I chose the GEEERTOP Backpacking tent as the best overall cold weather tent. There were many reasons for this.
As a mountaineering guide, a fair number of my excursions take place during the winter and colder months. This means that I fully appreciate how cold it can get at night. As a result, I am well aware of the importance of having a good cold weather tent.
Luckily, my years of experience have given me a good idea of what to look for in a tent. This includes materials, features, and more. So, I can pick out the good from the bad quite easily. This is why you will find only the best tents on this list.
I picked the GEERTOP Backpacking tent as it has everything I needed in a cold-weather tent. Firstly, it does a fantastic job of keeping the tent well insulated. Then, it holds up well against heavy rain. As an added bonus, the tent is durable and boasts an efficient design.
Still, I understand that each camper has a different idea of what makes the ultimate cold weather tent. Due to this, I have made an effort to list out best cold weather tents with various strengths and features so that you can find what you’re looking for.
The Top 10 Best Cold Weather Tents
Here are the best cold weather tents for your camping trip:
GEERTOP Backpacking Tent – Best Overall
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2
- Dimensions: 8.4 x 4.5 x 3.7 feet
- Materials: Polyester and aluminum
- Weight: 6.4lbs
Great Insulating Properties
One of the main concerns of cold-weather camping is having to deal with the cold. Well, this tent overcomes the problem with its double-layer wall. This acts as insulation against the cold, making it easier to maintain warmer temperatures inside.
Great Weather Resistance
Of course, since rain is a possibility, you will be pleased to know that this tent is equipped with material that has a water resistance rating of up to 3000mm. This shows that your tent is more than capable of handling some pretty severe showers. The seams have also been double stitched to act as seals against the rain.
Durable Materials
In general, this is a pretty tough tent. The polyester fabric is anti-tear and can withstand rips and abrasions. This includes those caused by rough terrain as well as continuous use. As an added bonus, the material also boasts UV protection which means that it won’t degrade from being in the sun.
Good Design
There is quite a bit to like about this tent design. To begin with, there are two doors which means that anyone can enter and exit the tent without disturbing the others. The tent has also been designed to have proper ventilation so that condensation doesn’t build up on the inside.
The only downside in the design is the capacity. It can also prove to be a pretty tight fit for two people, especially if there is a lot of gear as well. It is best suited for one person and a small number of gear.
Pros:
- Excellent weather protection
- Durable
- Good design
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Tight fit
Black Diamond Eldorado Tent – Best for Severe Conditions
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2
- Dimensions: 7.25 x 4.25 x 3.6 feet
- Materials: ToddTex Fabric and Aluminum
- Weight: 4.41lbs
Ideal for Extreme Conditions
This is one of the hardiest tents you’ll find on the market. In fact, it has even been tested for expeditions to Mount Everest. As such, it is an excellent option if you are expecting considerable snowfall and extremely cold weather. The tent has been designed to insulate the interior completely, making it comfortable even under freezing conditions.
For this additional insulation, however, the tent has been sealed up quite a bit. As such, the ventilation isn’t great and you may find condensation forming on the tent. Another aspect to be aware of is that it is unlikely that the average camper will require such protection. This is especially the case considering the high price tag attached to the tent.
Durable
The build quality of this tent is at an all-time high. This, of course, is because the tent has been designed to deal with some of the worst conditions on the planet. As such, it is more than capable of handling heavy snowfall, and strong winds for an extended period.
Even if you don’t put the tent through its paces, you will have peace of mind knowing that this tent is going to last you quite a while.
Lightweight
When you are going on an expedition, every ounce you carry counts. This is why the tent is one of the lightest options around. It can easily be folded down into a compact, lightweight package and carried for a longer time without tiring you out in the process.
Pros:
- Great for extreme snow
- Highly durable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Poor ventilation
- Expensive
FLYTOP 3 – 4 Season Tent – Best Budget Tent
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 5 x 3.7 feet
- Materials: Polyester and Aluminum
- Weight: 5.9lbs
Keeps Interior Warm
The tent has a double-layer design that comes with many benefits. This works to keep the warm air trapped inside while simultaneously preventing cold air from coming in. The result of this is that the interior of the tent will be much warmer than the outside. Thus, even when the temperatures drop, you won’t feel it. You can remain warm and snug inside thanks to this great feature.
Good for Snow
This tent isn’t just good for cold weather, it holds up quite well in snow too. This is thanks to the fact that it has a snow skirt. This is great if you want to stabilize the tent against the heavy winds or simply prevent snow from coming into your tent.
Water-Resistant
Even if you just have rain to deal with, you will find this tent quite useful. The material is highly water-resistant, ensuring that the rain will roll off rather than collect on the surface of the tent. To improve this function even further, the seams have been sealed to prevent any moisture from getting inside.
Good Design
In general, the design of the tent is quite good. It comes with two vestibules where you can store your gear, backpacks and keep it out of your way. The bright color of the tent also comes in handy if there is an emergency as it will lead a rescue party to your location.
The only issue is that this tent is quite compact, making it quite difficult to fit in two adults.
Pros:
- Great water resistant features
- Traps warmth inside
- Good for snow
- Good design
Cons:
- Small interior space
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian Tent – Best for Easy Assembly
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 7.8 x 3.8 feet
- Materials: Polyester and Aluminum
- Weight: 7.9lbs
Simple to Setup
Thanks to the free-standing pole system in place, you will be able to set up this tent in no time at all. In fact, even if you haven’t gone camping before, you will be able to put this tent up and take it down intuitively. For the most part, you just have to get the pegs into proper position along the poles.
Good Weather Resistance
The rainfly on this tent does more than just keep the rain at bay; it also does an excellent job at keeping you warm. It creates an insulating layer over the tent, working to keep the warmth trapped inside. As such, you will be able to endure a pretty chilly environment as well. The only issue is that the ground floor material is a bit thin so you won’t have to layer material over it.
At the same time, this tent is well-equipped at keeping the rain at bay. Not only has the material been covered with a waterproof coating, but it also has factory-sealed seams to prevent any kind of moisture from coming in.
Last, but certainly not least, the material has UV protection, preventing it from degrading in the sun.
Efficient Design
While the tent doesn’t have the largest dimensions, its design capitalizes on the interior space. Thus, you can comfortably fit in two people. The two vestibules mean that you will also be able to fit in gear in the tent as well.
What’s great about this tent is that some ventilation panels work to prevent condensation build-up inside the tent.
Pros:
- Easy assembly
- Good weather resistance
- Efficient design
Cons:
- The ground material is thin
Naturehike Cloud-Up 3 Tent – Best for Lightweight Camping
Specifications:
- Capacity: 3
- Dimensions: 5.9 x 7 x 3.67 Feet
- Materials: Polyester and Fiberglass
- Weight: 5.2lbs
Lightweight
Are you planning to go on a longer trek, perhaps taking a trip into the mountains? If so, a tent that is as light as possible will come in handy. This is exactly what you can expect with the Cloud-Up 3. This compact tent is a breeze for one person to carry for an extended period without any problem.
Good for Maintaining Heat
With this tent, there is no need to worry about the interior getting cold. It has been designed to keep the heat trapped inside, allowing it to remain warm even in very cold climates. This will keep you nice and toasty when the temperature drops outside.
Unfortunately, the tent doesn’t have good ventilation to boast of. Thus, it isn’t unusual for the condensation to build inside, requiring you to air it out frequently.
Suitable for Snowy Conditions
Thanks to the lightweight snow skirt, this tent will keep you well-protected in all conditions. Here, the skirt will allow snow to move away from the top of the tent while simultaneously ensuring that no snow is swept in through the bottom.
Water-Resistant
The cherry on top is that this tent is highly water-resistant. The fabric has a water-resistant rating of up to 4000mm, making it one of the top options on the market for rain. The high-quality design ensures that water will not seep in from any point in the tent.
Pros:
- Easy to carry
- Good water resistance features
- Good heat maintenance
- Suitable for snow
Cons:
- Accumulates condensation
MoKo Family Camping Tent
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2 – 3
- Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.9 x 3 Feet
- Materials: Polyester and Fiberglass
- Weight: 9.91lbs
Keeps You Warm
The double-wall construction of the tent works well to keep you nice and warm even when the temperatures begin to drop outside. It adds a necessary layer of insulation to the tent. At the same time, the design does a lot to keep the wind out as well.
The compactness of the tent can be an advantage and disadvantage. The plus side is that it works to keep body heat trapped inside. At the same time, the cramped space means that only one or two people can fit in this tent, which can be a slight disadvantage when it comes down to it.
Water-Resistant
The tent material is water-resistant up to 2500mm, which means that it is thoroughly capable of keeping you nice and dry at all times. The sewn-in groundsheet is also excellent at keeping water from seeping up through the ground.
Durable
The tent, overall, is made from fairly durable materials. This makes it more than capable of withstanding the elements. At the same time, you can expect it to last longer as well. A nice addition is that the material is fire retardant to boot.
Pros:
- Maintains internal temperature
- Good water resistant features
- Durable materials
Cons:
- Can be tricky to set up
- Compact interior
Marmot Thor Tent
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2
- Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 3.88 feet
- Materials: Ripstop Nylon and Featherlite NSL
- Weight: 10.3lbs
Suitable for Extreme Conditions
This is another tent that works incredibly well in cold weather and on rough terrain. So, if you are planning a mountaineering expedition, then this is a great option for you, particularly if you are looking for a tent that can house two people.
The double walls mean that the tent has been designed to trap the warmth inside and keep the cold out. Thus, you will be able to stay warm and comfortable even in some pretty harsh and remote conditions.
Stable Construction
This tent boasts a rather robust design, making it particularly well-suited to withstand heavy winds and rain. Once you have set up this tent, you won’t have to worry about it coming down on you. This is a good feature if you are expecting heavy snowfall as well.
Durable
This tent is made from ripstop nylon and heavy-duty poles. This means that it can tackle virtually anything the environment or elements throw at it. Due to this, you don’t need to be concerned that the tent will have any rips or damages. The downside of this durability is that it will be on the heavier side which can be a disadvantage, particularly if you’re going on an expedition.
Spacious
As far as expedition-style tents go, this is pretty spacious. In addition to having enough space for two people, there are also two vestibules where you can store your gear for added convenience.
Pros:
- Good for extreme conditions
- Stable construction
- Durable
- Spacious
Cons:
- Heavy
Azarxis 3 – 4 Season Tent
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 6.89 x 3.28 feet
- Materials: Polyester and Aluminum
- Weight: 5.7lbs
Good Insulating Properties
The tent works well to keep you warm and is an advantage in the cooler months. The material is thick enough to insulate the interior of your tent thoroughly. To help with this is the compact space of the tent, allowing body heat to accumulate, as well.
The disadvantage, of course, is that this tent is quite small. As such, you will find that there is very little space – it’s just enough for two people.
Good Water Resistance Features
If you are expecting rain on your trip, you will be pleased to know that this tent will keep you dry. Not only is the material waterproof, but the seams have been taped and sealed so that the rain can’t come in from any point. In fact, the tent has a water-resistant rating of 3000mm, ensuring that even heavier rains will not affect it.
Easy to Set Up
The tent is quite easy to set up if you have some experience camping. If you are new to it, this may take you a little longer, but you will figure it out in no time, as it is quite intuitive. Unfortunately, the instructions aren’t very helpful as they are in Chinese.
Good Design
The tent is quite well-designed. To start with, there is just enough ventilation to prevent moisture or condensation from building up inside the tent. Another interesting feature is the vestibule which gives you some room to stash your gear and keep it out of your way.
Pros:
- Holds up well in the cold
- Good water resistance
- Simple setup
- Good design
Cons:
- Quite compact
- Poor instructions
MOON LENCE Backpacking Tent
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2
- Dimensions: 7.21 x 4.59 x 3.93 feet
- Materials: Polyester and Aluminum
- Weight: 5.2lbs
Double Layer Walls
The double-layer walls act as insulation. As such, the warm air inside the tent can stay this way and you won’t have to worry about it escaping. Not to mention, there is less chance of the cold air coming in from the outside either.
Unfortunately, the ground floor material isn’t as thick as the walls. As such, you have to watch out for rough terrain as it can poke holes in the material if you aren’t careful.
Water Resistant Features
The material provides up to 2000mm water resistance. As such, there is no need to worry about water getting in, even if the rain picks up. Even the vents on the tent are covered in water-resistant material to ensure that there is no way for moisture to seep in.
Weather Resistant
In general, this tent is pretty weather resistant. To start with, it has been designed to withstand stronger winds. So, as long as the tent is staked in properly, you won’t have to worry about it budging at all.
The material also holds up quite well under the harsh sun. Since it boasts UV protection, you don’t have to worry about the material degrading on sunny days.
Pros:
- Maintains warmth
- Good water resistance
- Weather resistant
Cons:
- Ground floor material is flimsy
Gonex Camping Tent
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.91 x 3.9 feet
- Materials: Polyester and Aluminum
- Weight: 5.3lbs
Good Insulation
When the rainfly is on, the tent will be thoroughly covered, ensuring that all the heat remains trapped inside. Although there are vents to help keep the air circulating, these don’t invite the cold air in at all. Thus, you can stay nice and toasty all night long.
When the rainfly isn’t on, though, the tent material can be rather transparent. Due to this, it can be difficult to get any privacy if you are camping with others.
Good Water Resistance
The material has been designed to be water-resistant and offers protection up to 2000mm. This means that it is more than capable of handling some moderate showers while you are camping. Even the tent floor is made from water-resistant material preventing your sleeping bag from getting wet as well.
Good Design
There are plenty of storage options in this tent. You will find that there are several mesh pockets and gear lofts. This is great if you want to stay organized and keep your belongings out of the way while within your reach. This is also a good way to maximize the space that you have.
Lightweight
This is quite a lightweight tent, which makes it a suitable option for all kinds of camping trips. It doesn’t matter if you have to hike or trek to your spot, it will be incredibly easy to manage with this small load.
Pros:
- Traps heat inside
- Good water resistance
- Good design
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Material is transparent
How to Choose the Best Cold Weather Tent
Here are the top tips to choosing the best cold weather tent for you:
Beware of 4 Season Tents
You may have come across the category 4 season tents. As the name suggests, these tents have been designed for all four seasons. However, don’t always trust the manufacturer’s claims. Not all 4 season tents will keep you warm as they haven’t all been designed to work in snowy conditions.
Due to this, you will be far better off considering each feature of a tent. You will then be able to accurately determine if a particular make and model will be useful in a colder climate.
Consider Double Walled Tents
Most efficient cold weather tents have double walls. This means that there are two layers of fabric protecting you from the cold. Such a feature works well to prevent hot air from escaping the tent and cold air from entering the tent.
This feature also works quite well at keeping snow and moisture at bay. It can help to keep your tent just a little bit drier. It should be noted that not all cold weather tents are double-walled. Some excellent single wall designs boast thicker and more insulating material, which might be a better choice.
You should also be aware that double-walled tents aren’t as breathable, making ventilation tricky. This is why you will often find a build-up of condensation inside these tents.
Not All Cold Weather Tents are Waterproof
It is a common misconception that all cold weather tents are waterproof, but this isn’t the case at all. So, if you are expecting rain, then you should look for water-resistant material with a rating of at least 1000mm.
It is a good idea to pay attention to the ground floor material as well. This needs to be made from waterproof fabric. This will make it easier for you to keep your sleeping bag dry. At the same time, look for seams that have been taped or sealed as well.
Durability and Stability is Key
The cold weather tends to bring along some pretty strong winds. Due to this, you should look for tents that have a firm and steady frame. It is a good idea to consider ones with aluminum poles as this strikes a good balance between strength and low weight.
You may also want to think about how well a tent can be staked into the ground and just how hardy these stakes are. Ensuring that your tent has been properly set up means that you won’t have to worry about your tent collapsing or blowing away if the wind gets pretty bad.
If the wind is a major concern, you may want to look out for frames that have been specifically designed with gusts in mind.
Consider Tents with Vestibules
When you go cold weather camping, you will most likely carry more gear with you, since you need enough protection from the elements. As such, you need to have a place to store all this gear. You certainly can’t do this outside. This is where vestibules come into the picture. You will find many cold weather tents with such a feature.
These are small compartments on either side of the sleeping area. While they aren’t very spacious, they are just large enough to store a few backpacks and some other gear. Thus, they are a good investment, especially if you plan to go camping more often.
Pay Attention to Dimensions
Now, you might realize that most cold weather tents are quite small. They are mostly built for no more than three people at a time. This is all to do with heat. Keep in mind, it is harder to heat larger spaces and it’s more difficult to maintain this internal temperature.
Therefore, the smaller dimensions of cold weather tents help you to stay cozy, particularly when the temperature drops at night. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to disregard the size of the tent completely.
Instead, look at the dimensions of the tent rather than the reported capacity. This will give you a better idea of how many people you can fit in there. If there are no vestibules, you need to remember that you will probably have to store your gear inside as well.
If you are on the taller side, consider the highest point of the tent once it is erected. Is this enough for you to sit up comfortably or will you need to be slouched over?
FAQs
Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about cold weather tents:
What is the Warmest Type of Tent?
Typically, 4 season tents tend to be the warmest types. At the same time, tents that have been designed for mountaineering or expeditions will offer plenty of protection as well. However, it is best to look at individual features before coming to this decision.
Can You Use a Cold Weather Tent in Winter?
There are cold weather tents that have been designed to be used all winter long. These are good at keeping the inside of the tent insulated and have also been designed to work well in snowy conditions.
How Do You Keep a Tent Warm in Cold Weather?
Your best bet is to get a tent that already offers plenty of insulation. At the same time, you can also use heat packs, lots of warm clothing, blankets, and even heaters to keep your tent warm.
Conclusion
The GEERTOP Backpacking tent is the right pick for the best cold weather tent. This tent is excellent at keeping you warm thanks to its double-layered walls. At the same time, it is perfect for keeping rain and moisture at bay. The tent design manages to optimize efficiency and prevent condensation build-up. And, last but not least, this is a durable tent that will stand the test of time.
You should check out all the tents on this list, though. This is especially true if you aren’t certain about what your main requirements are. Going through the various options here may help you narrow down your options and select the top pick.
This page was last updated on 2022-08-29. Affiliate links and Product Images are from Amazon PAAPI
