The Best Cold Weather Tents For Family Camping

When it comes to camping there are a vast array of different campers. There are some campers who prefer to be outdoors during the summer to enjoy the hot weather and then you have other campers who enjoy the cold weather.  This guide will be for the latter half and cover the absolute best cold weather tents.

The awesome thing about camping is that no matter what time of year you like to be outdoors there is a multitude of different products that will suit your particular camping style and personality.

Reviews of the Best Cold Weather Tents For Family Camping

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

The Top 5 Best Cold Weather Tents For Family Camping

1.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HS7FG5W” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 Person Backpacking Tent[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HS7FG5W” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 Person Backpacking Tent[/easyazon_link] is a four season tent that is equipped with a factory sealed fly, two vestibules for extra storage and two doors, one on each end for easy entry and exit. The dimensions of this tent are 10 x 10 x 30 inches and weighs 7 pounds and 7 ounces. Although it can be challenging to re-pack, the durability and over quality make it the first listing in our guide of the best cold weather tents.

Pros

• Includes a full coverage fly
• Extra large zippers 
• Equipped with vents that fully close
• Seamed floor to keep out cold air
• Aluminum poles provide extra stability

Cons

• Difficult to re-pack in the carrying bag
• Gets heavy when traveling long distances

2.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B00JSPB8CM” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Teton Sports Mountain Ultra Tent 4-Person Tent[/easyazon_link]

If you are looking for a tent that is affordable, easy to set up, while being very sturdy and durable, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00JSPB8CM” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Teton Sports Mountain Ultra 4-Person Tent[/easyazon_link] is a great option. With a simple one pole design and a rainfly that has cut away tents built into it, you can be sure that its innovative design will stand firm against some of the harshest weather conditions. The high quality micro mesh fabric will be sure to keep you warm and significantly reduce condensation while the strong and durable footprint will protect the floor of your tent from any tears or lacerations. A wise choice for anyone looking to camp during the colder months.

Pros

• Affordable
• Footprint included
• Simple set-up
• lightweight and portable

Cons

• Footprint does not cover the vestibule area
• No windows

3.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B00V5FYCWG” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Core 6 Person Dome Tent[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00V5FYCWG” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Core 6-Person Dome Tent[/easyazon_link] provides a vast amount of space, as it can fit up to 6 people at once . While being spacious, organization  was also kept in mind with the design of this tent as it has a pocketed gear loft to help you keep ahold of your smaller items. Equipped with Core H20 block technology, you can have assurance that durability will not be an issue.

Pros

• Fully close-able electrical access port
• Rainfly included
• Full gear loft, with a lantern hook included
• 72 inch center height
• Can fit two queen sized air mattresses

Cons

• Zipper is not very durable
• Poles are not extremely durable

4.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B001NZWQ1C” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 8-Person Canvas Tent[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B001NZWQ1C” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow 8-Person Canvas Tent[/easyazon_link] is a spacious four-season canvas style tent that has a centre height of 6’1 with dimensions of 11.1 x 14.2 x 50 inches and a packed weight of 84.65 pounds. This tent is included with two funnel-flow vents that allow you to have a substantial amount of control over the temperature inside the tent. Equipped with steel poles, and 12-inch steel stakes, you can be sure that this tent can stand up to unfavorable weather conditions.

Pros

• Hydra-Shield cotton is extremely durable, breathable and watertight
• Floors are made from reinforced vinyl and welded seams for extra protection against air and leaks
• Quick and easy set-up
• Easy dismantle
• Very spacious

Cons

• Very heavy
• Not meant for heavy snowfall
• closeCan get tight if you are using multiple airbeds

5.  [easyazon_link identifier=”B00D0DKRAW” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Ozark Trail 10-Person 3-Room XL Family Cabin Tent[/easyazon_link]

Pros

• Fits 3 queen sized airbeds, with extra room
• Room divider creates up to 3 separate rooms
• 3 doors for convenient entry and exit
• Carrying bad included

Cons

• Poles can be weak during heavy winds

Pre-Planning A Trip For Cold Weather

When you are planning on taking a camping trip during the winter, you need more than just one of the best cold weather tents. You can expect to face plenty of challenges. The weather is a lot more frigid and the days are cut short, which means to have a successful trip you must pack the right gear and know things ahead of time. Some things you may want to consider before leaving for your trip:

• Bringing some extra money with you in case of emergencies
• Checking to make sure the trails you plan on travelling are clear
• Making sure to pack extra water and food in case of any unexpected detours
• Tune in to the weather forecast before leaving
• Let other friends and family know where you are going to be
• You should study the area to see what alternate paths are available and to see how far emergency services are from your campsite

Items To Consider Bringing

Extremely warm clothing – It is very important that you pack warm clothing to bring with you on your trip. Getting too cold can heighten your chances of hypothermia, which is extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. You should consider packing long sleeve shirts and three layers of clothing, the base layer, the middle layer and the outer layer. Boots are very important as well, as it will help you better travel through any snow that may be on your trail and will also keep your feet warm. Hats, gloves, socks, goggles are also necessary clothing items.

Camping Gadgets – Including electronics into your gear that you bring with you on your camping trip can really assist you in making your experience a lot smoother. Some gadgets you should consider bringing are two-way radios, flashlights, headlamps, GPS navigation. These items are great for just in case you get lost, have to make a detour or an important phone call for emergency situations.

Camping Gear – There are always the essentials you should bring when you are camping but there is also some extra items you should bring with you to keep warm and have a better overall experience. A sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, a sled and sleeping pads. All of these items will assist you in staying extra warm.

5 Tips For Camping In Cold Weather

Lithium-ion batteries – These types of batteries lasts longer in cold weather.

Don’t hold it – Your body burns a significant amount of calories to help keep your urine warm. It’s always best to go when you feel the urge. For the guys, you can either step away from the tent and handle business away from your campsite or have a marked designated bottle. For the ladies, aiming is near impossible, but there are funnels available to assist with that.

Watch For Spills – The last thing you need when it’s cold outside is to spill any type of liquid to help contribute to further to you being cold. The best way to prevent spills is to drink from a straw.

Snuggle Up – One of the best ways to stay warm is to use other people’s body heat to your advantage. By being close to someone else not only are you benefiting from their body heat but you are also benefiting from the heat of their sleeping bag as well.

Stuff Your Belly – Keeping your body warm takes a lot of calories, so eating a good amount of food before the start of your trip is a great way to make sure your body does its part in helping you stay warm. Make sure to pack a lot of food as well.

Known for their great capacity, the Ozark Trail 10-Person Tent is specifically designed for larger camping groups. With its spacious interior, it is able to fit 3 queens sized mattresses with extra room still available. Also included with the Ozark are completely taped seams for extra added durability and a total of six windows for increased ventilation. This tent delivers in every aspect and is an absolute must-have for families with 10 plus people.

Our Conclusion

Winter camping can be an awesome adventure but it can also be dangerous too if you are not well prepared. That is why it is imperative you evaluate your needs and choose among the best cold weather tents. It is always good to expect the unexpected and make sure you stock up on food, camping gadgets, and other essential items needed for your trip.

When it comes to choosing your tent for winter weather, you want to make sure that you have a durable, warm and stable tent that is roomy enough for everyone. Listed in this post are the best 2,4,6,8 and 10 person cold weather tents based on several important different factors. With the selection of tents above you can be sure that you are making the right choice in choosing the best cold weather tent for your family camping trip.