Are you looking for a 4 season tent that won’t break the bank? Look no further! We have compiled five of the best budget-friendly 4-season tents on the market. Keep reading to discover which tent has the features you need for your next camping adventure.
A 4-season tent is the last line of defense between you and the elements. That means starting from backcountry ski expeditions to mountaineering in some of the harshest weather on the planet.
As a result, these mountaineering tents are far more durable than their 3-season counterparts, with less netting, larger canopies and rain flies, stiffer pole frameworks, and a slew of other winter-specific characteristics.
Good thing we have listed here the top four-season camping tents for 2022 to help you with what to look for and which ones you could check out and buy for your next travel.
We’ve divided these tent models into three categories based on their potential applications: mountaineering, basecamp, and treeline.
Let’s jump in and look at the best budget 4-season tents.
1. Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
The Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 is our top pick for the best backpacking tent gear. This double wall design offers ample protection from strong wind, with a fly that links to the poles and tent body.
Additionally, it has two doors and vestibules for easy in-and-out access and an impressive 40 square-foot footprint larger than most 2-person models available. The recent addition of D-shaped entrance doors makes entry even easier, while the extended bathtub floor offers extra weather protection from heavy snow or heavy rain.
The Trango is also a great option if weight isn’t too much of a concern due to its availability in 3 & 4-person variants. If weight is a factor, the single-wall Black Diamond Eldorado may be preferable due to its lighter design and smaller size.
But if you’re splitting the load with a companion, then it’s possible that going for extra room & features outweighs having less weight on your back.
Ultimately this comes down to personal preference, but at least now you know what each backpacking tent gear has to offer in terms of protection from the weather and livability options!
The Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 is a great choice for those looking to invest in an all-weather tent that won’t break the bank.
Buy Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 here
2. Black Diamond Eldorado
The Black Diamond Eldorado is an excellent choice for a 4-season tent gear that won’t break the bank. This single-wall, two-pole structure has been tried and tested in winter climbing and alpine use for many years.
Despite its durability, it only weighs 5 pounds 1 ounce – making it one of the lightest tents available today. It comfortably fits one person plus their belongings but can be quite tight when trying to fit two people inside.
Additionally, there’s no vestibule that limits storage options significantly unless you purchase an additional entrance.
Though the single-wall structure does not breath as well as double-wall structures, and some people may find it difficult to set up due to internal tent poles, which can potentially puncture holes in corners of the fabric if you’re not careful, those looking for an ultralight backpacking option are willing to make these compromises.
Fortunately, Black Diamond has recently started selling their tents on Amazon again, so you can easily snag one of these great 4-season tents without breaking the bank.
Overall, if your priority is a lightweight and durable expedition tent that won’t break the bank, Black Diamond Eldorado is an excellent choice for those looking to tackle alpine use or winter climbing expeditions.
Buy Black Diamond Eldorado here
3. MSR Access 2
The MSR Access 2 perfectly blends a 3-season and 4-season tent. This light, packable design provides ample protection against moderate winter weather while still allowing for breathability in mild conditions.
With two doors, two vestibules, and 29 square feet of floor space, it can comfortably accommodate three people (or a person and their canine). It is also quite adaptable, with solid walls that can zip off to reveal mesh panels for increased ventilation.
For those looking for an even more budget-friendly option, there’s the Nemo Kunai. This tent functions in much of the same way as its predecessor but at a much lower price.
It also offers solid walls that can be zipped off to reveal mesh panels for improved airflow in mild conditions, making it a great choice for winter camping trips.
Overall the MSR Access 2 and Nemo Kunai are both excellent budget-friendly 4-season tents perfect for those looking to venture out into moderate winter weather without breaking the bank.
Both tents offer great protection, breathability, and adaptability, making them ideal for backcountry skiing or spring mountaineering trips.
4. Black Diamond Mega Snow
The Black Diamond Mega Snow is a lightweight 4-season tent that offers luxury features such as a central tent pole prop doubling as a table and allowing up to six people to dig out the outer sides for seating.
It also has vents that allow you to cook inside this shelter, while its clever valence around the outside enhances inner tent room protection from the elements. With only one wall and no floor, it can accommodate four people in its lightest version at 2lb 13oz.
Although it is not as protected and burly compared to other 4-season tents like the Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GT or Black Diamond Eldorado, its 30 denier canopy resisted wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour during testing, making it a suitable shelter for cold weather camping, when using additional snow layers on the valence.
However, keep in mind that ventilation will be compromised if you use this method due to the lack of flooring inside the tent.
For those looking for additional features such as a bug net and bathtub bottom, Black Diamond also produces the Mega Light with the Mega Bug, which adds an extra 3lb 10 oz. This version is designed to be set up beneath the pyramid shelter, making it a great lightweight overnight solution if needed.
Buy Black Diamond Mega Snow here
5. The North Face Mountain 25
The North Face Mountain 25 is a well-known and trusted tent for basecamps in harsh environments.
It’s the heaviest of this list at 9 pounds 15 ounces, but it also has sturdy double wall construction, reliable poles, and time-tested materials that can handle the elements, making it worth its weight.
It has two doors and vestibules for easy access points and storage as well as multiple interior pockets. With a peak height of 41 inches, this tent is more spacious than the Trango 2 and comes with a footprint to add an extra layer of protection.
The North Face Mountain 25 is simple to set up, take down, and well-ventilated for comfortable camping in all seasons. It offers reliable weather protection and durability that won’t break your budget as well as a roomier design compared to others on this list. This tent also stands out due to its added value.
A free included footprint which you may need when snow camping or if additional coverage from elements like the high wind is needed.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable 4-season tent that won’t let you down in extreme conditions, look no further than The North Face Mountain 25.
It provides the protection, durability, and added value required to make your camping experience comfortable regardless of weather or season.
Buy The North Face Mountain 25 here
Last Words
“Four-Season Tent” refers to any shelter designed to resist adverse winter weather conditions.
However, there is still a lot of variety within the category, with bulletproof, roomy, and heavy tents ideal for base camping, lightweight single-wall designs that are excellent for alpine pushes, and everything in between.
With this, it will always boil down to your preferences. How many people are staying in your tent? Would you like something that lets you cook or put up a campfire inside? Will you be hiking in the most extreme changing weather or more heavily in the winter season?
These questions can be a good start to knowing which best winter tent will fit your needs.
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