Best 4-Season Tent for Serious Winter Camping

An award-winning classic, Hilleberg’s Jannu 2 is exceptionally weather-resistant, highly breathable, dependable, and even multi-functional, earning it our editor’s choice for the best 4-season tent.

The expedition-worthy Jannu’s main selling point is its outstanding weather-resistance. It has a durable, silicone-coated ripstop nylon fly with a 26.5-pound tear strength, a rugged web of intersecting 9 mm poles, and a low profile, all of which makes it perfect for harsh terrain, heavy rainstorms, and battering winds. It also has hydrostatic head ratings of 15,000 mm and 5,000 mm for the floor and fly respectively.

During winter, the geodesic dome frame is designed to resist snow loading, so there’s less worry about the roof collapsing or sagging, especially if you’re using it as a basecamp and leaving it unattended while out on your wanders.

The top of the tent features a large main vent that can be configured in several ways, while the inner canopy maintains a good balance between mesh and fabric and includes a coverable inner vent for further, dialed-in airflow regulation. Also, the Jannu’s rainfly has a breathable nylon panel positioned just above that inner vent to support breathability and a sizable 1200 mm Kerlon cover that lets you do your aeration without any fear of saturation (!) while you sleep.

And the vents aren’t the only parts that can be changed to your liking. The Jannu can easily be set-up into different configurations thanks to its adaptable 12.9 foot vestibule. Unlike other models in our review, this vestibule is fully detachable, so you can set it up however best suits your needs and your pitch.

The Jannu’s downsides are few and far from dealbreakers. While its zippers are a little small and tricky to use with large gloves, this is a very small inconvenience and easily fixed by attaching a few cord toggles to the pull tab.

The only major disadvantage to this product, in fact, is its price tag. Given that the Jannu is an investment that’s sure to serve you well for many years to come, however, we’d recommend placing it somewhere very near the top of your shortlist nonetheless.

The Black Diamond Eldorado stands out as the sturdiest 4-season tent on our list, boasting exceptional strength and weatherproofing. Moreover, it comes in a lightweight, portable bundle, weighing just over 5 pounds.

The Eldorado uses a two-pole design that’s optimized to fend off the very worst the weather can throw at you. It uses a single-walled, low-volume design with internal poles for enhanced wind-resistance and superior performance in sub-zero temps. and a bomber model that owes its sturdiness to its unique fabric and internal aluminum pole system.

Its patented ToddTex ePTFE fabric offers expedition-grade weather protection and is also puncture-resistant, an additional durability feature that’s non-standard and allows you to pitch in rocky terrain without any fear of “springing a leak” mid-sleep, or poking holes with a sharp piece of gear. Another non-standard feature that makes the Eldorado an upgrade on most single-wall tents is the ToddTex fabric’s use of tiny fibers that wick water to the outside, thus reducing condensation, which is one of the most commonly cited grievances of users of single-wall tents the world over.

The Eldorado’s low height and narrow shape also make it impressively aerodynamic. But most of its strength comes from its internal poles. These help the model stand firm against the strongest gusts as they’re positioned inside and, thus, supported by the entirety of the tent rather than the other way around.

And the downsides?

Well, first of all, as much as the interior-pole system used in this tent contributes to the tent’s stability, it is a little bit tricky to set up and might take you a while to master. Secondly, although the wicking capacity of the ToddTex fabric is an upgrade on most single-wall tent competitors, the Eldorado only boasts a single air vent, meaning the condensation-curbing done by the fabric is largely negated by the lack of airflow.

The North Face Mountain 25 is another durable and storm-resistant expedition model but wins in versatility since it can be used in all seasons.

Ever seen those snaps of Everest basecamp with all those little yellow domes spread across the base of the Khumbu Icefall? Those domes, for the most part, are The North Face Mountain 25.

Sold already? Just in case you aren’t, let’s take a closer look at why this 4-season tent is an outstanding choice for 4-season wanders.

The TNF Mountain 25 uses a 40-denier, 1500 mm HH, silicone-coated nylon fly that’s more than capable of dealing with heavy rain, snow, and driving winds.

The interior is none too shabby either, boasting a 32 ft² floor area inside a double-walled design that includes ample mesh paneling in the canopy, dual peak vents that can be opened fully, rainfly vents, and enough space between each wall to keep air circulating and ward off condensation.

The Mountain 25’s lattice-like geodesic pole configuration and use of both pole sleeves and clips are further winning features, helping to keep it standing straight and sturdily in strong winds and reducing noisy flapping to a minimum.

Aside from handling rough weather, the Mountain 25’s two-wall design and awesome ventilation mean it’s also a winner in less extreme climes. In 3-season or even 2-season conditions, you can simply pull open the vents, and in dry summer conditions the rainfly can be left behind or the doors left open to keep things cool.

Perhaps the most notable downside to this model is its heavyweight and bulk. At 9 lbs, it tips the scales at almost twice as much as other two person tents on our list. Given its array of other impressive features and reasonable price tag, however, those few added pounds are well worth carrying.

• Capacity: 2-person
• Weight: 9.81 lbs
• Floor dimensions: 7’2 x 4’6
• Peak height: 3’5
• Wall(s): Double

Among mountaineers, Mountain Hardwear’s Trango is a long-standing favorite for its ample space, livable design, and outstanding protection, also earning it our title for the most livable design.

First up, the Trango 2’s dimensions border on palatial for a two person mountaineering model, offering up a total of 8 sq ft more than the relatively roomy Mountain 25. The interior is also blessed with plenty of convenient storage pockets (7 in total), while the vestibules are big enough to accommodate all of your gear and even the odd stray yak.

Another lovable quality this product brings to the table is fuss-free pitching. Despite its large size, it can be popped up by a lone pitcher in just 4 or 5 minutes thanks to its sewn-in fly and color-coded poles, clips, and grommets.

This model, however, does have a few downsides…

Like many 4-season models designed for high-altitude expeditions that prioritize warmth, the Trango isn’t the best at keeping out condensation in above-zero conditions, meaning it lacks the versatility and all-year usability of better-ventilated models like the Mountain 25 or Hilleberg Jannu 2.

Additionally, all that space in the Trango comes at a cost of added bulk and weight. At 9 lbs 10.2 oz, this is almost the heaviest 4-season product on our list and unlikely to win any awards for portability anytime soon. However, if comfort and livability are high on your list of must-have attributes for extended cold weather expeditions, then this product deserves a place on your shortlist.

The REI Arete ASL deserves a spot on your shortlist if you’re seeking a mid-range, budget-friendly, lightweight 4-season model that still offers good weather protection and comfort.

In 2018, REI completely overhauled this long-term winter camping favorite and added a half-length pole, increased its center height and headroom, and amped up its ventilation. This drastically improved the Arete ASL’s weather performance and livability. The additional pole keeps the rainwater from pooling on the rainfly, helping keep the interior dry, and the upgraded ventilation makes it more comfortable and resistant to condensation in humid conditions.

The Arete is not designed for high alpine expeditions and extended stays in extreme conditions. Instead, it’s better for summer mountaineering, car camping, and other 3 or 4-season trips around the treeline.

With a max height of 3 ft and 7 in, this product is also great for tall individuals, leaving plenty of room to sit upright. And even though you can only fit 2 adult sleepers inside, the added floor length provides plenty of room for gear storage at your feet.

The Arete’s most prominent handicap is its small vestibule, which is only big enough to accommodate a few pairs of wet boots and makes for a very cramped cooking area.

• Capacity: 2-person
• Weight: 6.31 lbs
• Floor dimensions:7’4″ x 5′
• Peak height: 3’7″
• Wall(s): Double

The Black Diamond Firstlight is a cost-effective alternative to the Black Diamond Eldorado, excelling in high-alpine expeditions at only half the price.

Weighing in at a tiny 3.6 lbs, the Black Diamond Firstlight is the lightest tent on our list, almost edging into the “ultralight” weight band. Boasting a minimalist, single-wall design, small footprint, and small pack size, it’s a great choice for the gram-counters and those who like to travel light and fast on alpine ascents.

To achieve this light weight, Black Diamond skipped the traditional waterproof coating in favor of a patented, high-quality NanoShield fabric that’s lined with water-resistant silicone. While this provides enough water-resistance to fend off the odd shower at lower elevations, the NanoShield is more suitable for frigid environments where you’re more likely to encounter snow than rain.

• Capacity: 2-person
• Weight: 3.3 lbs
• Floor dimensions: 6’10″ x 4″
• Peak height: 3’6″
• Wall(s): Single

The highly durable Eureka K2 is a family-friendly model best suited for hunting, ski trips, and other treeline or campsite camping adventures.

With its thick, 1800 mm 75D StormShield polyester fly, 70D nylon taffeta body, and 3000 mm floor, the K2 is a product that’s guaranteed to keep you safe and dry in stormy weather.

The high-denier fabric and burly pole design contribute to making this one of the most resilient and hard-wearing 4-season tents out there. Unlike many of its lighter-weight competitors, therefore, this is one model you can expect to withstand the test of time and several seasons of frequent use in harsh environments.

The Eureka! K2 also offers plenty of space for sleeping and storing gear. With 52 ft² of floor space and 18 ft² of vestibule space, it’s big enough for 3 adult sleepers and all the gear you could need for extended backcountry camping trips. It also boasts a total of 14 storage pockets, 4 gear loft loops, a handy flashlight loop, and 4 zippered vent panels in the canopy for improved airflow.

All of these added features, however, make the K2 a bulky and heavy tent. Weighing over 11 lbs, it’s not one you’d like to carry long distances unless splitting the load between 2 or 3 carriers.

• Capacity: 2/3-person
• Weight: 11.75 lbs
• Floor dimensions: 8’11″ x 7’8″
• Peak height: 4′
• Wall(s): Double

The Battle Mountain 3 from Big Agnes is the latest addition to their mountaineering tent lineup and our favorite basecamp shelter. It balances weight and performance well, making it suitable for both base camping and alpine ascents.

The Battle Mountain performs well in both freezing weather and more clement conditions. It uses a hard-wearing, puncture-resistant nylon taffeta base with a virtually impregnable 10,000 mm waterproof polyurethane coating and a silicone-treated, 1,200 mm tear-resistant polyurethane

The 44 sq ft of floor space makes this 3-person 4 season tent is an incredibly roomy option for two sleepers, or a slightly “cozy” one for teams of three. When it comes to the peak height, the Battle Mountain’s 44-inch center height means it straddles the ground between mountaineering and basecamp models in terms of headroom. While trumping most mountaineering competitors in this particular metric, it could get cramped for taller people and come to feel a little claustrophobic if stuck inside in a storm.

• Capacity: 3-person
• Weight: 8.82 lbs
• Floor dimensions:7’4 “x 6’2”
• Peak height: 3’8″
• Wall(s): Double

The Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 is a comfortable and roomy model ideal for camping around or below the treeline in less extreme 4-season conditions.

While not a standout in durability and weather resistance, this model features a 1,500 mm HH 75-denier fly, a poly taffeta 5,000 mm HH floor, strong aluminum poles, UV protection, robust shock cords, and an additional pole that stabilizes the structure against winds up to 40 mph.

Being a typical treeline variant, it is also roomy. At 7 ft 8 in. long, there’s enough legroom for even the tallest sleepers, and its 46-inch peak height means you can sit up comfortably without touching the roof. The Tasmanian 2 also has a relatively spacious 13 ft² vestibule. This roominess, however, adds to the tent’s overall weight (8.8 lbs) and packed size (6.5″ x 19″), meaning it’s not one you’d like to be carrying on your lonesome.

Perhaps the Tasmanian’s most endearing attribute is that it’s beginner-friendly and very easy to pitch. The uncomplicated frame, single-pole structure, continuous pole-and-clip system, and burly size #8 zippers all make setting up a breeze, even for newbies and in inhospitable conditions.

• Capacity: 2-person
• Weight: 8 lbs
• Floor dimensions: 7’8 x 5’
• Peak height: 3’10
• Wall(s): Double

The MSR Access 2 is our choice for the best ultralight 4-season tent on the market. However, it’s worth noting that it’s also one of the most versatile, performing exceptionally well in a wide range of conditions and environments.

The Access 2’s DuraShield-coated fabrics, taped seams, 1200 mm fly, and 3000 mm base make it far from “bombproof” compared to other tents in our review. They are, however, more than capable of withstanding moderate rain and snowfall. It’s breathable inner canopy fabric, double-wall design, two doors, and use of a large ventilation flap in the D-shaped door, meanwhile, mean it ventilates well and keeps interior stuffiness to a minimum.

In high winds, the Access 2 is a bit of a winner, too. Using Easton Syclone poles made with cutting-edge composite materials and a central-support frame for added stability, it’s built to endure even the most challenging winter conditions, 60-mile-per-hour winds and heavy snow loading included.

Like the Black Diamond Firstlight, this tent’s lightweight (4 lbs.) and small packed size (6” x 18”) make it ideally suited as a winter backpacking tent, ski tours, or any other trip where you want to keep weight and bulk to an absolute minimum.

• Capacity: Two person
• Weight: 4.1 lbs
• Floor dimensions: 7′ x 4 ’2”
• Peak height: 3’ 6”
• Wall(s): Double