If you’re the type to venture outdoors regardless of the forecast, investing in a four season tent is a smart choice. We selected some of the most trusted models on the market and had our team of outdoor experts put them to the test. Our evaluations spanned the globe across all seasons, from scorching deserts to icy landscapes and wind-battered ridges. Following rigorous field testing, we carefully analyzed essential features and identified which tents excelled in specific extreme conditions. So, let’s explore the most prominent names with the National Park Shops review team through the following article!
Contents
- 1 Best Overall: Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 2 Tent ($322.28 on Amazon)
- 2 Best for 2 Person: MSR Remote 2 ($859.95 on Amazon)
- 3 Best Budget: OneTigris Stella 4 Season Camping Tent ($179.98 on Amazon)
- 4 Best for Mountaineering: Nemo Chogori 3 ($599.96 on Amazon)
- 5 Best for Family: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 Expedition ($699.95 on Amazon)
- 6 MSR Advance Pro 2 Person Tent ($439.97 on Amazon)
- 7 Black Diamond Hilight ($559.95 on Amazon)
- 8 How we test four season tents
- 9 FAQs
Best Overall: Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 2 Tent ($322.28 on Amazon)
- Item Weight: 12 Ounces
- Floor Width: 54 Inches
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Water Resistance Technology: 2000 Mm
The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 2 Tent is a 2-person, four season tent designed for camping and backpacking, offering a balance of comfort, space, and weather protection. It features a spacious, symmetrical design with dual doors and vestibules for easy access and ample gear storage. The tent’s dimensions include a floor area of 33 square feet (88 x 54 inches) and a 43-inch interior height. Each vestibule provides 18.3 square feet of space, nearly doubling the interior space for gear storage.
This four season tent is constructed with a 40D polyester mesh and 75D ripstop polyester canopy, a 68D ripstop polyester fly, and a 68D ripstop polyester floor with a PU coating. The tent is weatherproof with taped seams and a bathtub-style floor. Pre-bent DAC Pressfit poles maximize interior space and create a strong, freestanding structure. The tent weighs 5 lbs 13.4 oz packed and 5 lbs 0.4 oz trail weight. Additional features include a roll-back fly for stargazing while maintaining weather protection, a HangTight system for interior gear storage and organization, and five pockets for storing essentials.
>> Related articles that you may be interested in: The 10 Best Ultralight Tent For Camping
Best for 2 Person: MSR Remote 2 ($859.95 on Amazon)
- Item Weight: 6.94 Pounds
- Floor Width: 55 Inches
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Water Resistance Technology: 3000 Mm
When we tested this four season tent during a ski mountaineering expedition, we were struck by how spacious the ceiling felt. While adjusting gear or changing layers, we could comfortably sit upright or crouch flat-footed without feeling restricted or bumping our heads on the roof. Another highlight was the ample storage space in one of the vestibules, which includes extra loops for hanging gear.
Each vestibule has a side-entry door, ensuring that half of the space remains protected from the elements. The zippers on these doors are reinforced with Velcro – an added durability feature, though a bit tricky to manage one-handed. We also appreciated the fly’s four vents with snow flaps, which enhance airflow, reduce condensation, and keep spindrift at bay.
Additionally, the upper section of each door has a mesh or fully open window for cross-ventilation. The color-coded pole clips allowed for a quick and hassle-free setup. The tent’s bathtub-style floor is both waterproof and highly durable, while the rainfly is made from 68-denier ripstop polyester with a waterproof treatment.
Best Budget: OneTigris Stella 4 Season Camping Tent ($179.98 on Amazon)
- Item Weight: 4.4 Pounds
- Floor Width: 50.2 Inches
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Water Resistance Technology: 3000 Mm
The OneTigris Stella Camping Tent, part of the Black Tigris Series, is a 4-season, 2-person tent designed for backpacking, bushcraft, and camping. It is known for its easy setup and 3000mm waterproof rating. The four season tent features a mesh inner layer for good airflow and a breathable, solid outer layer for heat retention.
The Stella’s design incorporates flexible poles that cross at the top and are anchored to the floor, making setup quick and easy. This four season tent has a 20D ripstop nylon outer tent, a 40D polyester tent bottom, and a 20D inner tent, with 7001 aluminum alloy tent poles. The tent’s dimensions are 6.9ft x 4.2ft x 3.7ft when set up and 19.7” x 5.9” when folded, and it weighs 4.4lb (2kg)123. It can be unzipped at the front and back for unobstructed views.
>> Related articles that you may be interested in: 11 Best Fire Starters For Camping
Best for Mountaineering: Nemo Chogori 3 ($599.96 on Amazon)
- Item Weight: 3.2 Kilograms
- Floor Width: 1E+1 Inches
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Special Feature: Rainfly
Among four season tents, the Nemo Chogori 3 stands out as the most comfortable and livable winter tent we’ve ever used, while also being one of the easiest to pitch. It excels across the board: sturdy, spacious, and incredibly quick to set up. After spending over 30 nights in this four season tent, we truly appreciate its hassle-free assembly, relatively lightweight design, dual-door access, and generous interior and vestibule space. It also holds up remarkably well against strong winds. All these qualities make it a top choice, earning it our award for the best winter camping tent.
Best for Family: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 Expedition ($699.95 on Amazon)
- Item Weight: 2.3 Kilograms
- Occupancy: 3 – 4 Person
- Water Resistance Technology: 2000 mm
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 Expedition is a reinforced version of the classic Copper Spur HV UL, striking an excellent balance between durability, comfort, and adaptability. Designed as a four season tent, it’s perfect for shoulder-season trips and winter outings below the treeline. As the only 3 or 4 person tent in our test lineup, this four season tent offers ample space with plenty of room for gear. If livability is a priority for you, this tent delivers.
We love its spacious interior and high-volume design. With steep sidewalls and a generous peak height, it feels open and easy to move around in. Dual doors and expansive vestibules provide effortless entry and exit while ensuring plenty of storage space. Inside, convenient features like pockets and gear loops help keep everything well-organized. Weighing in at 6 pounds, it’s not the lightest option, but it’s a great pick for basecamps or shorter backcountry excursions where durability is key.
MSR Advance Pro 2 Person Tent ($439.97 on Amazon)
- Item Weight: 1.3 Kilograms
- Floor Width: 42 Inches
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Water Resistance Technology: 3000 Mm
The MSR Advance Pro 2 is an ultralight, minimalist tent designed specifically for fast-and-light expeditions in extreme conditions. Weighing just 3 lbs. 3 oz. and featuring a compact build, it’s an ideal choice for mountaineers and climbers who need to balance speed and efficiency without sacrificing protection against harsh weather.
This four season tent is built to withstand demanding environments. With durable Easton Syclone poles and a waterproof, breathable fabric, it effectively resists wind, snow, and precipitation. Its steep walls and small footprint allow for easy setup on narrow, exposed ledges at high altitudes. However, the minimalist design results in limited interior space, making it best suited for two ultralight packers or a solo adventurer seeking extra room.
>> Related articles that you may be interested in: 7+ Best Solar Powered Camping Gear For Travelers
Black Diamond Hilight ($559.95 on Amazon)
- Item Weight: 1.56 Kilograms
- Material: 30D polyester fabric and aluminum poles
- Occupancy: 2 Person
- Floor Width: 27 square feet (for a two-person tent)
The Black Diamond Hilight takes the concept of a single-wall tent to the extreme while keeping weight to a minimum. The model weighs in at under four pounds, making it incredibly lightweight for a winter tent. Despite its minimal weight, it remains impressively sturdy. During testing, it was one of the few four season tents that could achieve a taut setup without the need for stakes or guylines – an essential feature when facing strong winds or heavy snowfall. However, it lacks a vestibule, making it challenging for two people to share the two-person version comfortably. That said, a separate vestibule can be purchased if needed.
One unique aspect of the Black Diamond Hilight is its internal pole setup, which differs from the typical external pole design. In theory, this should help keep the tent’s interior dry during setup, but in practice, it presents some challenges. To insert both poles, you must leave the door unzipped long enough to secure them into the metal grommets at each of the four interior corners. While experienced users can complete this quickly, it still exposes the tent’s interior to the elements longer than an external pole system would. Once inside, the tent fabric tends to fold around you until the poles are properly pushed into position and secured with Velcro straps. Given this, it’s highly advisable to practice setting up this four season tent before heading into the backcountry.
How we test four season tents
Our evaluation process begins by combining our expertise with in-depth market research. After selecting our lineup, we purchase each tent at full price and develop a test plan focusing on the most critical aspects of a four season tent’s performance.
Every tent in this review has endured high winds, as well as snowy, rainy, stormy, and sunny conditions. We assess each model’s weight, inspect its construction, and measure setup time. Additionally, we evaluate how challenging it is to pitch the tent in adverse conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, or blizzards.
Our 4-season tent testing is based on five key rating metrics:
– Weather and Storm Resistance – 30% of the overall score
– Ease of Use – 30% of the overall score
– Weight – 20% of the overall score
– Quality of Construction – 10% of the overall score
– Versatility – 10% of the overall score
FAQs
What is the main differences between a 3 season and a 4-season tent?
A four season tent is built with tougher materials, a reinforced frame, and strategically placed ventilation to retain heat effectively. Its flysheet is designed to sit closer to the ground, preventing snow, rain, and strong winds from entering, ensuring maximum protection in harsh conditions.
Can I use a 4-season tent in warm weather?
Yes, you can use a 4-season tent in warm weather, but it typically offers less ventilation than a 3-season tent. In our experience, four season tents can feel excessive even in late spring. If you’re determined to use one outside of winter, opt for models with adjustable vents and mesh panels to improve airflow and reduce condensation in milder conditions.
Are all 4-season tents fully waterproof?
Although four season tents are built for excellent waterproofing, their effectiveness can differ between models. To ensure your tent meets your needs, examine its hydrostatic head rating, seam sealing, and the durability of the rainfly.
