Best 4-Season Tents of 2023

Best 4-Season Tents of 2023

From backcountry ski tours to mountaineering in some of the most brutal weather on Earth, a 4-season tent is the last line of defense between you and the elements. Accordingly, these tents are much stronger than their 3-season counterparts with less mesh, more substantial canopies and rainflies, tougher pole structures, and a whole host of features designed for winter use. Below are our picks for the best 4-season tents of 2023. Given the range of possible uses, we’ve categorized the different models under mountaineering, basecamp, and treeline. For more background, see our 4-season tent comparison table and buying advice below the picks.
 

Our Team's 4-Season Tent Picks

Best Overall 4-Season Tent

Category: Basecamp
Packaged weight: 11 lb. 5.1 oz.
Floor area: 48 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: Tough build, great livability, and comes in multiple sizes.
What we don’t: Heavy and expensive.

Mountain Hardwear’s Trango has been trusted for years in the most inhospitable regions of the planet. And although it’s the heaviest tent on our list, you’ll be thankful for all 11 pounds 5.1 ounces when you’re weathering out tough conditions in basecamp. Holding back nothing in the name of protection, the Trango 3 features a double-wall design, 48 square feet of living space (suitable for three and ideal for two), and two doors and vestibules for easy access and convenient storage. And for added security in high winds, Mountain Hardwear designed the tent fly to connect to both the poles and the body of the tent, forming one solid structure that can withstand some of the world’s worth weather.

At high-altitude basecamps around the world, you’re bound to see two tents more than almost any other: The North Face’s VE 25 (below) and the Mountain Hardwear Trango here. The Trango does fall short of the VE 25 in a few categories: It’s more expensive (by $250) and forgoes the TNF’s pole sleeves, which provide a very stable structure in high winds (our tester had the opportunity for a side-by-side comparison while guiding on Denali). But we’re big fans of the Trango’s innovative design that secures the fly to the tent body, and it’s a lot easier to come by. In addition, it features a more durable fly (70D vs. the VE 25's 40D), and comes in two ($900), three, and four-person varieties ($1,200). All told, whether you’re winter adventuring in the Lower 48 or waiting out weather in the greater ranges, the Trango is one of the most well-built and reliable shelters available.
See the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3

Best Single-Wall Mountaineering Tent

Category: Mountaineering
Packaged weight: 3 lb. 5 oz.
Floor area: 26.9 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Single
What we like: Lightweight and compact; incredible build quality and attention to detail.
What we don’t: Expensive.

Based in the French Alps, Samaya is taking the 4-season tent world by storm with exquisitely high-end offerings that hold nothing back. Their price points are undeniably steep, but you get what you pay for, including innovative R&D, premium materials, and a meticulous attention to detail. The Samaya 2.0 (which also comes in a 2.5) is their best all-rounder, combining top-notch waterproofing and breathability with an impressively low weight. Black Diamond’s Eldorado used to be our category pick, but the Samaya 2.0 boosts breathability with 3-layer Nanovent walls (in addition to a removable mesh door), uses a durable and waterproof Dyneema floor and “fly,” and still manages to undercut the BD’s weight by almost 2 pounds. We just can’t get enough of this tent, which also features a large vent with 2-way zipper, huge side pocket and removable hanging pocket, headroom-increasing ridge pole, and equalized guylines that come pre-rigged. 

The decision between the Sayama2.0 and a double-wall tent like the Trango above comes down to the scope of your trip. If you plan to set up shop in one place, the extra pounds of a basecamp tent are worth the added space and breathability; on the other hand, summit pushes and fast-and-light missions will require a lighter shelter. Keep in mind there are some downsides to the minimalist design: The Samaya 2.0 is a tight squeeze for two, only features one door, and you’ll have to pay extra for a vestibule (available both in nylon and Dyneema). But these tradeoffs are par for the course for alpinists, and Samaya’s offerings are truly in a league of their own. Those looking to save even more weight should check out their Assaut2 Ultra (2 lb. 5 oz.), which features an all-Dyneema build, carbon poles, and a built in “lifeline” for staying secure on small ledges (but at $2,100, cost might be prohibitive).
 

Best All-Season Tent for Treeline Adventures

Category: Treeline
Trail weight: 4 lb. 1 oz.
Floor area: 29 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: Ultralight for a double-wall tent yet decently protective.
What we don’t: Expensive; solid walls impact breathability in mild conditions.

Many 4-season tents are overkill for mild winter conditions, when you could be getting away with a lighter and more breathable design. Enter the “treeline” category, and our top pick MSR Access 2. The double-wall Access toes the line between the 3- and 4-season categories, with more bombproof protection than a standard backpacking tent in a streamlined and packable 4-pound-1-ounce design. And importantly, you still get two doors, two vestibules, and 29 square feet of floor area (our testers jumped up to the three-person version for extra space with a canine). For backcountry ski trips or spring mountaineering when the weather is fairly good or you won’t be fully exposed, the Access is well worth a closer look.

The MSR Access’s “treeline” designation is a bit tricky. The last thing you want is to be in over your head in a winter storm, and the 4-pound weight is awfully light. What’s more, breathability will suffer in mild conditions (unlike 3-season tents, the Access does not feature any mesh in its walls), and the fly doesn’t fully extend to the ground, so you’ll want to create a snow wall if you anticipate drafts and drifts. But the Access is nevertheless a great fit for shoulder-season conditions: It’s been our go-to choice for spring touring in British Columbia and trekking the Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru. Within this category, it’s also worth checking out Nemo’s Kunai ($550), which features solid walls that zip off to reveal mesh panels for better airflow in mild conditions (on the other hand, it has a tapered floor plan and only one door)… Read in-depth review
See the MSR Access 2

Best Ultralight 4-Season Shelter

Category: Basecamp/treeline
Weight: 2 lb. 13 oz.
Floor area: 50.7 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Single
What we like: Incredible versatility for snow camping.
What we don’t: Floorless design means you’re more exposed to the elements.

You’ll likely want a fully featured tent for sleeping in the snow, but as a dining shelter, gear storage, or simply a change of scenery when cabin fever sets in, the Black Diamond Mega Light is a total basecamp luxury. And we use the word “luxury” lightly—with single-wall construction and no floor, it’s far from the most protective tent here. But the value of this shelter really comes into full view while camping on snow: The center pole prop serves as a table, while the outer edges can be dug out to create seating for up to six. In addition, the Mega Light tacks on a roof vent (this is one shelter we encourage you to cook in!) and mid panel guy-out points for great security in high winds. And the versatility doesn’t stop there—it can also double as a lightweight sleeping shelter in a pinch.

But calling the Mega Light a 4-season tent is a bit of a stretch. Its tough 30-denier canopy has withstood winds up to 50 miles per hour throughout our testing (and the polyester build is very resistant to sagging when wet), but it just doesn’t compare to burlier tents like the Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GT below or even the single-walled Samaya 2.0 above. In essence, the Mega Light is a glorified tarp with no floor: In truly cold or windy conditions, it’s prone to flapping around and will feel quite drafty. Black Diamond also makes the Mega Snow (out of stock at the time of publishing), which features more venting options and a 70-denier skirt for complete weatherproofing... Read in-depth review
See the Black Diamond Mega Light

Best of the Rest

Category: Basecamp
Packaged weight: 10 lb. 5 oz.
Floor area: 48 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: A great value for a time-tested and sturdy basecamp design.
What we don’t: Only sold in a three-person capacity.

The VE 25 is one of expedition mountaineering's most popular tents, and for good reason.  Similar to the Trango above, the three-person VE 25 features a burly double-wall build, stout poles, and time-tested fabrics that thrive in tough conditions. Two doors and vestibules provide multiple entry points and ample storage space, and you get eight internal pockets and an assortment of hanger loops to organize and dry out your gear. And for those tent-bound days (or weeks) in basecamp, the VE 25 ventilates well and provides ample space for two or three with a 48-square-foot floor plan and peak height of 48 inches (3 in. taller than the Trango).

Our main gripe with the VE 25 is that it can be tricky to find—at the time of publishing, it’s not carried by any online retailers. But if you can get your hands on one, it’s a stellar tent: The combination of pole sleeves and clips results in noticeably more structural integrity in high wind than the Trango, and it’s a full $250 cheaper. Of course, weight is a factor with any basecamp design—if you're opting for a tent like the VE 25 or Trango, it's likely you're flying or portering into the mountains—and one downside of the TNF is that it only comes in one size (the Mountain Hardwear is available in two, three, and four-person varieties). But for a great combination of value, protection, and livability for waiting out storms at basecamp, the VE 25 is tough to beat.
See The North Face VE 25

Category: Mountaineering
Packaged weight: 3 lb. 6 oz.
Floor area: 27.3 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Single
What we like: Lightweight and relatively inexpensive.
What we don’t: Will wet out in sustained moisture; you’ll need to apply seam sealing.

The Black Diamond Firstlight is a polarizing 4-season tent. Some climbers rave about just how light and packable it is, while others decry its middling weather protection. What’s our take? It’s ideal for the right objective, and a poor choice for just about everything else. Under clear skies or in sub-freezing temperatures, the Firstlight provides a stable shelter at a very low packed weight, and with better breathability than much of the single-walled competition (the mesh door is a big plus). Top it off with a super affordable price tag and a 6-inch wider floor area than the MSR Advance Pro below, and there’s a reason why climbers turn to the Firstlight year after year for minimalist protection from the elements.

The biggest shortcoming of the Black Diamond Firstlight is that it’s not fully waterproof. The NanoShield canopy fabric has a silicone coating that gets the job done in light moisture, but it will be overwhelmed by heavy rain. What’s more, you’ll have to seam-seal the tent carefully in order to prevent leaks (even after applying Gear Aid’s Seam Sure, we spent a particularly drippy night in the Firstlight in the middle of the North Cascades). The Samaya 2.0 above offers a huge step up, with complete waterproofing, impressive breathability, and durable Dyneema fabrics for virtually the same weight; but as an emergency bivy for almost $1,000 less, the Firstlight still has a lot to offer. Finally, keep in mind that the BD also comes in a 3-person design ($500, 3 lb. 13.6 oz.), which is a reasonable option for those who need a bit more space. Editor's note: the Firstlight (both the 2P and 3P versions) is out of stock at the time of publishing, but we expect to see renewed inventory later this spring.
See the Black Diamond Firstlight 2P

Category: Basecamp/mountaineering
Packaged weight: 7 lb. 11 oz.
Floor area: 36.3 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: External pole structure sets up fast and reduces weight.
What we don’t: Low peak height and thin fly fabric.

Taking direct aim at the popular Trango and VE 25 tents above is the Nemo Chogori 2. The big news with this tent is its combined double-wall construction and external pole structure, which makes it faster and easier to pitch in inclement weather (the Trango and VE 25 require that you set up the body and rainfly separately, which takes more time and can lead to moisture getting inside the tent). Nemo didn’t skimp on quality either with strong DAC poles and silicone-treated nylon on the fly for added durability and weatherproofing, plus the addition of a wrap-around snow skirt on the newest version. And at 7 pounds 11 ounces, the Chogori is among the lighter basecamp-ready tents on this list.

What are the downsides of the Nemo Chogori? With 36.3 square feet of interior space, it’s fairly roomy for a two-person design, but its 39-inch peak height means less head room than most tents here (on the other hand, this is great for keeping a low profile in heavy winds). Further, the fly fabric is relatively thin at just 30-denier, compared to the 70- or 75-denier of many basecamp tents here. And at $750, you won't save anything over the VE 25 (also $750), nor does the Nemo come with the TNF's long track record in extreme conditions. But taken together, the Chogori’s simple and quick set-up, strong pole structure, and reasonable weight makes it an attractive and versatile option for mountaineering and other winter backcountry adventures. 
See the Nemo Chogori 2

Category: Basecamp
Packaged weight: 8 lb. 3 oz.
Floor area: 30.1 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: Super roomy vestibule and unique aerodynamic structure.
What we don’t: Only one door and peak height is low for a basecamping tent.

Based in Sweden, Hilleberg specializes in tents, with a strong lineup of designs for everything from solo fastpacking to high-altitude mountaineering and polar expeditions. Each model features ultra-premium materials and focuses on small details like no other brand, making Hilleberg some of the most reliable—and expensive—tents on the market. Their Nammatj GT is a very popular option for extreme mountain conditions, featuring strong Kerlon fabric and a tunnel-shaped design for remarkable stability and protection. You also get a whopping 25.8 square feet of vestibule space, which is a convenient design for cooking in inclement weather. All told, considering the all-in weight of 8 pounds 3 ounces, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a 4-season tent that does more while weighing less (and the standard Nammatj is only 6 lb. 10 oz.).

A nice alternative to many of the dome tents here, the Nammatj GT’s unique tunnel shape is aerodynamic in strong winds and easily sheds snow. This design makes it one of our top picks for the harsh conditions of high-altitude basecamps and polar exploration, but you do give up a bit of livability with only one door and a lower peak height (37 in. compared to the TNF VE’s 48 in.). It’s also worth noting that many guide services on Denali pitch the Nammatj (or four-person Keron 4 GT) using two sets of poles, as the poles has been known to bow and snap when the wind hits the tent just right. Finally, like everything from Hilleberg, the Nammatj GT will cost you a pretty penny at $1,115. But if you’re considering tents like the Trango or VE 25 above and have the added budget, the Nammatj is well deserving of a spot on your short list.
See the Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GT

Category: Treeline
Packaged weight: 6 lb. 5 oz.
Floor area: 32.9 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: A great value for a 4-season tent.
What we don’t: Not built for the toughest of conditions.

Similar to the MSR Access above, there’s a time and place for the Arete. REI calls it “all season light” (hence the "ASL"), which translates to a tent that offers better weather protection than a traditional 3-season model but isn’t built for super-strong winds or heavy snow loads. But with a four-pole design, the Arete is a very stable tent, and head room is generous at 43 inches. For 6 pounds 5 ounces and only $449, it’s an economical way to hit the backcountry on a ski or snowshoe trip in mild to moderate conditions. Put simply, you won’t find a better deal anywhere on this list.

One thing in particular that we like about the REI Co-op Arete is that it’s a true year-round option. The double-wall design and substantial mesh door and vents means that it can be used for normal backpacking trips not involving the cold, but the Arete can hold its own on snow as well. As long as you don’t depend on the Arete to be your companion on high-altitude or particularly stormy missions, it’s great for the shoulder seasons and a healthy range of mild winter trips.
See the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2

Category: Mountaineering
Packaged weight: 3 lb. 3 oz.
Floor area: 24 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Single
What we like: The lightest tent here but still waterproof; easy setup.
What we don’t: No mesh door and very limited floor area.

Samaya and Black Diamond top our list of single-wall mountaineering tents, but the MSR Advance Pro is another great option. At just 3 pounds 3 ounces, it's the lightest tent here and features a tiny 24-square-foot floor area that fits on the smallest mountain ledges. Set up doesn’t get much easier (MSR even has a video of pitching the Advance Pro while perched on a bucket) and the external pole sleeves and clips mean you don’t have to crawl in and out to get a perfect pitch (as is the case with the Firstlight). Side vents help with airflow, and a waterproof coating on both the body and floor keeps most moisture out (we recommend sealing the seams too).

Samaya's 2.0 (and even more high-end Assaut2 Ultra) is a clear favorite in the lightweight mountaineering category, but those on any sort of budget will likely be choosing between the Black Diamond Firstlight and Advance Pro 2 here. Differences between the two tents include floor area (the Firstlight offers a 6-inch wider sleeping area, while the Advance Pro 2's footprint is barely tenable for two) and ventilation (the MSR lacks a mesh door. But on the other hand, the Advance Pro is a more waterproof option, which is one of our main gripes with the Firstlight. At almost double the price of the BD, the MSR is tough to justify, but it's nevertheless a very weather-protective and lightweight option for fast-and-light traverses and summit pushes.
See the MSR Advance Pro 2

Category: Mountaineering/basecamp
Packaged weight: 7 lb. 2 oz.
Floor area: 33 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: Light enough for summit pushes yet comfortable for waiting out a storm.
What we don’t: Not as roomy as most basecamp options.

MSR’s Access above is built for spring conditions or winter camping below treeline, but we turn to their more substantial Remote for full-on mountaineering objectives. With a sturdy frame, bombproof Easton Syclone poles, and solid walls with zippered vents on each door, the Remote is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws its way. And while the storm is raging outside, the inside is nicely tuned for comfort, including excellent livability at 33 square feet for the two-person version (noticeably more than single-wall tents like the Samaya 2.0 and Firstlight), near-vertical walls, and a large main vestibule. If you’re on the hunt for a sturdy double-walled tent that offers more protection than a treeline or mountaineering design without the heft or price tag of a true basecamp model, the MSR Remote is a really nice middle ground.

We’ve taken the Remote on ski mountaineering trips along Canada’s Icefields Parkway and up Mount Rainier and found it to be a very capable companion in heavy wind and snow. That said, we did have some issues with condensation buildup: the thick rainfly material has a tendency to trap warm air, with the only vents being the mesh panels on the doors (there are no dedicated vents at the top of the tent). And similar to the MSR Access, the Remote lacks storm flaps at each end, and the rainfly can hover as far as 5 inches off the ground when taut (the tall bathtub floor should keep most of the elements at bay). Within this ‘tweener category, we give the slight edge to the Chogori for its spacious floor plan and quick set-up, but the Remote uses slightly more durable fabrics (40D) and will save you over a half-pound… Read in-depth review
See the MSR Remote 2

Category: Treeline/basecamp
Packaged weight: 7 lb. 4 oz.
Floor area: 31.2 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: Premium materials and construction, versatile for all-season use.
What we don’t: Expensive and heavy for a treeline tent.

The Nammatj GT above is a premium basecamp tent from Hilleberg, but for shoulder-season conditions, their Allak is a very popular option. Like designs like the Access and ASL Arete above, the Allak features a lightweight yet sturdy dome structure that’s protective in a storm yet breathable enough for summer heat. In short, it’s among the most versatile all-season designs available, and with two doors and vestibules the Allak’s 7-pound 4-ounce weight is considerably lighter than true basecamp models like the Trango above. 

The Allak walks the line between our “treeline” and “basecamp” categories, and Hilleberg’s Red Label (one step below their legendary Black Label) alludes to a similar classification. In other words, it’s a step up from a tent like the REI Arete ASL above, but not quite on par with the Trango or VE 25 above in terms of protection. But in our experience, the Allak is strong enough to handle the gusty winds and heavy precipitation of true winter weather, making it a just-right option for winter camping in the Lower 48. Within Hilleberg’s lineup, you can also bump up to the Staika for a similar yet more protective build (8 lb. 13 oz.)... Read in-depth review
See the Hilleberg Allak 2

Category: Mountaineering 
Packaged weight: 8 lb. 1.1 oz.
Floor area: 45.8 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Single
What we like: Lightweight and strong; features a vestibule (unlike most single-wall tents). 
What we don’t: You can save weight with a more streamlined design like the Samaya 2.0.

Mountain Hardwear’s Trango 3 above is a perennial favorite for those who want maximum basecamp protection, but if you’re looking to shave some weight for summit pushes, the ACI 3 is a great tent to have in your pack. Built for expeditions on the world’s highest peaks, the ACI features burly single-wall construction and a reinforced sleeved-pole design that sets up in a flash and is stable and quiet in high winds. And despite its streamlined design, the Mountain Hardwear tacks on a number of useful features, including a vestibule and interior snow port, which unzips so that you can sweep out accumulated snow, rope up to an outside anchor, or even relieve yourself when you’re tent-bound on a snow day. 

At only 8 pounds 1.1 ounces for 45.8 square feet of livable space (the three-person Trango is 48 sq. ft. and clocks in at 11 lb. 5.1 oz.), the ACI 3 is fairly competitive in terms of weight and fits three sleepers better than most mountaineering tents here (the attached vestibule is nice, too). And for two people and their gear, it’s certainly a more comfortable choice than a tent like our top-ranked Samaya 2.0 (3 lb. 5 oz.), but the weight penalty is significant. Finally, like most single-wall tents, ventilation isn’t the ACI’s strongest suit, but you do get four zippered vents and a full mesh door to encourage airflow. All told, you can’t go wrong with Mountain Headwear’s mountaineering tent collection (we also love their minimalist AC 2), and the ACI 3 is provides a nice balance of protection, minimalism, and livability. 
See the Mountain Hardwear ACI 3

Category: Basecamp
Packaged weight: 8 lb. 12 oz.
Floor area: 33 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: Incredible wind resistance and sets up quickly in bad weather.
What we don’t: Expensive and low on interior space compared to the competition.

The majority of Black Diamond’s 4-season tents are holdovers from their Bibler acquisition, including the single-walled Eldorado mentioned above. But released in the spring of 2021, the Mission is a Black Diamond original. Like the Nemo Chogori, it’s a double-wall tent with an external frame, which is ideal for getting a fast pitch in bad conditions (you don’t have to expose the inside of the tent to the elements). Further, the unique tunnel shape offers best-in-class stability (similar to the Nammatj above), and BD ups the ante with center hubs and crisscrossing poles for even better assurance in crosswinds. Tack on two generous vestibules, and you get a highly capable basecamp design that goes head to head with the likes of the Trango and VE 25 above. It's for good reason that the Mission has now become a staple in high-altitude basecamp environments in the Alaska Range.

What are the downsides to Black Diamond’s new design? Unlike most of the double-wall tents here, the Mission’s fly does not separate from the tent body, which limits ventilation and makes the tent a no-go for mild conditions or particularly sunny days on snow. And while it’s slightly lighter than much of the competition, the floor area takes a hit—both the two-person Trango and ACI 3 above offer a bump in interior space with 40 and 45.8 square feet respectively. A final downside is the fairly steep $900 price tag, although the Mission is still significantly cheaper than the Hilleberg Nammatj. But it's a solid basecamp entry from Black Diamond, and particularly easy to pitch in high winds. Keep in mind that Black Diamond also offers the tent in three- and four-person models, the latter of which comes with an extended front vestibule for added versatility at basecamp.
See the Black Diamond Mission 2

Category: Treeline/basecamp
Packaged weight: 6 lb. 3 oz.
Floor area: 41 sq. ft.
Wall(s): Double
What we like: Very spacious but still lightweight.
What we don’t: Not as