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You have to expect the worst weather conditions if you are planning a winter camping trip.
You will need a camping tent that can withstand freezing temperature conditions, heavy snowfall and chilling windy environments.
Basically, a winter tent should be able to keep out the cold and have proper ventilation.
Also known as a 4 season tent, these winter tents are endowed with a number of features that you should consider before making that important purchase.
Top 4 Best Winter Camping Tent Reviews
1. Hilleberg Jannu 2 Person Tent
Our Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
Some of the main features of the tent include an outer tent fabric which is Kerlon 1200 with 9mm poles making the tent very light.
The outer tent wall is extendable to the ground and mesh areas while they consist of adjustable fabric panels.
The tent which is ideal for two persons consists of multiple pole intersections.
This tent offers a single vestibule configuration and has a single entrance.
2. Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent
Our Rating: 
(4.6 / 5)
This tent is ideal for two persons while there is a large front vestibule that provides protection and added storage area for campers.
There are a number of high / low zippered vents as well as a scoop vent within the vestibule making the tent very comfortable.
The center height of the tent is 40 inches while it weighs 7.7 lbs.
3. Mountain Hardwear Trango
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
Made of nylon this tent is perfect for shorter trips and for adventurers who prefer light weight yet breathable fabric.
This tent consists of a Trident corner which is perfect to withstand heavy winds and snow loads.
This section adds only a small weight increase.
4. ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 Tent
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
This tent which comes in one size consists of a free standing pole system with fully closed vents.
There are extra large zippers on doors and vestibules offering easy entry and great ventilation.
The tent includes a factory sealed fly and floor seams offering the best weather shield.
It’s light weight and perfectly fits two people with four feet of head space, mesh storage pockets and repair swatches.
All winter tent types have their own features and you can decide on what you want to purchase by first deciding on your destination, the expected weather conditions and your travel requirement.
Types of Winter Camping Tents
The types of winter tents are categorized by the material of its walls, the pole design and also the number of walls.
The Number of Walls
In many occasions, the number of walls is the biggest factor when choosing a winter camping tent since it affects the tent’s weight, packing size and even its flexibility.
Single Wall – Suitable for high altitude mountain climbing where you will have to carry a minimal. These tents are considered to be light, compact and the least comfortable when it comes to the design. The reason that people prefer the single wall 4 season tent is mainly due to its weight and packed size even though it’s less versatile.
Double Wall – These types of tents are 40 – 50 percent heavier when compared to the single wall tents. They have been designed to be more spacious and comfortable and are perfect for longer trips due to its flexibility. Adventurers who prefer winter camping, base camping and even polar exploration prefer the double wall tent. The double wall tent provides extreme protection and has been designed with more features.
Material
There are a number of materials that are used to manufacture these winter tents which include silicone coated nylon which is very strong and light, non-waterproof wind breaking materials which are ultra light and also super sturdy laminet tents which are usually used in single wall tents.
Pole Design
The pole design and the number of poles play a crucial role in a winter tent. Classic designs include 2 poles that cross once in the middle of the tent or four poles that cross 7 times.
However, there are many types that you can choose from, but keep in mind; the more intersections that you have compared to the tent’s size usually mean that the tent is sturdier.
Tent poles generally range from 8 mm – 10.25 mm in diameter while most of them are manufactured using aluminium or carbon fiber.
More factors that will make the pole design even stronger are the number of clips that are attached to the poles.
What to Look for When Buying a 4 Season Tent
There are some factors that you should be aware of when buying a 4 season tent.
Some of the main factors include the weather resistance factor, the weight of the tent, the packed size of the tent, the durability, adaptability and other features.
The Weather Resistance Factor
This fact simply means the tent’s capability to protect the people inside from the outside which is very important for a 4 season tent.
The environment can change from snow, wind and even rain during the winter season.
The rain and snow resistance factor purely depends on the material that the tent has been manufactured while the wind resistance factor depends on the tent’s strength, pole quality and its design.
The Weight and Packed Size Factor
Usually the lightest 4 season tents are about 2 lbs while some of the heaviest tents weigh approximately 9 – 10 lbs.
Lighter tents are more suited for shorter trips but when the tent is lighter and compact, the tents become less versatile.
So think about where you are heading on your winter camping trip and make your decision. The packed size of the tent is also of similar to the weight.
The packed size becomes important to alpine climbers who prefer light packs while the most light weight tents are quarter the size of some of the bulkier tents that are used.
The Livability Factor
This simply means how long people can actually spend time inside the tent.
Some of the facts that you have to look at include the door of the tent, the quality of the zip, the number of pockets, the floor area as well as the vestibule area and design.
A tent should usually be airy, easier for you to sit up and have good pockets to hold your camping gear. So, before you purchase a tent, check its specifications.
The Adaptability Factor
This is important if you are going on longer trips and there are unpredictable weather conditions prevailing at your chosen destination.
The tent has to adapt to coastal areas, rugged mountains, and dry or wet ground conditions.
The tent is adaptable if the material is adaptable to various weather conditions of being cold and dry and also if the tent consists of features such as a removable inner tent area which allows you to set up your winter tent in different ways.
The Ventilation Factor
The usual perception is that double wall tents have better air-circulation which helps in better ventilation.
However, there are single wall tents as well that allows you with better ventilation but depending on what you purchase.
The Durability Factor
Winter tents have to be durable since it is exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions.
Fabric coatings play a major role in this factor since it is the first layer that is exposed.
Other features that go alongside the durability factor include zippers, clips, and webbing adjustments.
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