From backcountry skiing to mountaineering in extreme weather conditions, insulated tents for winter serve as your primary protection against the elements. As a result, these tents are significantly more durable than 3-season models, featuring less mesh, stronger canopies and rainflies, reinforced pole structures, and numerous features intended for winter use.
Below are our selections for the top insulated tents for winter. Choosing the right insulated tent can mean the difference between a sleepless night and a memorable adventure. Let’s dive into the top picks and what makes them essential for your winter escapades with National Park Shops team!
Contents
- 1 Best Overall: Crua Culla Insulated Inner Tent
- 2 Best All-Season Tent: Nemo Kunai 3P ($499.95 – $564.95 on Amazon)
- 3 Best Ultralight: Black Diamond Mega Light ($400 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Highest Overall Quality: Crua Tri – 3 Person Insulated Tent
- 5 Best for Backpacking: Sea To Summit Telos TR2 Plus ($649 on Amazon)
- 6 MSR Remote 2 ($859.95 on Amazon)
- 7 Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 Expedition ($566.66 on Amazon)
- 8 How to choose the best insulated tents for winter?
- 9 Conclusion
Best Overall: Crua Culla Insulated Inner Tent
- Weight: 15.4 lbs (7kg)
- Type of insulation: Quilted
- Packed size: 28” x 15” x 15” (70cm x 38cm x 38cm)
- Floor size: 80” x 52” (203cm x 132cm)
- Peak height: 48” (122cm)
- Occupancy: 2 person (three person also available)
The best insulated tents for winter available might be the ones you already have. This is because the Crua Culla acts as an insulated insert that can turn any camping tent into a warm shelter suitable for winter.
We appreciate Culla for providing the advanced quilted insulation that Crua is famous for, but it does so at a more affordable price. You’re effectively receiving the same level of insulation and reduction of sound and light as their pricier tent combinations but at less than half the cost.
Another aspect we like about the Culla is its innovative airframe design, which eliminates the need for traditional poles by using a simple inflatable frame. This allows for quick setup; all you need to do is place the insert inside an already set-up tent and inflate it with the hand pump provided.
Our main issue with the Culla is that while it’s the most budget-friendly way to access Crua’s impressive quilted insulation, the insert itself is still pricier than some fully equipped tents we have tested in the past.
Best All-Season Tent: Nemo Kunai 3P ($499.95 – $564.95 on Amazon)
- Category: Treeline
- Packaged weight: 5 lb. 10 oz.
- Floor area: 43.4 sq. ft.
- Wall(s): Double
Many insulated tents for winter are excessive for mild winter weather, particularly when a lighter and more breathable option suffices. This brings us to the “treeline” category and our top recommendation, the Nemo Kunai. Promoted by Nemo as a 3-4 season backpacking tent, the Kunai provides dependable protection during shoulder seasons and mild winters with a sturdy tent body and an additional pole that spans from side to side for extra stability. When temperatures increase, sections of the canopy can unzip to expose mesh windows, enhancing airflow when necessary and offering wind resistance when it isn’t. Overall, the Kunai is a flexible and lightweight shelter perfect for everything from spring skiing to quick winter camping and it’s reasonably priced.
However, there are some drawbacks to the design of one of these insulated tents for winter. Firstly, the footprint of the 2P model is noticeably cramped and narrows at the feet, requiring you to sleep closely with your tent partner. Additionally, the tent only features one door and vestibule, which makes setup less convenient. Lastly, unlike the single-wall mountaineering tents mentioned here, the double-wall construction of the Nemo can be somewhat challenging to pitch in bad weather and doesn’t fit well on narrow ledges. All things considered, one of these insulated tents for winter represents excellent value and is an outstanding choice for treeline camping and spring mountaineering.
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Best Ultralight: Black Diamond Mega Light ($400 on Amazon)
- Category: Basecamp/treeline
- Weight: 2 lb. 13 oz.
- Floor area: 50.7 sq. ft.
- Wall(s): Single
For sleeping in the snow, you’ll probably prefer a tent with many features, but for use as a dining area, gear storage, or just to change your surroundings when feeling cooped up, the Black Diamond Mega Light is a true luxury for basecamp.
We use the term “luxury” loosely, its single-wall design and lack of a floor mean it’s not the most protective option available. However, one of these insulated tents for winter shines when camping on snow: the center pole can serve as a table, and you can dig out the edges to provide seating for up to six people. Additionally, the Mega Light includes a roof vent (we recommend cooking inside this shelter!) and mid-panel guy-out points for excellent stability in strong winds. Its versatility extends further, as it can also serve as a lightweight sleeping shelter if needed.
Best Highest Overall Quality: Crua Tri – 3 Person Insulated Tent
- Weight: 57.3 lbs (26kg)
- Type of insulation: Quilted
- Packed size: 35” x 23” x 15” (88cm x 58cm x 37cm)
- Floor size: (230cm x 220cm)
- Peak height: 160cm
- Occupancy: 3 person
Crua is undoubtedly the leading name in insulated tents for winter, so it’s no surprise that their exceptional Crua Tri tent for three people ranks as the best quality insulated tent.
For those unfamiliar with Crua tents, it’s essential to recognize that they produce a truly high-end product. The materials used in the Crua Tri are incredibly durable, including premium features like their exclusive laminated poly-cotton fabric and sturdy pre-bent aluminum poles, along with thoughtful details such as wide zippers, strong triangulated tent stakes, and elastic guylines.
What truly differentiates one of these insulated tents for winter is their innovative method of insulation. They have essentially led the way in developing the quilted inner tent, which serves as a soft and removable additional layer that includes plush baffles filled with synthetic material throughout the tent’s interior.
Aside from its impressive temperature regulation abilities, this inner tent system effectively reduces light and noise in the sleeping area. This allows you to enjoy restful sleep well after sunrise while your camping companions reluctantly wake up with the dawn each morning.
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Best for Backpacking: Sea To Summit Telos TR2 Plus ($649 on Amazon)
- Weight: 3.6 lbs (1.6 kg)
- Type of insulation: Fabric
- Packed size: 19” x 5” x 5” (48cm x 13cm x 13cm)
- Floor size: 85” x 53”/43” (216cm x 135cm/109cm)
- Peak height: 43.5” (111cm)
- Occupancy: 2 person
We must acknowledge that Sea To Summit produces exceptional backpacking equipment. The Telos TR2 Plus is their version of insulated tents for winter, and it performs exceptionally well in harsh weather conditions.
We favor the TR2 Plus because it essentially retains the features of the original 3-season TR2 but replaces extensive no-see-um mesh with a fabric-heavy canopy. All the notable features from the original model are present, such as the clever double-vestibule design, the space-enhancing “Tension Ridge” brow pole, and the excellent double “Apex Vent” system, which allows for great ventilation that can be adjusted from inside the tent.
Additionally, we value that Sea To Summit not only incorporated more fabric into the TR2 Plus for better insulation but also made it thicker and more waterproof. They designed the rainfly of the TR2 Plus to be supported by poles, allowing you to remove the canopy for weight savings during warmer months or use two trekking poles to create a quick sun shelter for two.
The primary drawback of one of these insulated tents for winter is its price. While it’s not exorbitantly priced, it costs more than our preferred three-season tents.
MSR Remote 2 ($859.95 on Amazon)
- Category: Mountaineering/basecamp
- Weight: 7 lb. 2 oz.
- Floor area: 33 sq. ft.
- Wall(s): Double
MSR Remote 2 features a durable frame, reliable Easton Syclone poles, and sturdy walls with zippered vents on each door, making it well-equipped to handle harsh weather. Inside, it provides excellent comfort during storms, offering 33 square feet of living space for the two-person model. If you’re looking for a reliable double-walled tent that offers greater protection than typical treeline or mountaineering designs but is lighter and more affordable than a true basecamp model, the MSR Remote serves as a great compromise.
We’ve used one of these insulated tents for winter on ski mountaineering expeditions along Canada’s Icefields Parkway and up Mount Rainier, finding it to perform well in strong winds and heavy snow. However, we encountered some problems with condensation: the thick rainfly tends to trap warm air, and the only ventilation comes from the mesh panels on the doors, lacking dedicated vents at the top of the tent.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 Expedition ($566.66 on Amazon)
- Category: Treeline/basecamp
- Weight: 6 lb. 3 oz.
- Floor area: 41 sq. ft.
- Wall(s): Double
With the Copper Spur HV3 Expedition, Big Agnes enhanced their extremely popular backpacking tent by incorporating several features suitable for 4-season use, resulting in a compelling design for winter camping and mountaineering. Here, we feature the three-person version. The Copper Spur provides superior livability due to its nearly vertical walls. Additionally, it includes sturdy, large-diameter poles, zipper pulls that can be operated with gloves, and multiple tie-down points that are large enough to accommodate skis, making the Copper Spur Expedition a well-equipped, winter-ready tent.
Although it has an impressive space-to-weight ratio, one of these insulated tents for winter seems to fall into a middle ground without excelling in any specific area. Its lightweight materials and hubbed, three-pole design do not offer the same level of protection as tents like the Trango, which features a four-pole structure and robust (though heavier) 40D nylon walls. Furthermore, those who meticulously track weight may choose to give up some comfort in favor of the lighter option provided by a single-walled tent.
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How to choose the best insulated tents for winter?
Insulated tents for winter are available in a wide range of designs, dimensions, and purposes. Although there is significant variation among these tents, we have identified several shared characteristics that any insulated tent we would use personally tends to exhibit.
Tent Insulation Explained
There are two primary types of insulated tents for winter: fabric-insulated and quilted-insulated. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Fabric-insulated tents use solid fabric instead of mesh, preventing cold air from entering and retaining body heat, which gradually warms the interior. These tents tend to be lighter, more compact, and simpler, making them suitable for activities like backpacking and mountaineering. They are generally more affordable compared to quilted tents.
Quilted insulation is a newer concept, resembling a puffy jacket for your tent. This design uses synthetic insulation in quilted sections to trap heat and create an air barrier. The key benefit of quilted insulation is its effectiveness in reducing heat loss, resulting in a warmer interior with less need for extra layers or warm sleeping bags. It also provides sound and light insulation, making it ideal for campers who prefer to sleep in late.
The primary issue is the cost, which is common with innovative outdoor gear. Additionally, quilted insulation requires a compatible tent, so you need to either use one you have or buy a new one that fits the insert.
Ventilation
Insulated tents for winter must balance warmth and ventilation. Too little ventilation makes the tent humid and hot, while too much causes heat loss.
Finding the right balance is key; the best-insulated tents provide warmth without excessive condensation or stale air. One effective solution is to incorporate multiple adjustable vents inside the tent, ideally with mesh windows covered by solid fabric.
Waterproofing
Insulated tents for winter require the same waterproofing standards as traditional three-season tents. We seek features like well-taped seams on the rainfly, highly water-resistant materials for both the rainfly and tent floor and preferably one or two large vestibules for dry storage and a clean entrance.
Ventilation is vital in these tents, so we examine the number and quality of external vents on the rainfly. All vents should be able to remain open without risk of water entering, except in extreme sideways rain. Otherwise, you may end up dealing with leaks or condensation issues during your night outdoors.
Space and Comfort
When it comes to camping tents, more space is generally preferred. However, insulated tents for winter are trickier since extra space means more area to heat.
Therefore, we recommend tents that fit the number of sleepers and a bit of gear but are not excessively large. For two people, a two or three-person tent is ideal for comfort.
If you’re considering a tent with a quilted inner layer for insulation, be aware that the inner layer determines the usable space, not the outer tent size. This is an advantage of quilted setups, as the layer can be removed in warmer seasons for added space.
Ease of Set-up
The main structural difference between insulated tents and traditional three-season tents is the fabric-to-mesh ratio, so setup rules remain the same. Choose tents with color-coded poles and sleeves, instant designs, or clip-in canopies for easier setup.
If you’re looking at quilted tent systems, it’s best to choose one with an airframe design instead of a traditional pole-in-sleeve frame. This is because insulated inner tents must be set up inside the main shelter, making long rigid poles impractical. With an airframe design, you place the interior tent inside your shelter, connect it to an air pump, and it sets up automatically.
Durability
We assess the durability of top insulated tents for winter like any high-quality three or four-season tent: by examining the materials and construction quality. The main factors are the fabric and frame quality, so let’s briefly review their importance.
For fabric quality, if we’re choosing a car camping tent instead of a backpacking one, we want the thickest, most durable fabric available. Fabric thickness is measured in “denier” ratings; thus, a tent with a 100D floor will outlast one with a 50D floor.
Weight and Packed Size
Most insulated tents for winter are designed for car camping, where weight and size aren’t major concerns. As long as a tent is light enough to carry and fits in your vehicle, it meets our needs.
However, there are exceptions for backcountry gear like backpacking, expedition, and mountaineering tents. For these, choose the lightest and most compact option that can fit in your backpack with essential gear and provide comfort for you and your companions.
This generally excludes insulated tents with quilted inserts, as they tend to be bulkier and heavier. If you’re carrying the tent beyond the parking lot, opt for a double-wall fabric tent for the best balance of warmth and livability.
Conclusion
As you prepare for your next cold-weather adventure, selecting the right insulated tents for winter is crucial to staying comfortable and safe in challenging conditions. The superior warmth and durability of these tents transform frigid nights into cozy retreats. By choosing gear that matches your needs, you can fully enjoy the beauty of snow-covered landscapes and make your winter camping experience unforgettable. Stay warm and happy camping!
