The Best Winter Tents for Year-Round Campers

Frostbitten fallen leaves, tree branches glistening with icicles and the soft patter of snow on canvas are just a few delights for those that choose to camp during the winter. Those choosing to tent camp on our winter campsites will, of course, need an excellent 4 season tent to stay warm and dry throughout their stay. Here’s our list of the best winter tents available right now, along with some tips on what to look out for while shopping.

1. Lightwave Sigma S10 Tent

No list of 4 season tents would be complete without mentioning the sigma range. Uniquely, their single-walled tents are made from X-tex fabric that “breathes”, meaning it absorbs condensation, preventing water droplets from forming, which any winter camper will know is bad news for staying warm. Single-walled tents aren’t usual in 4-season designs, but the Lightwave Sigma S10 is undeniably one of the most popular on the market due to its reliable performance. Lightweight, speedy to pitch and waterproof up to 20,000 mm, this is an option for any winter camper to check out.

Buy it here from £698.95 >>

2. Terra Nova Southern Cross 2 Tent

Designed for backpacking, the lightweight Southern Cross 2 Tent from Terra Nova can withstand all seasons and is, most importantly hassle-free to pitch. This two-person design includes two doors and a pair of equally sized porches which are ideal if camping as a pair and work well as extra ventilation when required. The seams of the flysheet and groundsheet are taped, offering complete waterproofing. 100% freestanding, with minimal pegs required, this is a great winter tent for anyone on the move.

Buy it here from £770 >>

3. Crua Tri Tent

This insulated tent by Crua Outdoors comfortably fits three adults, so is perfect for small families camping during the winter months. Crua’s impressive insulation technology regulates the temperature in your sleep space as well as blocking out the light and keeping noise to a minimum for a great night’s sleep. This is another excellent feature for those camping with kids, as is the amount of headspace and extendable porch, which provides a covered space to relax in out of the elements. The vestibule is ideal for keeping wet, muddy gear out of your bedroom.

Buy it here from £900 >>

4. MSR Elixir 2 Tent V2

MSR was founded in 1969 and has been on a mission to revolutionise the way people experience the outdoors ever since. One of the most trusted mountaineering brands, you can be sure that any kit from MSR will live up to your high standards. Quick and easy to pitch, the Elixir 2 is one of the most sought-after UK backpacking tents. Two doors, large porches, plenty of living space, and helpful additions like glow in the dark zipper pulls make this good value for money.

Buy it here for £274.95 >>

5. NEMO Kunai 2P Tent

Built with the durability of a mountaineering tent, the NEMO Equipment Kunai two-person tent is more than capable of standing up to our UK winters. The tapered design sheds wind, snow and rain and the tub groundsheet keeps the floor dry in the most extreme conditions. Protected by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty, this is an ideal UK winter tent for 1 – 2 people with minimal kit wanting to explore the UK in the colder months.

Buy it here from £529.95 >>

6. GEERTOP 4 Season 2 Person Waterproof Dome Tent

4-season tents are engineered with specialist technology so they can withstand the harshest winter weather as well as keeping you cool in the summer months. That means most are on the top end of the pricing scale. This budget 4-season tent from GEERTOP is a great option for anyone wanting to try out winter camping without a huge cash outlay. Two entrances, a snow skirt, good ventilation, and waterproof taped seams are advantageous features for the price. High winds, extreme temperatures and moderate snowfall are no issue.

Buy it here from £181.31 >>

7. The North Face Mountain 25 2 Person Tent

Standing up to the harsh weather of alpine winters, this is a classic 4-season camping tent. Withstanding strong winds with its DAC poles and stakes, able to keep you dry with a water-resistant finish on the flysheet and floor and easy to pitch in extreme weather with reflective guylines and colour codes zip pulls, there’s nothing not to rate highly. Two doors make it easy to exit and access your living space at all times, and if the snow starts to fall, you can use the included snow stakes for extra security.

Buy it here from £650 >>

8. Rab Latok Mountain Tent

Designed for multi-day expeditions in extreme mountain conditions, the Rab Latok puts a high focus on keeping its living quarters dry and comfortable. The dome design offers good headroom, and if you require extra space, you can buy a separate vestibule for storing wet gear and spending time indoors on cold days. The bathtub base has taped seams to stop water coming in at ground level, and the waterproof upper is air-permeable to prevent condensation build-up.

Buy it here from £700 >>

4-season tent buying advice

A few expert tips to bear in mind when shopping for your winter tent:

• 4-season tents are designed with snow in mind. If you are lucky enough to be camping when the UK experiences heavy snowfall, your winter tent should simply shed the snow rather than collapse under the weight of it. Look out for this when shopping.
• It goes without saying that your tent will need to be waterproof. However, some winter tents are simply water-resistant due to being designed for sub-zero temperatures.
• Look for a tent which is just big enough, not too big. You’ll want to be able to sit up, breathe easily and move around but not have excess air space to keep warm.
• As well as picking a tent with heavy fabric to keep out the cold, you’ll also need to consider the flooring. You need flooring which is insulating, waterproof and versatile enough to endure the occasional winter boot.
• Vestibules are an advantageous feature of winter tents because they’re ideal for keeping boots and other wet gear in to keep the moisture out of your sleeping area.
• For some, more than one entry point is an absolute essential on their 4-season tent. Multiple entrances are handy if one door gets snowed in, you’re camping with other people, and for extra ventilation.
• Thorough ventilation is vital for preventing moisture in your living space which will lead to damp sleeping conditions.

Winter camping advice

Your tent is so important for protecting you from the outdoor elements while camping during the winter months but make sure you read our winter camping tips. They’ll help keep you warm, dry and comfortable throughout your stay with us on any of our winter campsites. If you’re unsure of what to pack for a camping trip in the unpredictable UK climate, take a look at our cold weather packing list.