Here you have my list of best winter camping tents in the size range of 1 – 4 people, all reliable tents from renown brands. Some of them are with a convertible design and thus suitable for all seasons. Please keep reading.
Size range & weight range
The list given here includes the tents that are in the capacity range 1 – 4 people and those that are not always suitable for carrying on the trail because of their weight. So some of them are heavier but offer more comfort than backpacking tents. Though some of them are light enough even to be carried on the trail. Please note also the following:
- For lighter 4-season tents please check my list of Best 4 Season Tents For Backpacking.
- On the other hand, for larger tents with a capacity above 4 people please check this long list of Cold Weather Tents For Camping.
What is meant by a winter tent?
You will see a variety of constructions here. In general, a winter tent is supposed to have such a design as to prevent cold drafts, and to give some insulation if possible. They are also supposed to be strong enough to withstand vertical pressure due to snow accumulated overnight, or the side pressure due to strong winds.
These tents are also usually with much stronger poles than the normal 3-season tents, and they have far fewer mesh sections than other tents. You can find out much more about this in my earlier text about winter tents.
- So here you have examples of insulated tents and with a properly defined R-value just like what you have for a sleeping pad.
- Although I use the words ‘winter camping tents’, some of them are convertible so you can use them in all seasons.
- You will see also examples of fully enclosed tents with PVC windows. Such a design prevents any cold draft from outside.
- There are tents with multiple rooms here.
Winter camping tents – my list
The list below is given in alphabetical order so this is not a ranking. The tents are with a declared capacity of 1 – 4 people, but there are substantial differences in the area per person. This is because of some manufacturers using the backpacking principle even for camping tents so the area per person can be really small.
- ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3-Person Tent
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV Expedition Tent 3 Person
- Coleman Oak Canyon 4
- Crua Culla 2 Person Insulated Air Tent
- Crua Culla Solo Insulated Air Beam Tent
- Crua Duo Cocoon Maxx Combo Tent
- Crua Tri 3 Person Thermo Insulated Waterproof Family Tent
- Eureka Assault Outfitter 4 Person Tent
- Eureka High Camp 2 Tent
- Eureka Mountain Pass 2 Tent
- Kodiak Canvas 8.5 x 6 ft Flex Bow 2 Person VX Tent 6086
- Naturehike Massif 2 Person Hot Tent with Stove Jack
- OneTigris Conifer Canvas Tent with Stove Jack
- OneTigris GASTROPOD Camping Tent
- OneTigris Stella Tent
- Russian-Bear Hot Tent with Stove Jack Cuboid 2.20
- Slumberjack In-Season 2 Person Tent
- Snow Peak Amenity Dome Medium
- Snow Peak Land Breeze Pro 3 Tent
- Snugpak Journey Duo Tent
- Snugpak Scorpion 3 Tent
- Snugpak The Cave 4 Person Tent
- Vango Banshee 300
1. ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3-Person Tent
This ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3-Person Tent is incredibly well built and indeed suitable for all seasons. You have double walls, and roof vents on the inner tent can be completely zipped up.
The tent comes with a full-coverage fly equipped with its own roof vents, and with two asymmetric vestibules. You also have strong aluminum poles, and above all the price is more than reasonable for what you have here.
The tent weighs 9 lb 14 oz (4.48 kg) and you have the inner area of 43.5 ft² (4 m²) plus the area under the two vestibules that measure 21 ft² (2 m²).
2. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV Expedition Tent 3 Person
Here you have a dome-shaped 3-person tent with a fully convertible design. So all the openings are with a double structure, mesh and panels, and also some sections on the inner tent are with removable panels. This makes the tent suitable for all seasons. But you also have hubbed and thick poles so the frame is strong and can withstand winds and the snow.
The inner area is 41 ft² (3.8 m²) and the total protected area with the two vestibules included is 59 ft² (5.2 m²), so this is more than you would have in a backpacking tent, but if used by two people instead of three this would give much more comfort. The weight is 6 lb 7 oz (2.92 kg) and this is very reasonable for such a strong construction, so the tent is backpack portable. The packed size is also very reasonable, 22 x 9.5 inches (56 x 24 cm). Please follow the link for more.
3. Coleman Oak Canyon 4 Tent
The reason for having this tent in the list is its enclosed design and its strong structure. So although you have 2 large doors and several windows, these windows are solid PVC structures, so you have no cold drafts here. In addition, the floor is fully sealed and the sleeping area is a tent within the tent with its own floor so you have two layers on the floor in this section.
On the other hand, the poles are steel and this is a reliable tent for all conditions in a 3-season use and in a 4-season use as well. Note that it comes with an impressive 4500 mm waterproof rating.
The structure is with 3-rooms, and you might want to know that the sleeping area is with a blackout design so it blocks 99% of the daylight. This makes the tent suitable for camping in the northern areas where you have almost daylight during the biggest part of the night, I have experienced this in Sweden.
The inner area is 122 ft² (11.34 m²) and this means 30.5 ft² (2.84 m²) per person if used by 4 people. Note also that this is a tall tent with a peak height of 78.7 inches (200 cm). Please read more in my full review.
4. Crua Culla 2 Person Insulated Air Tent
Here you have something completely unique on the market, an insulated tent with the R-value 9. So this tent will protect you in the harshest winter conditions, but this is a true 4-season tool, it will protect you also if it is warm outside.
This is not all, you have air beams here instead of classic poles, the tent is completely freestanding, and it is also with the dark rest or black-out design, so glare is removed and it is dark inside. You have a thick insulation layer which also represents a sound barrier.
You can use it on its own, but note that it needs protection from rain, so a tarp will work. You can also use it within any larger tent and have all the protection you need regardless of weather conditions.
Here are some numbers. The weight is 15 lb (6.8 kg), the dimensions are 6.8 x 4.3 ft (207 x 132 cm), and this is a 2-person construction with a total area of 29.9 ft² (2.8 m²). The packed size is 24 x 12 x 12 inches (61 x 30 x 30 cm). Please follow the link for more.
5. Crua Culla Solo Insulated Air Beam Tent
The Crua Culla Solo Insulated Air Beam Tent is unique to this brand and they have several versions of this type. The tent is fully freestanding and supported with two inflatable air beams and a spreader fiberglass pole visible in the picture above.
The tent has two doors and both are double layer type with panels and with mesh, and one front opening shown in the picture which is with the same 2-layer structure. It is nicely ventilated with a roof vent and a vent in the feet area.
Note also that this is a perfect example of a dark rest tent. The insulation is with the R-value 9. The weight is 8.3 lb (3.8 kg) and the overall dimensions are (L x W x H) 78.74 x 31.5/23.6 x 27.6 inches (200 x 80/60 x 70 cm).
6. Crua Duo Cocoon Maxx Combo Tent
As the name suggests and the picture shows, this is a 2-component system with an insulated Crua Culla Maxx 3-person cocoon and the Crua Duo Maxx 3-person shell tent.
So this is a 3-in-1 modular combination which means that both components can be used separately and also together. The Cocoon is insulated and it has an R-value of 9. It offers sound insulation as well, and this is a dark rest structure. Note that it has air beams instead of poles.
The shell tent has a huge waterproof rating of 5000 mm and quality aluminum poles. So this is a Combo for all seasons and for the harshest weather conditions.
7. Crua Tri 3 Person Thermo Insulated Waterproof Family Tent
There is no other tent currently on the market that could come even close to all the features which you have in this Crua Tri 3 Tent. So what you have here is completely unique. This is a tunnel type design, and from the name, you realize that this is an insulated tent. The R-value is 4. Note however that this implies that it insulates you from everything outside, regardless if it is cold or warm. In other words, this is a true 4-season tent.
You have sound insulation and this is also a dark rest design. This means that the daylight is almost completely blocked and you can sleep longer in the morning.
About the construction. This is a heavy and bulky tent due to its insulation, it weighs 48 lb (22 kg). The total floor area is 68.5 ft² (6.36 m²), and this includes the porch and the vestibule so this is a 2-room structure. The inner floor area is 50 ft² (4.6 m²).
The tent is built from polycotton fabric, and this means you have breathable but fully waterproof material. The waterproof rating is 5000 mm. The poles are strong aluminum. I hope you realize how incredible this structure is, so please follow the link to read more.
8. Eureka Assault Outfitter 4 Person Tent
There are several reasons for having this tent here in the list of tents for winter camping, although it is not declared as a winter tent by the manufacturer. The tent is with three thick aluminum poles with a 13 mm diameter. The floor is a very thick 210D polyester, and its waterproof rating is 5000 mm. The fly is a full coverage type and its waterproof rating is 3000 mm. The inner tent is all 68D strong taffeta, there are only two vent sections with mesh and even those can be closed with panels. So now you realize why it is here.
The tent offers 93.8 ft² (8.6 m²) of the protected space in the inner tent and in its two vestibules. So this is quite a lot if used by 4 people. The weight is 14 lb 13 oz (6.7 kg) and its packed size is simply excellent, 22 x 8 in (56 x 20 cm). Please follow the link for more.
9. Eureka High Camp 2 tent
This High Camp 2 tent is a new item on the market that Eureka launched for the 2019 season. So this is a winter tent with two layers, the inner tent is all taffeta and you have the full coverage fly shown above. The inner tent is with two zippered openings on the ceiling that match the roof vents, so you can open vents from inside.
The fly is with a solid window which you can see in the picture. There are 5 strong DAC aluminum poles, and the waterproof rating is 1800 mm for the fly and 5000 mm for the floor. There are 2 doors and 2 vestibules, and you also have 12 storage pockets.
The weight is 9 lb 8 oz (4.3 kg) and the floor area is 40.4 ft² (3.7 m²). The two vestibules add 12.4 + 5.2 ft² (1.2 + 0.5 m²), so the total protected area is 58 ft² (5.4 m²).
10. Eureka Mountain Pass 2 Tent
This Eureka tent is a dome-style structure with two asymmetric doors and two asymmetric vestibules and it offers an inner area of 32 ft² (3 m²). Under the two vestibules, you have an extra 10.8 + 7.6 ft² (1 + 0.7 m²). So this is quite a space for two campers or for solo use.
The reason for having it in the list here is its convertible design. The meaning is that you have removable zippered panels that you can keep in winter conditions, but you can also remove them when you use the tent in warm weather conditions. So from this, you realize that you have more than a winter tent here, this is a true 4-season tent.
The weight with the bonus footprint included is 5 lb 9 oz (2.52 kg), so again you realize how versatile this tent is, you can even carry it on the trail. A bit more about the construction, you have aluminum poles, and the waterproof rating is quite good 1800 mm for the fly and 3000 mm for the floor. This is enough to protect you in most weather conditions. Please follow the link to read more in my full review.
11. Kodiak Canvas 8.5 x 6 ft Flex Bow 2 Person VX Tent 608
This Kodiak Canvas VX tent is a cotton tent suitable for all year round use. It performs equally well in winter conditions and as a summer camping tent. The fabric is breathable but waterproof, so it creates a cool atmosphere in a warm climate. In a cold climate, such a material insulates better than any synthetic tent.
This is a very strong and durable construction with a steel frame with very thick poles and spring steel rods in the roof structure. You have two doors on the opposite sides, both dual-layer structures with mesh and panels, and there are also 2 triangular side windows that are with mesh and panels.
The ventilation is excellent with such a breathable material, but the side windows can also be used as vents by unzipping only their upper corners that are under the flaps.
The area is 51 ft² (4.7 m²) so the tent offers lots of space for two campers. This is also a rather heavy structure because of its strong materials, it weighs 30.5 lb (13.8 kg). Please follow the link for more.
12. Naturehike Massif 2 Person Hot Tent with Stove Jack
Here you have an impressive structure that comes with an integrated stove jack, so it is ready to use a wood burning stove which you place in one of its vestibules. Now you realize why it is included in this list.
The tent is supported with thick aluminum poles that are added externally for a dry setup.
The inner area is 37.1 ft² (3.45 m²), but there are also two vestibules so the total protected area is huge 78.6 ft² (7.3 m²).
You have three external doors and one of them allows for an awning configuration. All three are double layer type and this is a rare feature.
The tent weighs 8.8 lb (4 kg), and it packed size is 20.5 x 9 x 6.7 inches (52 x 23 x 17 cm). So you can transport it even on a bicycle.
13. OneTigris Conifer Canvas Tent with Stove Jack
The OneTigris Conifer Canvas Tent with Stove Jack combines innovative design with functionality for solo or duo camping during colder months.
Its floorless structure, supported by an aluminum A-frame and featuring an integrated stove jack, provides a unique camping experience. The Terylene Cotton fabric, a blend of polyester and cotton, offers durability and lightness, though the tent’s waterproof rating is modest.
Notable features include an A-framed entry, top-notch YKK zippers, and a ventilation system comprising roof vents and a distinctive low vent with mesh.
While excelling in cold weather, an inner tent is recommended for protection against insects in other seasons. Despite certain drawbacks, such as the lack of insects protection and specific requirements for an optimal experience, the OneTigris Conifer Canvas Tent with Stove Jack impresses with its overall quality, reasonable pricing, and thoughtful design.
Note that the total covered area is large, 72 ft² (6.8 m²). But if you add their Inner Tent 03, the floored area is 17.5 ft² (1.7 m²).
14. OneTigris GASTROPOD Camping Tent
This is a distinctive and innovative shelter designed to enhance the camping experience. This tipi-style tent, supported by a single central pole, features an ultralight and ultra-compact design, making it an attractive choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a balance between innovation and comfort.
The tent stands out with its floorless structure, unconventional door configurations, integrated stove jack, and a two-layered ventilation system.
While claiming to be a 4-season tent, it is best suited for winter use with a wood-burning stove. Despite limitations such as the absence of insect protection and an inner tent, the GASTROPOD earns praise for its ultralight construction, compact size, and unique design.
It is recommended for those prioritizing mobility and a memorable camping experience, particularly in winter conditions where its hot tent capabilities shine.
The tent receives high ratings for its area per person, weight, packed size, and features, but has drawbacks such as no insect protection, no floor, and no inner tent.
15. OneTigris Stella Tent
The OneTigris Stella Tent, boldly labeled as a 4-season marvel, truly excels as a top-tier cold weather or winter camping companion.
With its sophisticated dome-style design, featuring high-quality 7001 aluminum poles and a fully waterproof 20D ripstop nylon fly, this tent delivers unwavering protection against the chill.
While its focus on cold weather makes it less suitable for warmer climates, the tent’s lightweight structure, compact packed size, and remarkably affordable price make it a standout option for budget-conscious winter adventurers.
The OneTigris Stella Tent effortlessly combines quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize value without compromising on performance in colder conditions.
The tent offers an inner floored area of 29 ft² (2.7 m²), and it weighs only 4.4 lb (2 kg).
16. Russian-Bear Hot Tent with Stove Jack Cuboid 2.20
This Russian-Bear Hot Tent with Stove Jack Cuboid 2.20 is a 2-layer structure with a wood-burning stove included. It is designed for the most extreme weather conditions and for all seasons.
The tent is a cabin-style construction with instant setup, it is freestanding, with an integrated stove jack, and the stove is a stainless-steel item.
You have an aluminum/steel frame, and the tent allows for an awning configuration shown in the picture. The windows are 5-layer construction, and in the doors you have 3 layers. The tent is heavy, it weighs 44.1 lb (20 kg), and the area is 52.5 ft² (4.88 m²).
17. Slumberjack In-Season 2 Person Tent
This Slumberjack tent is a 2-person dome-style tent by the design, but it has 3 doors and 3 vestibules. The front vestibule allows for an awning configuration shown in the picture.
The doors are with windows but here you have a double-layer structure with mesh and with panels so you can control the airflow. It has 5 poles that create 7 intersections and this is a strong structure that can withstand lots of pressure from any side, including the snow accumulated on the tent during the night.
The inner area is 38.7 ft² (3.6 m²) but the mentioned 3 vestibules add lots of protected space so the total protected area is 72.4 ft² (6.7 m²). So this is a true winter tent but you can definitely use it in other seasons as well. Now, the weight is 9 lb (4.08 kg), so this may look a lot, but this is quite appropriate for its sturdy design.
18. Snow Peak Amenity Dome Medium in Ivory and Brown
Here you have a true two-layer type tent with fully closable openings, and this is why I see it as a 4-season tent. The tent has 3 doors, aluminum poles, and a huge vestibule area. The inner tent is a simple dome, but there is an extra pole that supports the vestibule. You have a full-coverage fly and a great protection.
The tent is nicely ventilated, it is low profile with its 59 inches (130 cm) peak height, and it is strong. The weight is 19.6 lb (8.9 kg), and the inner area is 75.3 ft² (7 m²).
19. Snow Peak Land Breeze Pro 3 Tent
This tent is more than just a winter tent, it is a true 4-season tent. It is also a true 2-layer tent with an inner taffeta dome structure and a full coverage fly. The fly creates a huge vestibule so it looks like an extended-dome tent.
The ventilation here is simply excellent, and the materials are top quality. This includes quality aluminum poles, and durable fabric with a great waterproof rating.
The weight is 20.2 lb (9.2 kg), and its inner floored area is around 58 ft² (5.4 m²). The area under the vestibules is around 38 ft² (3.5 m²), so the total protected area is impressive 96 ft² (8.9 m²).
Note that there are also the Snow Peak Land Breeze Pro 1 Tent and Land Breeze Pro 4 Tent presented here in the site. So please follow the link and have a look if you want something smaller for all seasons.
20. Snugpak Journey Duo Tent
This Snugpak Journey Duo Tent comes with aluminum poles and with a footprint included. So in view of these two bonuses, its price is simply excellent.
The inner tent is fully freestanding due to its 3 poles, the full coverage fly creates one vestibule with the door shown in the picture above. This is a 4-season tent, but it is better suited for a cooler environment. The fly is with a 4000 mm rating and the floor with 5000 mm.
There is one rear vent on the fly and it is matched with a mesh section on the inner tent. The only door here is also with a double layer section so you have mesh and panel.
The tent weighs 7.05 lb (3.2 kg), the inner area is 28 ft² (2.6 m²) and the vestibule area is around 10.8 ft² (1 m²). Please follow the link for more details.
21. Snugpak Scorpion 3 Tent
This Scorpion 3 tent has been around for several years. This is a tent with a fly-first pitch, so you have external poles that you pass through the sleeves and attach to the grommets that are on the fly. There are also two straps on the ground and this is what makes such a structure freestanding and you can also use it in a fast-fly variant.
The inner tent you add from inside, but you do not have to remove it when you want to pack the tent. The inner tent is almost all taffeta so this is a rather enclosed design for cold weather camping. There are three vents on the fly and those are matched by mesh sections on the inner tent.
The waterproof rating is huge, 5000 mm for all the material and the poles are the best quality DAC, so you have all that you need for full protection from elements. The tent weighs 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) and the inner area is 35.5 ft² (3.3 m²) plus a vestibule area of 11.8 ft² (1.1 m²).
22. Snugpak The Cave 4 Person Tent
This is a very reliable 4-season tent with an impressive waterproof rating of 5000 mm and you have 5 Featherlite NSL anodized poles from DAC. They create 7 intersections so the structure is incredibly strong and very flexible. The tent is a dome-shaped structure aerodynamic and low profile so it is designed to work great in strong winds. Note also that you have Y-beam type stakes and those are in general very good for a variety of terrains, there are 25 in the package.
The inner tent is 190T nylon with polyester MeshTrail, and the mesh on the doors is 50D polyester No-See-Um. This is a dark rest or ‘lights out tent’ with a very dark inner tent material. The floor is bathtub style and the full coverage fly is with 4 vents and you also have yet another vent on the main vestibule, so the tent is built for excellent ventilation to cope with its inner tent design which is without mesh. This is all in order to prevent drafts and to keep the warmth.
The inner floor area is rather small for 4 people, only 51 ft² (4.73 m²) so perhaps it is better to use this tent for 3 campers. But note that there are two vestibules that provide an extra 25 ft² (2.3 m²) of the covered area.
23. Vango Banshee 300
There are several reasons for having this tent in the list. It has an impressive waterproof rating of 5000 mm for the fly and 6000 mm for the floor, this is a tunnel-type tent and rather low yet it has Vango’s TBS system which means tensioned bands that stabilize the tent against side winds. Also, the poles are strong aluminum. All in all, this tent is designed to withstand a lot of pressure from any side, and it deserves to be here in the list.
Its weight is 6.06 lb (2.75 kg), so it is portable and versatile. Note also that its packed size is excellent, 19 x 6.3 in (48 x 16 cm). This is a two-layer design and the floor area is very modest for its 3-people capacity, only around 3.4 m² (36 ft²). So it is best to use it as a tent for 2 people so that you have space for your gear.
This is a very reliable tent that has been on the market for over a decade already, and it comes with a great price tag. So please follow the link to read more.
Final thoughts
So this was my list of the best winter camping tents, as I stressed above those are the tents that are not backpacking tools (so check here if you need such a tent), and they include only tents for up to 4 people. I would not put a rank list and declare which is the best, they are too different to compare. This is all a matter of individual preferences and needs.
This list will be updated regularly so come back from time to time to check, I shall keep adding good tents as they appear on the market.
Thank you for reading. Please check my page with tents if you are looking for something different, many of them are described in detail. For larger structures, check these family camping tents. I wish you a nice day.
Philippe says
Hi,
thanks for this list and reviews attached.
Do you have any new inputs for 2022 ?
Thank you and kind regards,
Philippe
Jovo says
Hi Philippe, these tents are on the market for 2022 as well.
rachel says
if you like to go for an adventure then these camps can be really helpful because they are lightweight and very comfy.
Jovo says
Hi Rachel, I assume by camps you mean tents. So yes it is so, thank you.