Let us explore the best extreme weather tents for your outdoor camping. For a quick summary of the best ones, refer the table below:
Extreme weather tents will usually be waterproof, have slanted sides to prevent snow from settling on top, inverted seams, and a cupped floor to protect from rain leakage.
They will also have a sturdy frame to withstand high winds, usually consisting of aluminum poles, which are flexible and responsive but also strong.
These tents are usually versatile enough to be used throughout the four seasons and may offer protection during the warmer months too, as well as mesh panels for increased ventilation on hot summer nights.
These tents don’t come cheap due to their specific weather-proof designs and highly durable materials. However, we’re on hand to ensure you can get the best bang for your buck.
Keep reading to find our top picks for the best extreme weather tents
Our Top 5 Best Extreme Weather Tents Reviews
Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room
If you’re looking for a spacious tent for several people, which is also highly durable and weatherproof, Coleman’s WeatherMaster will not disappoint. It sleeps six people in total and even has enough room for 2 queen-sized beds.
This tent features inverted seams to increase weather resistance. That needle holes are not exposed to the rain, which helps prevent leakage
The wind-strong frame has been engineered to be stronger and more responsive, as the redesigned poles and guy-out triangles provide a sturdy and reliable frame.
As with the exterior of the tent, welding-inspired technology strengthens the tent floor and eliminates needle holes to prevent water from seeping through. The tent’s zipper cuff is also made of weather-resistant fabric to add protection from all kinds of weather.
Aside from expertly designed weather protection, this tent offers a range of other features.
These include a hinged door for easy in and out access, and a screen room for improved ventilation whilst also offering protection from bugs and doubling as an additional sleeping area on those warmer nights.
You can also store small necessities in the handy mesh pockets located on the interior of the tent, and the additional E-port means you can conveniently run an extension cord through it to provide electrical power.
Pros
- Spacious – sleeps up to 6 people
- 75-denier polyester taffeta fly
- Inverted seams to protect leakage
- Wind-strong frame and welding-inspired floor
- Weather-resistant zipper cuff
- Hinged door for easy in and out access
- Screen room for ventilation and bug protection
- E-port for an extension cord
Cons
- May be too spacious for smaller groups
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GEERTOP Backpacking Tent for 2 Person 4 Season Camping Tent
The Geertop 4 season tent is made of high-quality material and is fully rain-proof but is also extremely lightweight, despite the durability of the fabric.
The rugged 210T anti-tear checkered polyester resists wear and abrasions, while the special coating features excellent UV resistance.
As well as offering protection from the sun’s intensity, this tent is coated with a PU 3000mm water-resistant finish enabling it to shed snow and rain quickly.
The tent floor is made from PU 5000 mm Oxford fabric and the seam is taped to provide added protection from water and bugs.
Thanks to double-stitched seams, this tent is strong and durable to prevent rain from soaking through any small holes or stitches.
The double-layered design provides ultimate versatility: the inner layer can be used by itself in warmer weather for improved ventilation, while the additional outer layer provides privacy and extra protection against extreme weather.
This tent provides enough room for 2 adults, and is compact and lightweight enough for hiking and backpacking, weighing only 6.4 lbs.
It also features 2 large mesh ventilation panels on the inner tent to enhance airflow and reduce condensation, resulting in a fresher, warmer, and drier interior.
Not only this but the heavy-duty, two-sided zipper design allows you to easily open the tent doors from the inside or outside.
Geertop promises that despite its size, this tent has been built to the toughest standards and will keep you warm and dry even in strong winds, torrential rain, or winter snow.
Pros
- Made from rugged 210T anti-tear checkered polyester
- PU 5000 mm Oxford fabric floor with taped seam
- Double-stitched seams to prevent leakage
- Double-layered design for 4-season versatility
- Super lightweight – 6.4 lbs, highly portable
- Heavy-duty two-sided zippers
- 2 large ventilation panels
Cons
- Some people had issues with condensation
Forceatt Tent 3 Person Camping Tent, Waterproof and Windproof
This tent from Forceatt is designed for use across all four seasons and can accommodate up to 3 people.
It’s made from high-quality 70D polyester fiber and has a 200T waterproof coating which effectively prevents water from penetrating the interior of the tent.
The wind fly has undergone professional waterproof testing, achieving a waterproof index of 5000MM.
The welded floor ensures you and your belongings are kept dry, while the ultra-light upper part of the tent features a mesh window and two ceiling openings to promote air circulation and breathability. The micro-mesh fabric promotes airflow and comfort and also removes odors.
This tent is extremely quick to put up and takes just 3 minutes to assemble and disassemble. Forceatt’s 7001 series combination aluminum rod has a diameter of 8.5mm and is designed to improve the windproof ability of the tent.
It also features buckles and straps that are quick and easy to assemble, and waterproof, sturdy #8 zippers, which can be used on both the inside and outside of the tent for smooth, easy, dual-sided access.
Pros
- Made from high-quality 70D polyester fiber
- waterproof index of 5000MM.
- Designed for use across the four seasons
- Welded floor to prevent rain penetration
- Mesh panels for improved airflow and breathability
- Quick and easy to assemble and disassemble
- Dual-sided waterproof zippers for easy access
Cons
- A little expensive for the size
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MoKo Waterproof Family Camping Tent
This four-season tent from MoKo, which sleeps three people, has a 2500+ waterproof flysheet to protect you and your family from rain, and a 5000mm (1000D Polyethylene) floor made from waterproof Oxford fabric.
With a waterproof rating of 2000mm you can rest assured that you won’t wake up to a damp tent and floor. Not only this, but all fabrics are also fire retardant for extra peace of mind.
The strong, stable frame of this tent is made up of fiberglass poles that can withstand wind, rain, and even snow, and if looked after well, will last you years.
The great thing about this tent is its versatility. Whilst it’s perfect for the colder, winter months, it’s taken into consideration the warm summer nights, too.
The body of the tent is made from a breathable mesh fabric which also prevents mosquitoes from entering. The clear window is a great touch, providing additional ventilation whilst also allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views.
It’s also extremely easy to assemble, and can effortlessly be assembled and disassembled by one person.
The tent also features side pockets for additional storage, as well as a hook for a lamp, and a detachable roof hood for added versatility.
Pros
- 2500+ waterproof flysheet
- 5000mm (1000D Polyethylene) floor
- Strong fiberglass poles
- Fire retardant material
- Breathable mesh body
- Clear window
- Easy to assemble
- Sleeps three
- Lamp hook and mesh pockets
Cons
- For very cold weather, this tent may not offer enough insulation
Columbia Mammoth Creek 6 Person
Colombia’s Mammoth Creek tent is designed with Omni-Shield-coated fabric which has advanced repellency against water and stains, and dries 3-5 times faster than untreated fabric, meaning it stays light even when it’s wet.
The taped seams of this tent ensure an extra layer of leak protection, while the tub floors prevent your floor space and belongings from getting soaked.
Colombia has ensured extra comfort thanks to the large adjustable ground vent and No-See-Um mesh which provides maximum airflow on warm days and nights.
This tent is extremely spacious as the straight-walled design and high ceiling allows for more internal space. The pull-out windows have been designed to maximize internal volume but also allow you to keep the windows open even when it’s raining.
The fiberglass poles hold up well against strong winds, while the integrated media pocket provides additional storage for your items.
Pros
- More spacious than it looks, thanks to straight-walled design and high ceilings
- Omni-Shield coated fabric
- Dries 3-5 times faster than untreated fabric
- Taped seams and tub floor for additional leak protection
- Mesh panels for additional airflow on warm days and nights
- Pull-out windows can be left open even when it’s raining
- Integrated media pocket and a window pocket
Cons
- Not the most portable bag design
- Straight walls allow more snow to settle on top
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Best Extreme Weather Tents Buying Guide
When it comes to shopping for an extreme weather tent, there are several factors to look out for.
If you’re still a little unsure about how to narrow down your choice, we’ve put together a handy buyer’s guide to help you make a more informed decision, and so that you can find the perfect tent for your needs.
Things to consider when looking for an extreme weather tent:
- Waterproof rating – will it keep you dry, and prevent leakage from soaking you and your belongings?
- Pole material – is the tent frame sturdy and strong enough to withstand high winds?
- Tent shape – does it have slanted sides to limit snow settling on the top of the tent?
- Portability – is it lightweight enough to carry on your back?
- Size – is it big enough for yourself or your family members?
- Versatility – does the tent meet all of your camping requirements – for example, can it be used during the warmer seasons, too?
- Cost and quality – is the tent cheaply made? Is it worth the money?
- Durability – will it last?
Water protection
If you’re camping in a region or season where heavy rain is expected, you’ll need to be extra mindful of the waterproof rating of your tent.
Waterproof ratings are measured in millimeters (mm) and are an indication of the amount of water pressure a fabric can withstand, this can usually fall anywhere from 800mm to 10,000 mm.
For example, a tent with a 2,000mm rating will endure a 2,000mm or two-meter column of water-bearing down on it before it starts to leak.
It’s a good idea to look for a tent with inverted or taped seams to reduce the risk of leakage, as well as a cupped floor for added protection. Waterproof zippers also prevent water from penetrating.
3 season tents
These are designed for use in the spring, summer, and fall, and are lighter than 4 season tents.
While a good-quality 3 season tent may hold up well in cold weather, for snow or gale-force winds you wouldn’t want to rely on one.
These are best for cold weather but not extreme.
4 season tents
These tents are also known as cold-weather or winter tents and are usually thicker and heavier than 3 season tents.
4 season tents are designed to be robust and durable enough to withstand high winds and heavy snow or rain.
Ultimately, these tents will have steep-sided walls to prevent snow from settling on top of the tent and will have strong poles usually made from aluminum.
Because of this, these tents will also usually cost slightly more than a 3 season tent, due to their added versatility.
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Wind proofing
You need to consider not only the material of the tent but also the strength of the tent poles. Tent poles are constructed out of different materials depending on the price point, however, the most popular are aluminum and fiberglass.
Aluminum offers strength and flexibility combined and will hold up well in winds of 80 mph or so, as they bend but don’t necessarily break.
Aluminum tent poles also tend to be lighter so are great for backpacking and portability, however, they’re also more expensive.
On the other hand, materials such as fiberglass are inexpensive and easy to produce, they also don’t corrode easily, so can last for a long time if looked after.
On the other hand, fiberglass is not as strong as aluminum but is thicker and heavier so it will weigh you down more.
You may also come across tents with steel poles. These are great in terms of rigidity and strength but are heavier and corrode easily.
Increasingly, we’re seeing carbon-fiber poles on the market, and these are ultra-lightweight and ultra-strong, but inevitably come with a higher price tag.
UV protection
Extreme weather doesn’t just include snow and rain.
If you’re used to camping throughout the four seasons you may want to invest in a 4 season tent which is ultra-versatile to allow ventilation and sun protection in the summer months, as well as warmth and protection in the winter.
Some tents may come with UV protection and many have mesh panels to promote air-flow and provide comfort and breathability.
Weight and portability
If you’re hiking as well as camping, youâ’re going to need a tent that is durable and weather-resistant but also lightweight and portable, too.
In this case, look for a tent that ticks both boxes and that is made from a high-quality material that isn’t unnecessarily cumbersome.
You also want to look for a tent that is easy to assemble and disassemble and that fits neatly into a portable, lightweight bag.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tent for cold weather?
This largely depends just how cold we’re talking, and also on the amount you’re willing to spend, as cold weather or winter tents can get pretty expensive.
Generally speaking, a good cold weather tent will be thick and durable and will be designed for use across the 4 seasons. You’ll want a tent that has two layers and slanted sides, to prevent snow from settling.
The fabric should be high-quality and waterproof to prevent leakage during rain showers, and the walls should be insulated enough to keep you warm even when it’s cold outside.
What is the best tent for high winds?
The best tent for high winds will likely have aluminum poles as although these are flexible, they’ll bend but not break, meaning they can withstand being knocked about by the wind.
A sturdy frame is essential for your tent, and is just as important as the material of the tent, as without a strong foundation your tent is unlikely to hold up well in extreme weather.
