Best Cold Weather Family Tent (For Winter Season)

Cold weather camping gives you the opportunity to explore snow-covered landscapes and feel the peace that comes with nature. It's even better if you can enjoy these moments with your small family.

 Actually, when it comes to large family tents, there aren't a lot of possibilities, but they are all very different from one another. These tents may be dome, tunnel, or cabin-style.  Others are straightforward designs, while some have many rooms and doors.

Whatever the style, we've put together a list of the best cold weather family tent that you should always take with you on your camping trip.

1. Ayamaya Four Season Backpacking Tent

Due to their design and construction, most cold weather tents cost more than others. Ayamaya's Four Season Backpacking Tent is free given how effectively it functions.

Thanks to its polyester and, PU-coated rain fly with a built-in snow skirt, it has a double wall like most winter tents do.

The ultralight aluminum alloy used to produce the color-coated poles makes them strong, lightweight, and simple to erect. Also inside is an oxford bathtub floor that is intended to keep mud and water out from all sides.

For comfort and convenience, it has two entrances, two large vestibules, and two air vents. Also, since it is freestanding, you  can take it anywhere without removing the entire structure.

To top it off, your winter tent will be simple to find in the snow, whether you choose the blue and white version or the orange and white one.

But if you try to put your camping equipments and all of your gear in, it can seem a little tight.

Pros

• Very Economical
• Both light and strong
• takes two minutes to set up
• Keeps snow and rain out
• Good interior storage

Cons

• Too small for two persons

2. Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian Tent

The Tasmanian Mountaineering Tent is a high-quality cold-weather tent made by ALPS Mountaineering. A mesh inner tent and a UV-resistant, full-coverage rain fly made of polyester make up this double-walled mountaineering tent, which has two outside vestibules on either end.

Setup is quick and simple thanks to the pre-attached lightweight aluminum poles. This ALPS Mountaineering Tent works well for snow camping even without a snow skirt, and the twin walls make sure it keeps warm inside. Also, the inside mesh walls are incredibly breathable.

The gear loft and mesh storage pockets on this tent are extra features. There is a ton of room for storing gear and possessions, along with the front and back vestibules, leaving the floor area free and clear for sleeping.

This ALPS Mountaineering Tent makes the ideal comfortable nest for a winter excursion if you and your companion enjoy trekking.

Pros

• Front and back vestibules
• Double walls
• Gear loft

Cons

• Expensive
• Quite heavy

3. Black Diamond FirstLight Tent

Black Diamond's FirstLight tent, which weighs just over three pounds, is the best option for solitary winter camping or lengthy cold-weather walks.

This one-wall tent includes mesh panels at the front and rear to enable airflow while still being small enough to trap as much of your body heat inside as possible.

It is supported by two lightweight aluminum DAC Featherlite poles and is wrapped in a proprietary NanoShield fabric for both durability and lightness. Reflective guy lines lessen stretching and lower the chance of tearing.

Two mesh pockets for additional storage can be found inside, along with a polyurethane floor that is water resistant. Except for the black floor, the entire tent is a vivid wasabi green to make it stand out among the snow.

This is a fantastic lightweight tent for your winter trekking experiences because of its unique design.

Unless you also have the vestibule, it won't be big enough for you and your gear if you're camping with a companion. You will also need to buy that component separately, unlike most winter tents. Thankfully, the same internet vendors sell both items.

Pros

• Extremely light
• Simple to assemble and pack
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• No enough space

4. Ozark Trail 10P Tent

This dome tent from Ozark Trail is customized. The central room is created by crossing two poles in the middle during setup. To make two more domed rooms, you add another pole to each side. It will take you at least 15 minutes to set up by yourself because it is a little difficult.

The Ozark Trail 10P tent offers some excellent qualities, especially its unique design, assuming you don't mind the challenging setup. There are three distinct rooms.

There is a door in the center and one on either end of each room. This means that campers can sleep in each room, enter and exit without disturbing the others.   Also, you may sleep in the side rooms and hang out in the main room.

The headroom isn't really good because the tent is a dome. Because of how low the side rooms are, I wouldn't suggest using a queen mattress there. It works best for little air mattresses or low cots.

The materials aren't terrific, which is to be expected with a family tent this cheap.  When it rains, the tent struggles. The room partitions lack a central zipper. Since each room has a door, it is not a significant concern, but it is annoying if you want to go between rooms while inside the tent.

Pros

• Each chamber has a door of its own.
• Has enough room

Cons

• Not good for heavy rain
• Longer setup time

5. CORE 9 Person Extended Dome

With a 16' x 9' configuration, the CORE 9-Person Extended Dome tent manages to squeeze out 144 square feet of room while only weighing 18.21 lbs. With lots of room for belongings, you can easily place two queen air mattresses inside this tent.

You can stand up in the center of this dome tent thanks to its 72-inch peak height. The Core excels in its capacity to withstand inclement weather. Rain and wind are kept out of the tent by the dome design and CORE H20 Block Technology.

Compared to other tents of this design, the Advanced Ventilation System has a ventilation pocket behind the canvas.

Pros

• Good for bad weather
• Can withstand windy conditions
• Has enough space for two queen air beds and equipment

Cons

• Has only one door

READ ALSO: Best Multiroom Tent for Camping with Family 2023

6. Mountain Hardwear Trango Tent

The Trango 4 Tent, made by Mountain Hardwear, another leading manufacturer of all-weather tents, is quite expension because of its high caliber.

Despite the fact that this four-person tent is undoubtedly not cheap, it has many helpful features that make the investment worthwhile. The Trango is a second double-insulated tent with a vestibule created by the outer fly.

Vestibules in tents are advantageous because they provide a dry entrance to the tent, which is especially useful in inclement weather. This lessens the likelihood that you will track inside ice and moisture. Also, a vestibule give you enough space to keep excess items, freeing up space inside.

You might not want to have your heavy boots and coats next to your head when you're sleeping if you're camping in the winter because they will likely be heavy. The interior of this tent is kept dry by double-taped seams and a bathtub-style floor.

Also, the striking turquoise and red color scheme of the nylon ripstop inner and nylon taffeta rain fly makes them stand out in the snow.

A gear loft and a light-diffuser pocket are also included in the Trango, where you can place your headlamp to generate an overhead light.

Pros

• Has enough space
• Extremely cozy with a stove

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Not built  for heavy snowfall

7. NEMO Wagontop 8 Tent

The NEMO Wagontop 8 Tent is a true work of art. With slightly under 125 square feet of floor space and a 27 square foot vestibule, it has enough space for a small family.

Its 80-inch peak height and distinctive frame design allow you to move around inside the tent while standing up. It has expansive mesh windows that let in air and let you enjoy the breathtaking views of the world.

Most significantly, it is constructed from high-quality materials. Aluminum tent poles support a polyester canopy with a polyether urethane coating of 75 denier. This implies that your tent will be completely capable of withstanding heavy rain and strong winds.

This tent is everything from inexpensive right now. For this one, you'll need to reach deep into your wallet. But don't worry. NEMO guarantees that you will love this tent for many years to come. In fact, they offer a lifetime warranty as a guarantee.

Pros

• Lots of space, with a 125 square foot floor area and a 27 square foot vestibule.
• Has mesh windows for ventilation.
• A unique design that allows you to stand up and move around.
• Lifetime warranty from NEMO

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Has only one door

8. Coleman Instant Dark Room 10P

A sizable family tent with many convenient features is the Coleman Dark Room 10P.  It is really simple to set up because it is an instant tent. It contains two rooms as well.

Since each room has its own door, you can enter and exit without disturbing your family members who are in the adjacent room.  A door on the set is hinged. I like how the room divider can be opened very easily because it zips down the middle.

This tent was made to be used in sweltering, sunny conditions. With the Dark Room feature, sunlight is blocked so you may sleep in.

Also, this feature is also helpful for encouraging your small children to nap throughout the day. This dark tent doesn't get too hot inside because it also blocks heat, unlike other dark tents.

The tent's weakness is that it performs poorly in inclement weather. Some users reported that the door zippers frequently snag and that there are some leakage via the windows.

Pros

• Each chamber has a door of its own.
• Instant tent with central divider zip

Cons

• Struggles during heavy rain

READ ALSO: 15 Best Hassle-free Pop Up Tent: Reviewed for Camping

9. MSR Access 2 Two-Person, Four-Season Ski Tent

The MSR Access 2 is made of state-of-the-art materials and is yet another incredibly light 4-season tent. 

Because of its robust, simple construction, the MSR Access 2 is one of the best ski touring tents.

It is one of our list's lightest four-season tents, weighing in little under 2 kilograms. This tent is incredibly adaptable, much like the Nemo Tenshi.

It has a double-wall construction that can withstand light snow loads and moderate amounts of moisture. It is appropriate for usage throughout moist shoulder seasons, alpine expeditions in the summer, and winter adventures in mild snowfall.

This 2-person expedition tent is fairly roomy in terms of liveability. It can easily accommodate two sleeping mats as well as minor equipment. Also, the tent has two entrances with exterior vestibules on either side for storing boots, poles, and wet gear.

However, the ventilation in this MSR 4-season tent is not to my taste. Your forehead could develop condensation that drips. Also, those taller than 6 feet may find it difficult to lie down comfortably in this tent.

Pros

• Extremely light
• Simple to set up
• Has pocket mesh

Cons

• There is no snow skirt.
• Very expensive.

10. The North Face Wawona Tent

The North Face Wawona 6 is one of the best options for campers who need more storage at their campsites. It comes with a sizable vestibule that makes it easy to store goods and take off soiled shoes and clothing.

Moreover, this tent exceeded our expectations by effectively managing rain, undoubtedly because of the sturdy double-wall design. Despite the strong wind, the tent's 1,200-millimeter waterproof rating and 75-denier polyester fabric meant that no additional anchoring was required.

It's simple to assemble and disassemble. With changes including a color-coded system of pole colors matching the pole sleeve and a redesigned DAC MX poleset that can bend without breaking. Cleanup at the campground is made simple by the carrying case's large cinch-top opening.

Pros

• A large vestibule
• Works well in extreme weather conditions

Cons

• Not enough room
• The tent feels a little crowded when there are more than four people inside.

11. Naturehike Opalus Tent

There is a less expensive option from Naturehike. This tent was made for campers who want to go on winter excursions but can't justify spending the money on an MSR, Big Agnes, or other premium brands like Fjallraven or Hilleberg.

But using a company like Naturehike comes with hazards. Their items don't have the same level of quality as more expensive options from rival firms.

For instance, the Hilleberg Nammatj, which is comparable to this model but has stronger 10mm poles to give the tent additional stability, uses smaller 8.5mm aluminum poles.

Given how affordable this tent is, the rain fly's ripstop nylon construction and polyurethane coating give it a remarkable hydrostatic head rating of 3000mm. Even if the poles in this tent could be thicker, aluminum is a lightweight and durable material for tent poles, so they are still advantageous.

It only takes two individuals about five to seven minutes to set up the model comfortably. It has a large vestibule, big enough to fit a full-sized adult mountain bike.

This may not be necessary if you're using the tent in heavy snowfall, but the ventilation makes this a 4-season tent that can be used all year round.

Winter camping trips into the wilderness are affordable thanks to the Naturehike Opalus.

Pros

• Affordable
• Offers excellent value
• It is adaptable and can be used in warm weather
• Large vestibule

Cons

• Made with low-quality materials

12. Rei Co-op Base Camp Tent

The Base Camp 4 from REI is an all-around cold weather tent that's good for vehicle campers out there who don't want the fun to cease when winter arrives.

There is a ton of interior room, a large vestibule area, excellent organization, and some of the best ventilation we've ever seen in a four-season model in the Base Camp.

There is enough mesh in the ceiling for usage in the summer, the double doors are enormous, and the windows are superb.

While that would often restrict a tent to three-season use, REI has a plan up their sleeves: Almost all of the mesh on this tent has a zippered backing made of solid material, allowing you to adjust the ventilation and warmth to your specific camping needs.

You will get a balance of performance and livability by combining that with an easy-to-pitch design, durable textiles, and a peak height of 60 inches.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Base Camp won't make it to your upcoming climbing expedition and definitely isn't the greatest shelter if you're anticipating three feet of snowfall.

Even so, it's the best choice for the average winter camper and a strong contender for winter family camping, especially in the bigger 6-person form.

Pros

• Very comfortable to live in
• Has good ventilation

Cons

• Not designed for bad weather
• A little heavy

13. CAMPROS 6-Person Tent

The 77 square feet of floor space in the Campros 6-Person Tent, a roomy, single-walled, four-season tent, is sufficient for the entire family.

The coated polyester outer used in this single-wall tent gives it total waterproofing. You and your family are shielded from bad weather by a separate rain fly. But this tent really shines when it comes to withstanding the wind. Even in strong winds that is as high as 40 mph, this tent remains steadfast.

There are four color choices for the Campros Tent: rusty red, brilliant green, dark green, and blue.

Also, this is the ideal four-season tent for weekend family camping because it comes with simple-to-assemble fiberglass tent poles.

Pros

• Quite spacious
• Good for windy conditions
• Waterproof

Cons

• Has only a single wall
• The entire tent is not covered by a rain fly

14. White Duck Regatta 10’ Canvas Bell Tent

White Duck is well-known for its four-season tents in the yurt design, which are excellent for multi-day outdoor events, family vacations, and glamping.

While their most popular Regatta tent is available in a variety of sizes, we'll concentrate on the 10-foot model because it comfortably accommodates up to four people.

It is made of 100% army duck cotton canvas, not nylon or polyester like most tents, which is breathable in the summer. Also, there is no need for an additional layer because this material is so thick and durable.

With a ten-foot circumference, the interior is spacious and has a built-in stove jack so you can prepare food just like you would at home. Four ceiling vents prevent the buildup of moisture, and the entrance and windows are made of mesh.

There are galvanized steel poles, UV-reflective guy ropes, and tent pegs, including the one in the middle to hold everything in place.

Even though the materials are waterproof and UV-blocking by nature, you should get a fire-retardant version for extra security.  

Beige, brown, and olive green are available color options to ensure that your tent blends in with the surrounding natural scenery.

The Regatta is obviously not made for lengthy excursions or casual campers, given its weight and high price. However, we continue to believe that this is the greatest winter tent for those who want to camp out in luxury and style even in cold weather.

Pros

• Made with high-quality materials
• Has enough storage space
• Fire-resistant alternatives
• Has a stove jack

Cons

• Heavy
• Quite expensive
• Not designed for heavy snowfall

15. UNP Camping Tent

Another modified dome family tent is the UNP camping tent. To separate it into two rooms, there is a partition in the center.  

To enter and exit the tent without disturbing others in the adjacent room, the front door is divided into two halves. When the room divider is up, however, you can't go between the two rooms because the partition doesn't zip down.

Each side of the tent will accommodate a full air mattress. Or, if the partition is taken down, you can fit three air mattresses inside. This is great for small families who want two rooms because there wouldn't be enough space left for storage or shifting the beds.   

Also take note of the center door hinge, which has two small doors rather than one large one. This is because it is difficult to get mattresses inside.

The tent handles rain better than most cabin tents because of its rain fly and dome form. The fabric is thin and low-quality, though. So, you should expect considerable leakage during intense thunderstorms.

However, a groundsheet will likely be useful to use with the tent in inclement weather.  

Pros

• Very affordable
• Lightweight and suitable for bad weather
• Two functional sleeping areas

Cons

• Large mattresses are difficult to fit through doors
• One entry only
• The room divider has no zipper
• Little ventilation because of few windows

READ ALSO: Best 8 Person Camping Tent 2023 with Good Reviews

Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Cold Weather Family Tent

Before you go looking for the best cold weather tent to take your family camping, there are some things you should look out for. They are:

1. Weather Resistance

The key to staying warm is staying dry. Being chilly is one thing, but being cold and wet is unpleasant, if not hazardous.

You're best off looking at the real waterproof rating (in mm) and the reviews to be sure because many tents on the market falsely claim to be waterproof.

Even though a tent has double-taped seams, construction errors can happen. A more reliable technique to assess a tent's water resistance is to look at what other people have experienced.

2. Durability

Your winter camping tent should be able to withstand bad weather, wherever you are. You can experience heavy snowfall, ice storms, high winds, and even direct sunlight throughout your visit.

Finding the ideal balance between protection and durability is very important.

The rain fly on ordinary tents can be removed to keep the interior dry and prevent the roof from collapsing, but the one on winter tents covers the whole thing. This keeps the wet weather out and insulates the tent, keeping you warmer.

Snow skirts, often referred to as snow flaps, are a common feature in four-season tents and prevent snow and wind from entering the first tent. In order to seal the tent's perimeter, you can either pile snow on top or tuck the flaps underneath.

Also choosing the right tent fabric makes a huge difference. Most double-wall designs are constructed from specially coated nylon or polyester, which need maintenance but are breathable and tear-resistant.

However, canvas is better for single wall tents since it is thicker, more breathable, and more durable.

For cold weather tents, aluminum or steel poles are always the best options. Fiberglass works well, but it can break easily during setup and may eventually need to be replaced.

3. Tent Floor

The floor of our tent is important, but in the winter it becomes even more important. It must be able to keep out snow and rain, fend off mold and mildew, and shield you from anything else that may be on the ground.

Most winter tent floors are constructed of ultra-durable polyester oxford, which is able to hold its shape and is less likely to rip. Also, even though it is waterproof on its own, many tent makers pre-treat it with a PU coating as an added precaution.

To give you and your wet gear extra protection and more time to dry off, some models even extend the floor out past the main tent space and into a vestibule area in the front. The Pop-Up tent by Ayamaya is a perfect example.

4. Shape and Size

Most winter tents are smaller in size so that you can more easily keep your body heat inside. There is no need for a huge winter tent unless you are going camping with a large group. Even then, it's best for everyone to bring a small bag.

However, adequate floor space is usually needed to improve the comfort of sleeping.

We advise staying with sleeping bags only and avoiding mattresses to conserve room.  Apart from taking up too much space, the stuffing's perforations may also increase the temperature of the room by trapping unneeded air.

You will only need your winter clothing, a warm water bottle, and a nice sleeping bag to be warm.

5. Weight

Winter tents weigh more than three-season tents because of the sturdy materials used to make them. When it comes to hiking, mountaineering, and alpine trips, packing light is more important than being comfortable and livable.

Some people tend to carry heavier loads during summer adventures, like extra food, fuel, a thicker sleeping bag, more clothing, a warmer sleeping mat, etc.

6. Gear storage

The internal walls of most tents have pockets where you can store your stuff so you can access them while you're relaxing. To keep vital objects as high off the floor as possible, most people come with a nylon mesh gear loft that hooks onto the ceiling.

A tiny area called a vestibule, which is situated between the main entrance and the tent space, should be included in any good winter tent. The vestibule will give you enough room to enter or exit while putting on or taking off your stuff.

You can store your items in the vestibule and use it as a place to dry them. It can also be a fantastic resting spot for your pet or a play area for your small children when it's not snowing outside.  Anytime of the year, a decent four-season tent may be converted and adjusted for use.

7. Cost

Cold weather tents are more expensive than conventional tents since they are made of more durable, high-quality materials.

But it's simple to understand the value of paying for that quality when you picture yourself waking up in the middle of a snowstorm with half your tent fallen on your face.

8. Ease of Setup

An aspect of a winter tent that is simple to miss but is actually quite important is how simple it is to set up. It's a possibility that you'll need to erect your tent in the middle of a snow, rain, or wind storm.

Therefore, the last thing you need is a tent that is difficult to erect or extremely difficult to handle while wearing gloves. A good winter tent should be constructed so that the inside tent is assembled before the rain fly.

This makes a dry area where you can store your gear and keeps the inside tent from becoming wet. The guy line attachment points, stake out points, and inner tent attachment points should all be simple to use. These elements will be present in a well-designed four-season tent.

9. Insulation

The two types of excellent winter tents are double-wall and single-wall. Most of us are familiar with double-wall tents, which include a main body and an outer rain fly that shields the inner layer from high winds and moisture.

On the other hand, single-wall tents have a more compact construction that reduces weight and volume by fusing the canopy and rain fly into a single waterproof covering. These tents prioritize "fast-and-light" over all other factors.

So, they won't be as cozy or well-ventilated as a double-wall design. A single-wall tent is the "ultralight" choice for quick ascents of mountains.

Sincerely, most of us benefit more from a double-wall design. Nearly all of the "creature comforts" we look for in three-season tents are available in double-wall four-season tents, and most of the smaller size double-wall alternatives are also surprisingly lightweight.

10. Ventilation

Ventilation is an important aspect to consider in a family tent during inclement weather. No matter how many people you can fit in your tent, if there is not enough air or moisture, you will all suffocate.

For this reason, multiple mesh windows that are preferably angled so they can be opened even in the rain are a necessity when selecting this kind of tent. Keep in mind that mesh doors can also be useful.

A meshed roof can also help in air circulation. The doors and windows should allow you vent your tent during rain. The mesh roof will also enable you to enjoy some pleasant stargazing when it's dry and you don't need the fly.

After going through our top picks,  the right to choose any of these tent lies with you. There are many amazing winter camping tents, though.

You can select any one of these models above that will suit your own camping preferences, whether you want something with more room or extra conveniences.

Discover what a fantastic winter camping experience has to offer by choosing the right tent!