourself against harsh winds.

You’ll find a few gear loops on the ceiling of the vestibule — letting you hang your belongings to dry them out faster — along with inside pockets attached near the bottom. To add to that, the nylon floor is treated with a Durashield PU coating for extra water and weather proofing, letting you stay comfortable in your sleeping bag.

We do recommend only using this one in the winter, or at least as soon as it’s cold out, as its design doesn’t allow for much ventilation. It can also feel cramped inside, especially if you and your camping partner(s) brought extra gear with you, 

Best For: Mountaineering, backpacking, extended camping trips

Pros

• Lightweight
• Pitches quickly
• Durable materials
• Plenty of inside storage
• Keeps warmth contained

Cons

• Limited ventilation
• Can feel cramped inside

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3. Black Diamond FirstLight Tent

A good winter tent doesn’t have to be heavy in order to be effective against rain, wind, and snow. Weighing in at just over three pounds, Black Diamond’s FirstLight tent is the perfect go-to for solo winter camping or extended cold weather hikes. 

This single wall tent is compact to keep as much of your body heat inside as possible, yet still has mesh panels at the front and back to allow airflow. 

It uses two DAC Featherlite poles — made from lightweight aluminum — and is covered with a Proprietary NanoShield fabric for both durability and lightness. Reflective guy lines also minimize stretch and reduce the risk of tearing.

The inside features two mesh pockets for extra storage, as well as a water-resistant polyurethane floor. The entire tent is a bright wasabi green color (minus the black floor) to help it stand out amongst all the snow. 

The effective single wall design makes this a terrific lightweight tent for your winter backpacking adventures.

If you’re camping with a partner, however, it won’t be roomy enough for you and your gear unless you also have the vestibule. And, unlike most winter tents, you’ll have to buy that part separately. Fortunately, both pieces are sold at all the same online retailers.

Best For: Winter backpacking, mountaineering, ski trips, car camping

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• Easy to set up and pack
• Reasonably priced
• Free standing design

Cons

• No double walls
• Vestibule is sold separately
• Feels cramped inside

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4. White Duck Regatta 10’ Canvas Bell Tent

White Duck is known for their yurt-style four season tents that are perfect for glamping, family trips, and multi-day outdoor events. While their best-selling Regatta tent comes in several different sizes, we’re going to focus on the 10-foot version that can easily fit up to four people.

Instead of nylon or polyester, like most tents, it’s made with 100% army duck cotton canvas that’s breathable during the summer and protective in the winter. And, because this material is so thick and sturdy, there’s no need to add another layer. 

Everything is held up with UV reflective guy ropes and galvanized steel poles and tent pegs, including the one at the center. 

Plus, while the materials themselves are already waterproof and UV-blocking, you can also buy a fire retardant version for added safety. 

The inside provides ample space — at ten feet in diameter — and comes with a built-in stove jack that lets you cook meals just like you would at home. The door and windows are made of mesh, and there are four roof vents to prevent condensation build-up. 

Color choices include beige, brown, and olive green so your tent doesn’t take away from the natural landscapes around you.

Given its weight and expensive price tag, the Regatta is obviously not meant for long hikes or occasional campers. However, we still consider this the best winter tent for when you’re looking to camp out in style and comfort, even in cold weather.

Best For: Glamping, all four seasons, family camping, experienced campers

Pros

• High quality materials
• Lots of interior space
• Protective in all four seasons
• Fire retardant options
• Stove jack included

Cons

• Heavy
• On the pricey side
• Not made for lots of snow

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5. Crua Outdoors Tri Insulated 3-Person Tent

Crua Outdoors specializes in camping tents that keep you comfortable all year round, and this one is no different. Their Tri Three Person Tent goes beyond the standard double wall designs to create a triple layer tent that’s perfect for cold weather camping trips.

It starts by combining a poly cotton inner tent with a large laminated — and fire-retardant — outer tent. They then add the brand’s TTInsulation and DuraBreathe fabric for protection, comfort, and breathability in any season. 

Aerospace grade aluminum poles also ensure it can withstand even the heaviest rain or snow storms.

Along with a substantial vestibule and mesh pockets, the large front flap creates an extendable front porch that lets you sit outside on your camping chair and admire the gorgeous views around you. 

All in all, the Tri isn’t just a good cold weather tent — it’s perfect for any small family that enjoys camping all year round.

Aside from its heavy weight, the only real downside is that it’s the most expensive entry on our list. But, given all these high-quality materials — and the protection and comfort they provide — we say it’s worth it for all winter camping enthusiasts.

Best For: Glamping, regular campers, cold weather, all four seasons, long camping trips

Pros

• High quality materials
• Decent amount of space
• Protective against cold weather
• Great for serious campers
• Can be modified for the summer

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

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6. Ayamaya Four Season Backpacking Tent

Most cold weather tents are more expensive than other models due to their construction and  materials. So, considering how well it performs, Ayamaya’s Four Season Backpacking Tent is practically a steal. 

Like most winter tents, it features a double wall thanks to its polyester and no-see-um mesh main tent and full-cover, PU-coated rain fly with a built-in snow skirt. 

The color-coated poles are made of ultralight aluminum alloy to make it light, durable, and easy to set up. Once inside, you’ll also find an oxford bathtub floor designed to block out water and mud from all directions.

Despite its size, it features two doors, two vestibules, and two air vents to make things more comfortable and convenient. As an added bonus, it’s freestanding so you can move it anywhere without having to take the whole thing down. 

To top it off, whether you choose the blue and white or orange and white version, your winter tent will be easy to find in all the snow.

It may feel a bit cramped, however, should you try to fit in with both your camping partner and all your gear. But we say this — not only is this option the best budget winter tent for any serious hiker or camper, it’s also one of the best winter backpacking tents you can buy.

Best For: Backpacking, mountaineering, winter hikes, fishing trips, snow camping 

Pros

• Very Affordable
• Lightweight yet durable
• Sets up in two minutes
• Keeps rain and snow out
• Decent inside storage

Cons

• A bit cramped for two people
• Vestibules are too small for some

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7. Ayamaya 6-Person Pop-Up Tent with Vestibule

Our second Ayamaya entry is a very spacious tent that lets you take the whole family with you on your winter camping trip. 

Their Pop-Up double wall tent is easy to pitch, fits up to six people at once, and provides you with plenty of floor space for everyone plus all your gear.

Unlike most other entries here, its inner and outer structures are already pre-attached. While the inner space is made from polyester and mesh yarn, the outside layer is completely PU-coated and heat-sealed for weatherproofing. 

Then, fiberglass poles hold everything together while four ropes and aluminum tent spikes keep the tent in place.

The vestibule itself serves as a place to keep your wet gear as it dries, as well as a rest or play area for dogs and small children. There’s even a back door so you won’t disturb anyone who’s still sleeping while you’re getting ready. 

Some other great features include inside storage pockets, mesh windows with pull-down shades, and a ceiling hook to hang your lantern.

Be careful when maneuvering the fiberglass poles, however, as they can break if you handle them too roughly. Furthermore, the double wall design might make things uncomfortable and stuffy if you use this tent during the summer.

Regardless of its flaws, it’s still the best winter tent for families and small groups who love cold weather camping and hiking.

Best For: Family camping, multi-day hikes, new campers, camping from autumn to spring

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Reasonably priced
• Protective and durable
• Provides plenty of space

Cons

• Fiberglass poles can break easily
• Not good for hot weather camping

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How to Choose the Best Winter Tent

All winter tents have certain qualities that you need to look for in order to find the right one for you. This includes their materials, intended usage, and the amount of space they offer.

Your Winter Camping Trip

First and foremost, think about the type of trips you want to take before buying a winter tent.

Will your camping area get lots of snow? Or will it just be cold, windy, and rainy the whole time? Do you plan on doing any activities while you’re out there? Will you be hiking, skiing, ice fishing, or just sitting around and enjoying the views?

Winter in Maine is very different from winter in Oregon, and there’s a lot you can do in either setting. So purchase a tent that fits in with your preferred camping trip.

For example, if you want to hike, get something lightweight like Black Diamond’s FirstLight. If you’re just viewing the Northern Lights in the North Pole, find a tent that keeps you comfortable like White Duck’s Regatta or Crua Outdoors’ Tri Tent.

Double Wall Tents

When choosing the right winter tent, you’ll notice that there are single wall and double wall tents available. And, while first-time winter campers may have trouble determining which one they should buy, the answer is obvious to those who are more experienced.

A single wall tent has just one layer of fabric, which works great during the summer as it enables more ventilation. However, depending on their construction, they usually don’t provide enough winter weather protection. 

Most three season tents are also single wall models.

Many winter tents — just like most of the entries on this list — come with a double wall for extra protection and warmth, along with the main tent structure and a full-coverage rain fly. 

This also creates a vestibule in the front to help shield you from the elements as you remove your outdoor gear.

If you’re not sure which one to choose, we say always go with the double wall design so you can always be protected. If anything, you can peel back the rain fly to get some extra airflow when the weather calms down. 

The best four season tents are truly versatile — keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Weather Protection and Durability

No matter where you are, your winter camping tent should hold up against all kinds of harsh weather. Throughout your stay, you may encounter deep snow, freezing rain, harsh winds, and even direct sunlight. 

So, finding the right amount of protection and durability is absolutely crucial.

While most tents come with a removable rain fly to keep the inside dry and keep the roof from caving in, those found on winter tents cover the entire structure. This not only does a better job at keeping out the elements, but also serves to insulate the tent and keep you warmer.

Many four season tents come with snow skirts (also known as snow flaps), which help to keep wind and snow from entering the first tent. This works by either piling snow on top or tucking the flaps underneath to seal the tent’s perimeter.

Furthermore, the right tent fabric can make all the difference in the world. Most double wall designs are made with specially-coated nylon or polyester, which are breathable and tear-resistant but still need upkeep. 

If you’re going with a single wall tent, then we recommend canvas as it’s thicker, more breathable, and more durable.

As for the tent poles, aluminum or steel will always be your best choices for cold weather tents. Fiberglass gets the job done just fine, just can break easily during set-up and may need replacing over time.

Tent Shape and Size

You’ll notice that almost all of the winter tents on this list are dome-shaped, designed to keep rain and snow from building up on the roof and caving it in. 

White Duck’s Regatta tent is bell-shaped on the other hand, which also prevents pile-ups but isn’t quite as sturdy.

As for the size, most winter tents have less head room to make it easier to contain your body heat. Unless you’re camping with a group of people, there’s no reason why you’d need a large winter tent. And, even then, it’s better for everyone to pack light. 

Still, a decent amount of floor space is always welcome in order to make sleeping more comfortable. 

To save space, we suggest leaving mattresses at home and sticking to sleeping bags instead. Not only do they take up too much room, but the holes in the stuffing can actually make the space colder by storing unused air. 

A good sleeping bag, a hot water bottle, and your winter clothes can be all you’ll need to stay comfortable in cold weather.

Tent Floor

Your tent’s floor is important all year-round, but its durability and weatherproofing qualities are even more important during the winter. 

It should be able to block out rain and snow, resist mold and mildew, and protect you from whatever else is on the ground below.

Most winter tent floors are made of super strong polyester oxford, which can maintain its shape better and is less likely to rip. And, while it’s already waterproof on its own, many tent manufacturers pre-treat it with a PU coating as an extra measure.

Some models even extend the floor out past the main tent space and into a vestibule area in the front, giving you and your wet gear even more protection and time to dry off. Ayamaya’s Pop-Up tent is a perfect example of this feature.

Gear Storage

Most tents have interior pockets along the tent walls where you can store your belongings and have them on-hand while resting. Many also include a nylon mesh gear loft that hooks onto the ceiling so you can keep important items as far off the floor as possible.

Any good winter tent should come with a small space called a vestibule, which is located in between the main entrance and tent space. It gives you enough space to either get your gear on or take it off while entering or exiting.

The vestibule also makes a great storage area and gives you a space to dry your belongings. When it’s not snowing out, it can even be a great resting place for your pet or a play area for your small child. 

A good four season tent can be modified and adapted for use all year long.

Other Features

There are other tent features that you can look for in order to make your winter camping experience even more enjoyable. 

For example, some brands — like Crua Outdoors — create their own form of insulation to keep you comfortable no matter what season it is. They also have roof and wall vents to prevent condensation and ensure that you get plenty of airflow.

Most modern tents also come with an electrical port that lets you keep your electronics charged and functioning in case of emergencies. Others, like White Duck’s Regatta, take this one step further and include a stove jack so you can bring a camping stove with you and safely cook like you would at home.

No matter which tent you get, make sure it has everything you need to help you stay warm and comfortable throughout your trip.

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for a simple yet effective and comfortable cold weather tent, then we suggest the Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2.

Its fast set-up, double wall design, and surprising amount of storage space make this an easy choice for the best winter tent.

However, there are other amazing winter camping tents for you to choose from. Whether you want something with more space or extra features, we’re confident that any one of these models will fit your unique camping preferences.

Find the right tent for you and see what a great winter camping experience has to offer!