We’ve all been camping in the Summer and let’s be real, it isn’t that big of a challenge.
Doing it during the Winter, however, is a different story, especially if you’re going somewhere where it might snow. But don’t let that stop you from going on a Winter adventure in the woods! As long as you prepare everything properly, camping during this season can be a magical experience.
A big part of this preparation is choosing your winter camping tent. Your typical ultralight tent won’t do the job, not only because at night temperatures tend to go down, but because you’ll want to keep all your belongings safe even on extreme weather conditions.
So which one should you take? Keep reading and find our top 5 of the best winter camping tents you can choose from!
See our other review if you are also shopping camping tents for your family trips.
What Is the Best Tent for Winter Camping?
Buying a Winter camping tent isn’t as easy as buying a Summer one, because your standards need to be higher. Here’s what you should consider when looking for a Winter tent:
- Warmth: this one should come without saying. The best thing you can do is go for a tent that’s been specifically designer for cold weather. If you can’t find one, buy one made with heavy fabrics.
- Quality of the materials: you’ll want your tent to be resistant, and that will only be the case if all the materials used are high-quality.
- Water resistance: in many places, Winter is synonym of heavy rain, so make sure that the whole tent is waterproof. That includes not only the walls, but also the floor of the tent.
- Ventilation: even during the Winter, you’ll end up sweating. If you don’t have proper ventilation, moisture will end up condensing, making the tent wet.
See our other review if you are also shopping for luxury camping tents
How Do You Insulate a Camping Tent for Winter?
Besides buying a good winter camping tent, there are other things you can do to make sure you stay warm during the whole night:
- Use a tent heater. By removing cold air from inside the tent, heaters can make the world of a difference in how comfortable you sleep inside yours. Don’t forget to take batteries as well!
- Take a rug, blanket or foam mats to insulate the floor of the tent, and a rain cover for the roof and walls.
- Choose a strategic location, where you’re better protected from the wind and rain. Setting up your tent near big rocks would be a good idea, for instance.
How Do You Sleep in a Tent in the Winter?
It might sound like a weird question, but believe us when we say that sleeping in a winter tent isn’t the same as sleeping in your regular camping tent. Here’s what you should do:
- Sleep in thermal clothes. Our advice is that you go for layers and that you put them on at least one hour before you plan on going to sleep. This way, you won’t have to spend the beginning of night tossing and turning until you finally heat up.
- Bring a good sleeping bag. We said layers are the key and your sleeping bag works like an extra layer. We suggest you go for one that is specifically designed for Winter camping.
- Drink hot tea before you go to sleep. This way you warm yourself up from the inside. Just make sure not to drink too much, otherwise you’ll have to get up during the night to pee and you’ll be cold all over again!
Flytop 3-4 Season
The Flytop 3-4 season is a very versatile tent, as it can endure all sorts of weather conditions. For the Winter season, it has a snow skirt that provides extra thermal protection. This tent has space for 1 to 2 people and it is available in three colors: blue, green and orange.
Perfect for: People who want a tent they can use in any season.
- It’s waterproof, it has UV protection (useful for the snow) and it has two entrances, which allow for easy access even for two people. It’s very affordable.
- It’s heavy and it doesn’t include a footprint.
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
The ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian tent has a free-standing pole system and a high quality weather protection system, that allows it to be used in any season. It has space for 3 people and it comes in one color only: orange.
Perfect for: Those who need plenty of storage space.
- It’s quick and easy to set up. The ventilation is great. It has two large vestibule areas where you can store plenty of gear and clothes (besides all the mesh pockets and the gear loft).
- It’s heavy and it doesn’t include a footprint.
Naturehike Cloud-Up
The Naturehike Cloud-Up tent is made of nylon which makes it extremely strong, protecting you from Winter conditions, while also ensuring breathability. It comes in three sizes, for 1, 2 or 3 people, and it’s available in four colors: blue, green, red and orange.
Perfect for: People who need a tent that’s easy to carry around.
- It’s lightweight and it takes less than 2 minutes to set up. It has double layers, which protect you from the rain and wind.
- The materials aren’t as high-quality as the other tents in this list
TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent
The TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent has a mesh top, so you can enjoy the beautiful views during the day. At night, all you have to do is put on the waterproof rainfly that comes with this tent. It is available in one color, yellow, and four sizes, for 1 to 4 people.
Perfect for: Short Winter camping adventures.
- It’s easy to set up and to pack up in its storage bag. It’s lightweight and it comes with a footprint.
- Entry access isn’t as easy as the other tents. It’s not very high, so it’s not the best choice for tall people.
GEERTOP Backpacking Tent
Finally, the GEERTOP Backpacking tent is a waterproof 4-season dome tent with double layers, one of which you can remove when camping during the Summer or Spring. It comes in four sizes, for 1 to 4 people, and four colors, yellow, green, blue and red.
Perfect for: Camping during a hike, when you’re always on the go.
- It’s lightweight and easy to set up. It provides UV protection and it has two mesh ventilation panels.
- The storage space isn’t as large as other tents.
