Best 4-Season Tents for Backpacking, Mountaineering & Ski Touring 2024

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Best 4 Season Tents

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This is a gear review about the best 4 season tents for winter backpacking 2024.

If you are looking to go backcountry skiing, mountaineering, climbing, winter camping, backpacking, and hiking, you’ll need a sturdy winter tent. Strong four-season tents can withstand strong wind and keep you warm when winter camping.

Winter tents provide a solution to providing a strong, durable, and comfortable space that keeps you protected from the elements. 

I’ve put together a list of the best winter tents for backpacking for 2024. Whether you’re looking for something suitable for mountaineering, hiking, climbing, or base camping, there’s something for everyone.


How We Tested

All the Winter Tents in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best 4-Season Winter Tents for 2024. Read the Review Policy for further details.


Best Winter Tents for Backpacking 2024

The Best Winter Tents for Backpacking 2024 are:

Best 4-Season Tent 2024 – Overall

Mountain Hardwear Trango 2

Mountain Hardware Trango 2 Winter Tent

Weight: 9lb. 10 oz / 4.4 kg
Pros:
> Made using robust DAC Featherlight NSL poles
> Large vestibule space for extra storage
> Waterproof construction
> Dual canopy and mesh doors for increased ventilation
Cons:
> Heavy

The Mountain Hardwear Trango is a solid 4-season mountain tent. The tent offers a unique bathtub-shaped floor design that is heavy compared to some tents but it is strong and just as waterproof as many heavy-duty rain jackets, so you will stay dry.

The Mountain Hardwear Trango is a good cold-weather tent that offers a robust frame that has a three-point connection. The internal pole structure connects the inner tent body, its frame, and the fly. The guy points ensure that the connection is sturdy and secure.

Having this feature ensures maximum protection from harsh weather conditions as the poles with resistance against becoming brittle and snapping. The tent’s canopy fabric also provides added protection as it is made from 70D nylon taffeta.

While this review is about the 2P version it should be noted that it also comes in other sizes and all of them are highly recommended. Take a look at the 2P version, 3P version, and 4P version.

All of the size models have large vestibules, even the Trango 2 offers a large vestibule with a snow skirt and plenty of space for storage. This provides a conveniently usable space as well as extended headroom.

Overall, the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 is the best winter tent for mountain sports including backpacking, ski touring, and mountaineering.

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Best Expedition 4-Season Tent 2024

The North Face Mountain 25

The North Face Mountain 25 Expedition Tent

Weight: 8 lb. 13 oz / 4kg – 2P
Pros:
> Accommodates two
> Reflective guylines
> Good ventilation
> Solid Tent
Cons:
> Heavy

The North Face Mountain 25 tent is a great 4-season tent ideal for mountaineering. This cold-weather tent is made from a superior lightweight design that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

I used the previous model of this tent while climbing some high altitude mountains in South America several years ago. I found it to be bombproof, easy to set up and not too heavy to carry in the thin mountain air.

Made from durable nylon with a ripstop weave, the tent’s canopy is extremely hard-wearing and water-resistant offering protection from water and snow. 

The North Face Mountain 25 DAC poles are robust and withstand harsh winds.

Even if the weather conditions take a turn, this tent is easy to assemble and disassemble as it includes added sleeves, clips, and snow stakes for pitching in frostier conditions.

This tent’s guy lines are reflective, offering added security by providing a visible mark that will help to identify the tent after a long day of hiking.

This two-person tent provides a great amount of storage with a large vestibule for storing larger gear storage and hanger loops for storing smaller belongings. 

Overall, the North Face Mountain 25 is one of the best winter tents. It is a solid winter tent for the backcountry that has proven itself on many expeditions across the globe.

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REI

Best Winter Tent for Mountaineering 2024

Nemo Chogori Mountaineering Tent

Nemo Chogori Mountaineering Tent

Weight: 7 lb. 11 oz / 3.48 kg
Pros:
> A sturdy external pole structure
> Lightweight and easy to carry
> Made from nylon which is a durable material and silicone-treated fabric for added strength and waterproofing
> Great ventilation
> Storage solution
Cons:
> Very lightweight and may not be strong enough for the very worst conditions.

The Nemo Chogori winter tent is ideal for mountaineering or backcountry ski touring. This tent provides a sturdy structure designed with a robust external pole frame.

This feature enables quick and easy setup and contributes to increasing the protection of the tent by increasing its durability. The tent’s freestanding design also makes it easy to assemble and disassemble. 

The Nemo Chogori winter tent also includes a ventilation system that helps to reduce levels of condensation.

It also includes space in the vestibule to create more storage and guy-out points for increasing its protection against harsh weather conditions such as extreme wind. 

The canopy fabric is made from 20D nylon ripstop which is very lightweight but durable enough for all but the very worst of conditions. The silicone-treated fabric increases durability and works to ensure that the four-season tent can withstand conditions of snow and rain.

It comes in 2P and 3P versions.

Overall, the Nemo Chogori is one of the best lightweight 4-season tents for mountaineering and backcountry ski trips.

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Best Winter Tent for Bike Touring 2024

Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GT

Hilleberg - Nammatj 2 GT

Weight: 5 lb. 1 oz / 2.9kg – 2P
Pros:
> Strong canopy material
> 10mm robust poles
> Comfortably accommodates two
> Lightweight construction
> Customizable space
Cons:
> Expensive

The Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GT winter tent is ideal for winter camping. This tent is great in all conditions as it can be used for base camping and alpine camping. It has long been a favorite expedition bicycle touring tent.

Suitable for use in areas of high altitude, this tent performs well as a sturdy camp for expeditions in harsh weather conditions. Equally, it’s a great option for lighter use as a reliable and robust tent. 

With a canopy made from Kerlon 1800, this tent’s outer fabric along with its 10mm thick poles makes for a highly stable and durable structure that keeps out the elements. 

The tent consists of only one door to maintain a reduced weight. Past the entrance is a large vestibule that offers enough space for storage and casual use. The vestibule connects directly to the inner tent canopy but can also be left attached and pitched separately.

It comes in 2P and 3P versions.

Overall, the Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GT winter tent is one of the best Hilliberg lightweight 4-season tents for lightweight travel in extreme conditions.

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Best 4-Season Tent in Australia and New Zealand 2024

Macpac Olympus 2P Tent

Macpac - Olympus Two Person Tent

Weight: 6 lb. 13 oz / 3.1 kg
Pros:
> Unique four-vent air system for increased ventilation
> Strong canopy material
> Robust structure
> Aerodynamic design
Cons:
> Only available in Australia and New Zealand

The Macpac Olympus 2-person tent is ideal for alpine camping. This 4-season tunnel tent is a great choice for hiking and climbing in harsh weather conditions. Its unique three-pole tunnel design increases its durability and makes it one of the most versatile tents.

This aerodynamic design works to improve the tent’s stability and ability to withstand high winds, torrential rain, and snow.

With a dual entry point way, ample space, and a front vestibule, Olympus offers stability and comfort providing a great amount of space for two. 

The tent canopy is made from a nylon ripstop with a silicone coating. This material is not only strong, but it also offers waterproofing and UV protection making this a great tent choice for use in all weather conditions. The tent floor on the Macpac Olympus is more waterproof than most of the tents in this review and as waterproof as most rain jackets.

The tent also includes an internal canopy with a mesh double wall, storm/ snow flaps, and a unique four-vent air system. These features contribute to improving the air circulation in the tent to improve ventilation. In doing, so the tent offers increased breathability which makes for a comfortable and airy space. But the combination of the inner and outer tent also provides good warmth for cold weather camping.

Overall, this has been a long-time favorite of New Zealand and Australians for ski touring and winter hiking trips. This is one of the best four-season tents in Australia and New Zealand and is worthy enough to take on any extreme alpine trip anywhere in the world.

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Best Ultralight 4-Season Tent 2024

Black Diamond Eldorado Tent

Black Diamond Eldorado Winter Tent

Weight: 5 lb 1 oz / 2.3 kg
Pros:
> Storage solution
> Easy to assemble
> Simple and compact
Cons:
> Single-wall fabric suitable for low to moderately inclement weather

Single wall tents such as the Black Diamond Eldorado tent are ideal for mountaineering. This tent has a traditional compact mountaineering tent structure. Though simple, it offers great space and additional storage. 

The Black Diamond Eldorado design makes this tent an ideal choice for a short excursion. It has a single entry with an optional vestibule. This feature makes for easy customization to accommodate your needs.

The vestibule creates a great storage solution as it provides ample space for storing your gear and possessions. 

This tent is hassle-free and offers an easy setup. With only two aluminum poles included, setting up this tent couldn’t be quicker or easier.

The Black Diamond Eldorado is one of the lightest tents for climbing or hiking as it is easy to assemble and disassemble and has a small footprint making it easier to carry. It is not as light as a 3-season ultralight tent but it is light for a 4-season tent.

Overall, the Black Diamond Eldorado is another great single-walled mountaineering tent best suited to lightweight alpine climbing and summit pushes on high mountains.

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Black Diamond Hilight 2P Tent

Black Diamond Hilight 2P winter tent

Weight: 3lb 15oz / 1.8kg
Pros:
> Customizable space
> Ultralight
> Stable and secure
> Unique ventilation system
> Durable material
Cons:
> Single wall is not as weather resistant
> Very small as a 2-person tent, better as a solo tent

The Black Diamond Hilight 2P winter tent is ideal for ultralight alpine-style mountaineering. This 2-person tent offers a comfortable and spacious environment. As with several other tents on this list, it is a seriously awesome tent that is uber lightweight and worthy of a look.

This tent consists of a steep sidewall construction which improves its stability. For additional security, the tent comes with an exit rope that goes through the ceiling. This acts as an anchor that enables the tent to situate on steep ground.

A new and innovative flow manifold design works to ensure high-quality ventilation that reduces condensation by drawing moisture from the air and out of the tent.

In doing so the tent improves breathability which is ideal for occasions where you may be in areas of high altitude. 

The Hilight 2P tent is made from a high perseverance 30D poly fabric. This material offers durability and reliability in harsh conditions. This tent could either be used by two people or a single person.

With a removable vestibule, you can make the space your own and increase or remove the storage as you wish.

Overall, the Black Diamond Hilight 2P winter tent is one of the best single-wall mountaineering tents for alpine-style mountaineering.

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MSR Access 2

MSR Access 2 Cold Weather Tent

Weight: 4 lbs. 1 oz /1.86 kg
Pros:

> Lightweight
> Good Insulation for cold weather camping
> Strong tent and good at shedding snow
Cons:
> With only 2 poles it is not as strong as some of the other 4 season tents

The MSR Access 2 is a good cold weather tent that is lightweight and compact.

This double layer tent provides good insulation in cold weather and is strong enough to do a good job at shedding snow if you find yourself caught out when it starts snowing. And in comparison to some tents in this review, it is quite easy to set up. It also has quite a small pack size.

With so many positive things about this tent, there is little that could be improved. Maybe it could be a bit stronger for extreme wind but to do so would increase the weight. And if you wanted a tent for that specific use you would be better served by the Mountain Hardwear Trango Tent.

The MSR Access comes in 1P, 2P, and 3P versions.

Overall, the MSR Access 2 is one of the best lightweight winter tents for backcountry skiing, backpacking or snowshoeing.

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Nemo Kunai 3P

Nemo Kunai 4 Season Tent

Weight: 5 lb. 3 oz / 2.3 kg
Pros:
> Tapered design for extra protection from harsh weather conditions
> Customisable space
> Storage solution
> Versatile design
> Ultra lightweight
Cons:
> Very lightweight material may not be suitable for high windsthe

The Nemo Kunai winter tent is best suited to lightweight mountaineering or lightweight high altitude expeditions. This tent can withstand full mountainous exposure without shifting making it a great choice of shelter for your lightweight backcountry adventure. 

With a unique structure and robust frame, Kunai is highly adaptable and durable. It’s made with a DAC pole frame and a brow pole and tapered profile which is designed to withstand high winds, torrential rain, and snow.

Not only does it offer weather protection, but it is also ultra-lightweight, making for easy portability. 

The tent comprises a large and spacious vestibule which is a great storage solution. This space is also convertible making it even more adaptable.

With a strut vent at the zipper and a large vent door with a mesh window, Kunai works to improve the airflow throughout the tent. The ventilation system increases air circulation to improve the air quality. This feature makes Kunai a great choice of shelter for use in areas of high altitudes.

Overall, the Nemo Kunai is the best ultralight 4-season tent for mountaineering and alpine trips.

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Marmot Hammer 2-Person Tent

Marmot Hammer 2P Winter Tent

Weight: 5 lb 2 oz / 2.2kg
Pros:

> Simple design
> Storage solution
> Reliable ventilation system
> Customizable space
Cons:
> Single-wall fabric suitable for low to moderate weather conditions

The Marmot Hammer tent is ideal for mountaineering. This two-person tent serves as a simple and reliable shelter choice for low to moderate adventuring.

This tent provides a great amount of space for two people as it comes with a removable vestibule as well as internal storage for smaller belongings. This is a great choice of tent for shorter excursions or alpine camping. 

The Hammer tent’s vestibule has built-in snow flaps and an internal guy-out system. These features provide great ventilation as it improves the airflow of the space. This results in improved air quality and a reduction in the level of condensation. 

This tent’s free-standing design also makes for easy assembly and disassembly which is convenient for when you’re making regular stops.

Overall, the Marmot Hammer is best suited to be one of the best lightweight alpine tents for alpine-style climbing trips in the mountains.

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4 Season Tents: Comparison Table

BrandTypeWeightInternal AreaHeight
Mountain Hardwear Trango 2Mountaineering9 lb. 10 oz40 sq feet38 in.
The North Face Mountain 25Mountaineering8 lb. 13 oz32.2 sq feet41 in.
Nemo ChogoriMountaineering7 lb. 11 oz 36.3 sq feet39 in.
Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GTSki Touring / Winter Camping5 lb. 1 oz30.1 sq feetNot specified
Macpac Olympus 2PSki Touring / Winter Camping6 lb. 13 oz32 sq feetNot Specified
Black Diamond Eldorado TentAlpine Climbing5 lb 1oz33.8 sq feet43 in.
MSR Access 2Ultralight Alpine Climbing4 lbs. 1 oz29 sq feet42 in.
Black Diamond Hilight 2P TentUltralight Alpine Climbing3 lb 15 oz27.3 sq feet40 in.
Nemo Kunai 3PSki Touring / Winter Camping5 lb 3 oz43.4 sq feet45 in.
Marmot Hammer 2-Person TentSki Touring / Winter Camping5 lb 2 oz29.5 sq feetNot Specified
Source: Manufacturers


Categories of 4-season tents 

With so many different types of 4-season tents available, each tent can be put into one of three categories. The categories of 4-season tents include mountaineering, basecamp, and treeline.


Mountaineering 

4-season mountaineering tents are designed to withstand the conditions of high alpine environments. These types of tents are often considered for their weight and their ability to protect against wind.

Mountaineering 4-season tents tend to be single-walled tents that are waterproof and lightweight making them easier to carry. This is a great feature as mountaineering 4-season tents are designed to be used for light adventures and summit pushes. They are the ultralight tents of the mountaineering world with the lowest trail weight and packed size of all the winter tents.


Basecamp 

4-season base camp tents are designed for base camping and as cold weather tents. 4-season basecamp tents tend to be heavier than mountaineering tents as they are not designed to be moved and carried so often.

These types of tents are designed to be sturdy and more comfortable as it’s most likely where you’ll spend a lot of your time.

To ensure that the basecamp tent is comfortable, most tents have features that include a double-wall design for increased insulation as well as increasing ventilation and preventing condensation.

They usually have more interior space which adds to the heavy packed weight of basecamp tents.


Treeline Tent

4-season treeline tents are designed to be the most agile of the three categories as they are designed as lighter winter camping tents and great for snow camping.

Whilst treeline tents are great for cold weather camping in lighter winter conditions, it’s advised that these tents aren’t pushed to the limit such as using them in exposed mountainous environments as they aren’t as strong or durable in windy conditions as the other two categories.

However, a treeline tent is also great as a winter camping tent and for doing things like recreational winter camping or car camping.


Features

4-season tents are essentially designed to withstand extreme winter weather conditions. They are the best type of tent for anyone looking for protection in cold weather. However, there’s a wide variety of types of 4-season tents available.

Each type caters to different needs. What someone may need for mountaineering will be different from what another person needs for base camping or tree-lining. The variation in the tent features includes differences in their level of protection, weight, and space.


Ventilation and condensation

Whether rain or shine, you’ll want to be in a breathable space that feels well-ventilated. Good ventilation in a 4-season tent is essential especially when you’re amidst harsh weather conditions.

There are two features you can look out for to ensure your tent is well-ventilated. The first is that there is a good source of fresh air. Double wall tents with mesh windows or guy-out points are great for promoting airflow and increasing ventilation.

The second feature to look out for is whether the tent has a double wall. Having a double-wall tent works to improve ventilation and reduce condensation. Having these features in a tent will make it more comfortable by improving breathability. A single-wall tent is best suited as mountaineering tent for alpine climbing and lightweight summit bids.


Durability and strength 

When it comes to facing harsh weather conditions, you’ll want to know that your tent can stand the test of time. To ensure you have a durable tent, ensure that the cover provides weather protection and UV protectant. Double wall tents tend to be a bit stronger than most single wall tents and able to withstand high wind better.

Having a cover that is abrasive resistant is a bonus as it will prevent wear and tear and ensure the longevity of your tent’s life. 


Storage 

If you’re planning on undergoing a longer trip, it’s important to ensure you have enough storage space for the equipment you’re going to use. Ensuring that you have enough floor space for your outdoor gear and space that will keep it safe and dry is essential.

For increased storage, look for a tent with a vestibule. A tent with a vestibule acts as an additional space for storing your gear.

If you don’t need a tent with as big a space as a vestibule, many tents offer internal mesh storage interior pockets that offer great space for anyone with minimal equipment. 


Tent poles

Ensure that your poles are made from a robust material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Having a weak tent pole could result in the pole becoming brittle and snapping.

What you want to look for is a metal pole such as aluminum with a long connector joint which will increase its strength. Having a tent will also improve durability as well as provide easy assembly. 


Tent Stakes

Tent Stakes for use in snow and expedition-style trips will be needed. They will be longer and wider than a normal camping tent. Take a look at the Best Tent Stakes for Snow guide for further info.


Waterproofing 

Waterproofing is definitely a feature you’ll want to look for in a 4-season tent. After all, if you’re looking to purchase a 4-season tent, you’re probably looking for something that can withstand all weather conditions, including torrential rain.

Having a waterproof tent offers several advantages. Not only does it do its job of keeping you dry, if you have a tent made from polyester, the material will also work to protect you from UV damage.

Having a waterproof tent with seals is a great way of taking extra precautions to ensure that no water will seep into your tent and disrupt your comfort. 


Conclusion

With so many options of great 4-season tents available, making your choice will be no easy task.

However, what this list shows is that there are so many brands offering fantastic features and benefits that will make your adventures more comfortable and enjoyable.

This post has given you all the information and tips you need to help you narrow down your decision and find your perfect 4-season tent.  All the tents in this review will do a great job.

Another one of the Best Winter Gear Reviews from BikeHikeSafari.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the difference between a 3-season tent and a 4-season tent?

4-season tents are designed for use in the toughest of weather conditions and the harshest environments of rain, snow, and wind.
These tents are made with a range of features that ensure that they offer the protection needed to withstand different environments.
Whilst some, such as the base camp 4-season tents are designed for comfort and others such as the mountaineering 4-season tent are designed for lightweight, all 4-season tents are designed to be robust and durable.
4-season tents are made from a more robust material compared to the 3-seasons tent and they include more features that make them stronger and more durable such as having more guy-out points, more venting options, and sturdier poles.


Best 4 season tent for winter backpacking

BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process

The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.

BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.

The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.

BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.

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About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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