Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Best Extreme Weather Tents for Winter and Cold Weather

The weather outside may be frightful, but the warmth of extreme weather tents can be quite delightful! And take it from us, if you’re camping outdoors during the winter, somewhere in the mountains, or anywhere that makes you say, “Brrr,” you’re going to need every ounce of warmth you can get. That’s because it’s a tad bit dangerous to sleep outdoors in extreme weather conditions, especially without proper gear and a 4-season tent, the latter of which should protect you against storms, frost, and heavy winds. So today, we’re going to talk about some of our favorite extreme weather tents that feature essentials like waterproof fabric, heavy-duty insulation, sturdy structure, and a whole lot more.

The Geertop Backpacking Tent
The Geertop Backpacking Tent
Backpacking Tent
Jump to details
The ALPS Mountaineering Extreme Tent
The ALPS Mountaineering Extreme Tent
Backpacking Tent
Jump to details
The North Face Mountain 25
The North Face Mountain 25
Backpacking Tent
Jump to details
Eureka Mountain Pass Tent
Eureka Mountain Pass Tent
Backpacking Tent
Jump to details
The Nemo Kunai Freestanding Tent
The Nemo Kunai Freestanding Tent
Backpacking Tent
Jump to details
best extreme weather tents yellowtent 800x800  1

The Geertop Backpacking Tent

Backpacking Tent

This 2-person tent shines with its easy setup, lightweight material (about 7 pounds), and double layers for maximum wind protection. The dual doors offer plenty of ventilation and can be easily zipped back up for privacy and comfort. This tent is also waterproof thanks to its anti-tear checkered polyester, which can withstand heavy rain and storms.

Here are a few more of our favorite things about the Geertop Backpacking Tent:

  • Snow skirt for cold and snowy climate conditions
  • Lots of space for camping gear
  • Self-standing
  • Can be pitched on sand, grass, forest terrain, etc.
  • Internal gear hammock
  • Reflective ropes so you can spot the tent in the dark
The Geertop Backpacking Tent
The Geertop Backpacking Tent
Backpacking Tent
best extreme weather tents greytent

The ALPS Mountaineering Extreme Tent

Backpacking Tent

This free-standing 3-person tent is excellent for aggressive and freezing weather conditions. The sturdy frame will keep you warm and safe all night long thanks to the 7000 series aluminum 3-pole design. And speaking of materials, this mountaineering tent is made from nylon, polyester, and taffeta for optimal water resistance. Check out a few more of the “pros” below:

  • Zippered mesh windows for air circulation and ventilation
  • Factory-sealed seams
  • Lots of mesh pockets for storage
  • Two doorways
  • Easy to setup
  • No UV damage
The ALPS Mountaineering Extreme Tent
The ALPS Mountaineering Extreme Tent
Backpacking Tent
best extreme weather tents

The North Face Mountain 25

Backpacking Tent

We get it, you take hiking and mountaineering seriously, but so does this tent. The North Face Mountain 25 can withstand freezing temperatures, down to -60 degrees F thanks to its polyurethane port window and nylon fly. Two people can sleep soundly in this freestanding tent, which also includes a footprint, a front vestibule area, and reflective guylines with equalizers. We also love the:

  • Internal hangar loops and interior pockets for lots of storage space
  • High-low venting
  • Color-coded zipper pulls
  • Glow-in-the-dark features
  • Dual doors
  • Four included snow stakes
  • DAC aluminum poles
The North Face Mountain 25
The North Face Mountain 25
Backpacking Tent
best extreme weather tents whitetent

Eureka Mountain Pass Tent

Backpacking Tent

Year-round adventures suddenly become possible with this 4-season, 2-person mountain tent, which features polyester material, aluminum poles, and two vestibules so you can easily store your stuff. We also love the removable side panel vents for extra air circulation, as well as the:

  • Gear loft and pockets for storage
  • Dual doors
  • Lightweight and durable tent poles
  • Double-walled features
  • Heavy-duty protection against freezing winter winds
  • Trail weight of 5 pounds and 9 ounces
Eureka Mountain Pass Tent
Eureka Mountain Pass Tent
Backpacking Tent
best extreme weather tents orange tent

The Nemo Kunai Freestanding Tent

Backpacking Tent

This lightweight, 3-person tent is versatile for any season and can withstand harsh winds, snowfall, and frigid temperatures. (Bonus: it’s also great for hot and humid days in the summer.) The oversized vestibule is perfect for ample gear storage and the convertible mesh panels will ensure optimal airflow. Aside from these great features, we also love the following:

  • Top-shelf DAC poles
  • Aggressively tapered profile
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Easy to assemble
  • Zipper covers for the mesh windows
  • Excellent breathability
  • No condensation seeping into the inside of the tent
  • Stakes included
The Nemo Kunai Freestanding Tent
The Nemo Kunai Freestanding Tent
Backpacking Tent

Whether you’re sleeping through a heavy rainstorm, several inches of snow, or relentless winds, be sure to choose a durable 4-season tent to keep you warm all night long. This is of utmost importance, as your safety is our highest priority when it comes to sleeping in frigid temperatures. So overall, look for heavy-duty insulation and protection, as well as high-quality poles and an easy setup. The last thing you need is to get carried away with frustration while trying to assemble a tent in aggressive rain or snowstorms. And with that, we bid you safe travels on all of your future journeys…even if they are below freezing temperatures.

Editors' Recommendations

The 11 Best Backpacking Tents for Hiking and Camping
Best Hiking and Backpacking Tents

Hiking and backpacking shelters come at all shapes, sizes, and prices. Big, heavy tent options offer plenty of room for people and gear but weigh you down while trekking to the next camp. Ultralight models save your legs from burning on the trail but rarely provide proper living space or weather protection. Buying the right tent requires shopping for a wide range of solutions. If you're looking for a camping tent that falls somewhere in the middle, you're going to want a backpacking tent. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you to round up the best backpacking tents, from budget to ultralight and everything in-between.

Read more
The Best Hydration Packs for Hiking, Trail Running, and Day Trips
Best Hydration Packs

 

Read more
The Best Online Camping Booking Sites to Plan Your Next Trip
Lake campsite booking using campspot.com.

Spring is here, and that means prime camping season is upon us. Unfortunately for those of us who aren't big on the whole "planning" aspect of camping, the popularity of outdoor recreation has skyrocketed in the COVID era, and about 99.999% of all campsites at major national parks are already booked for the rest of the year. Don't let that outrageous fact get you down, though: Here are a few of our favorite alternatives for booking campsites online all across the U.S.
Hipcamp

Hipcamp.com pioneered the online campsite booking industry and was the first third-party booking site to feature real-time availability data for both public and private campgrounds. Nowadays, they're one of the best in the business, featuring everything from state parks to private ranches in all 52 states. Hipcamp is our go-to for finding off-grid car camping opportunities and unique stays on private lands. Think: Booking a weekend getaway in a treehouse or organizing a group camp along a private stretch of river.
Learn More

Read more