Best Four Season Tent of 2022

Best Overall 4 Season Tent

Black Diamond Eldorado

$730 List

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78

OVERALL
SCORE

• Weight 7.0
• Weather/Storm Resistance 9.0
• Livability 7.0
• Ease of Set-up 7.0
• Durability 10.0
• Versatility 7.0

Functional Weight: 4.9 lbs | Dimensions (L x W): 87 x 51 in

Bomber two pole design

Exceptionally durable

Fabric handles moisture and condensation well

Compact footprint

Fantastic overall balance of strength, weight, and livability

Mediocre ventilation

Set up takes practice to become proficient

Heavier than ultralight bivy tents

The Black Diamond Eldorado touts superior performance, balancing excellence through all the metrics. We found it comfortable in warm temps and in spring alpine conditions. It's been tested on ski tour missions, alpine climbing days, and backpacking adventures. Through it all, it's been a hit. It's stormworthy enough for big routes in Alaska and Patagonia, where its integrity has been proven time and time again. The Eldorado is a minimal tent that offers an excellent balance of strength, comfort, and weight. Its Todd-Tex fabric is by far the best performing of all the single wall options. Though a bit heavier, it's far more breathable and handles condensation better than most other single-wall shelters.

The downside is it isn't as light as many of the new-wave bivy tents, but it does offer several advantages. It's more versatile, comfortable, and significantly stronger. While it still has a trail weight of under five pounds, it's more than a pound heavier than the lightest bivy style options. This internal-pitch model is strong despite only having two poles, but there is a learning curve to mastering its setup. However, the bottom line remains; if you are only going to own one four-season tent, the Black Diamond Eldorado is our top recommendation.

Read review: Black Diamond Eldorado

Best Bang for the Buck - Single Wall

The North Face Assault 2 FUTURELIGHT

$750 List

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72

OVERALL
SCORE

• Weight 9.0
• Weather/Storm Resistance 6.0
• Livability 6.0
• Ease of Set-up 10.0
• Durability 7.0
• Versatility 5.0

Functional Weight: 3.62 lbs | Dimensions (L x W): 82 x 45 in

Lightweight

Decent headroom and interior space

Good ventilation

Comes with a detachable vestibule

Reflective Kevlar guy lines with camming adjusters

1.5 doors

Easy to set up

So-so breathability

Mediocre condensation management

Poor wet weather performance

Not as wind resistant as other models

The North Face Assault 2 FUTURELIGHT offers exceptional value with a single wall tent construction. It's relatively versatile for a single wall tent, thanks to its many vents and included vestibule, and it weighs in respectably on the scale. On top of that, it's more affordable than most single-wall competitors in our review. The Assault's included vestibule is a huge benefit to a tent that already boasts above-average interior floor space. The short cross poles increase headroom and make it feel more spacious than most bivy tents.

On the downside, we aren't that impressed with its performance in wet conditions, and the fabric seems to saturate faster than others in rain or wet snow. It also doesn't manage condensation well, as the material is not very breathable. However, because it contains a good amount of livable space and is quite packable, and is stormworthy enough for most moderate adventures, we consider the Assault to be a great deal.

Read review: The North Face Assault 2 FUTURELIGHT

Best Bang for the Buck - Double Wall

REI Arete ASL 2

$449.00

at REI

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69

OVERALL
SCORE

• Weight 6.0
• Weather/Storm Resistance 7.0
• Livability 7.0
• Ease of Set-up 9.0
• Durability 7.0
• Versatility 7.0

Functional Weight: 3.62 lbs | Dimensions (L x W): 88 x 60 in

Relatively lightweight, particularly for a double-wall tent

Great price point

Interior fabric handles condensation well

Longer than average dimensions make it a solid option for taller people

Decent headroom

One of the least bomber three pole designs

Vestibule is tiny

Only one door

The REI Arete ASL 2 is a high-value double-walled model for four-season use. For the price, there is no better option. Our taller testers appreciate its roomy dimensions and are impressed by its weight and packed volume, which proves to be one of the lightest amongst double-wall models. It handles condensation exceptionally well, with livability that allows you to fully sit up with ease.

This model offers respectable stormworthiness, but it isn't quite a go-anywhere, do-anything shelter, as it doesn't provide the top-notch storm protection required for extreme environments. It's ideal for summer mountaineering on peaks like Mt. Rainier or Mt. Shasta and winter camping near or below the treeline. It doesn't fare particularly well in moderate-to-strong winds and wouldn't be our first choice for a full-on expedition tent. However, if you're planning more moderate mountainous adventures in the lower-48 and are looking for a great value option, this model has our vote.

Read review: REI Arete ASL 2

Best Double Wall Tent

MSR Access 2

$659.95

at REI

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77

OVERALL
SCORE

• Weight 8.0
• Weather/Storm Resistance 7.0
• Livability 7.0
• Ease of Set-up 9.0
• Durability 7.0
• Versatility 9.0

Functional Weight: 4.1 lbs | Dimensions (L x W): 13 x 48-60 in

Exceptionally versatile

Fairly spacious interior

Lightweight

Two good sized vestibules

Performs better in the rain than single wall models

Easy to pitch

Handles condensation well

Not as strong as other 4 season models

We wish it packed down smaller

The MSR Access 2 is one of the lightest double-wall 4 season tent options on the market. While we love and frequently use single-wall shelters (for their compact size and weight-saving benefits), they are rarely as versatile. This is what makes it so unique; it has a packed weight of just over four pounds and features a reasonably spacious interior, twin vestibules, and great versatility. Its double door design means its occupants don't have to crawl over one another in the middle of the night. After using it on a rainy week-long ski of the Ptarmigan Traverse, we were blown away at how dry we stayed — even in the sleeting rain. We found it perfect for summertime mountaineering in the lower-48 and southern Canada, modest snow camping trips, and multi-day ski tours. These are all places where versatility, low weight, and the ability to keep its occupants dry are paramount.

While the Access 2 is robust and unquestionably a 4 season shelter, it isn't quite expedition-worthy. It handles moderate winds and snow-loading, but in extreme conditions, this is not the tent you want. We love it for longer ski traverses, where better moisture management and respectable weight are key.

Read review: MSR Access 2

Best for Weight and Packed Size

Black Diamond Firstlight

$399.95

at Amazon

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57

OVERALL
SCORE

• Weight 10.0
• Weather/Storm Resistance 4.0
• Livability 3.0
• Ease of Set-up 7.0
• Durability 5.0
• Versatility 3.0

Functional Weight: 3.31 lbs | Dimensions (L x W): 82" x 48 in

Super light

Small packed size

Advantageous tiny footprint

Not completely waterproof

Not as easy to pitch as other models

Poor ventilation

Fabric doesn't breathe well

Not as wind resistant as other models

The Black Diamond Firstlight is ideal for fair weather multi-day alpine climbing and ski touring adventures because it is TINY, which is why we love it. We don't love it for extended storms or harsh four-season conditions, as it isn't completely waterproof. It handles a little rain or snow, but in extended periods of either, it can be challenging to stay dry. You might be wondering, why bring a tent if it isn't particularly stormworthy and suffers from poor condensation? We love it for its small packed size and low weight. This tent took up the least amount of space in our pack, hands down. The footprint is small, and it can be pitched nearly anywhere there is room for two people to lay down. While not bomber, it does shield its occupants from light to moderate winds, keeps the bugs out, and will help its occupants maintain some level of dryness — as long as it doesn't rain or snow too much or too hard.

This model borders on mediocre for wet conditions, but for fair weather alpine climbing and ski trips, the Firstlight's weight and low packed volume are hard to beat, as long as you can afford to be picky about your weather. As a result, its versatility is limiting, and unless you live in the Sierra, it likely won't be the only 4 season shelter you end up owning. However, for the trips most people will embark on where weight is a consideration, this model is hard to beat.

Read review: Black Diamond Firstlight

Incredible for Extended Expeditions

Mountain Hardwear Trango 2

$849.95

at Backcountry

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67

OVERALL
SCORE

• Weight 2.0
• Weather/Storm Resistance 9.0
• Livability 9.0
• Ease of Set-up 9.0
• Durability 8.0
• Versatility 6.0

Functional Weight: 9.6 lbs | Dimensions (L x W): 85 x 64 in

Strong and has proven time and time again in the world most extreme places

Incredibly spacious

Great pockets

Easy to pitch in higher winds

Versatile

Longer dimensions make it a solid option for taller people

Big vestibule

Not the best headroom despite the roomy dimensions

Heavy

Okay at handling condensation

The Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 is an expedition-ready 4 season tent built for long base camp adventures. This tried and true model has been used from Antarctica to Mt. Everest to the North Pole and back again. It has accompanied people on remote expeditions to the ends of the earth. While a little overkill for modest summertime mountaineering in places like the Tetons, Canadian Rockies, or the North Cascades, the Trango is well worth every bit of weight when the conditions turn gnarly. It's easily one of the strongest shelters and is easy to pitch in high winds. It's the roomiest two-person shelter — something that will be appreciated by people living in it for months at a time. Its spacious vestibule will store plenty of gear or provide a place to cook when you simply can't hang outside any longer.

The Trango is 100% designed for expedition use, and these attributes make it great in the nuclear wind; however, it's a little too heavy for multi-day ski touring or summertime mountaineering. If you aren't planning to go on an expedition anytime soon, you should look elsewhere for something lighter, more packable, and a better option for modest alpine objectives. For those looking for a shelter to be used in locations plagued by high winds and heavy snowfall, this tank of a tent is excellent as your home away from home in the world's most extreme environments.

Read review: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2

Excellent for Lightweight Alpine Climbing

MSR Advance Pro

Functional Weight: 3.22 lbs | Dimensions (L x W): 82 x 42 in

The MSR Advance Pro is our favorite bivy tent for harsh conditions and one of our favorite models for any trip where low weight and a minimum packed volume is desirable. It's about the same weight as the lightest models in our review and is one of the smallest when packed. What sets it apart from other bivy tents is its ease of setup. It's one of the only lightweight models that pitch from the outside. The poles are robust and are always connected at the midpoint, significantly increasing this model's overall strength. It's crafted from super sturdy fabric and has bomber guy points, helping to further set itself apart from other bivy-style models.

At 24 square feet, it ranks towards the bottom for interior floor space, though it is only marginally smaller than most other bivy tents in our review. It also does not offer the best performance in rainy conditions. There is no bug net to help circulate air at lower elevation camps, which can be a reason to go with the significantly less stormworthy BD Firstlight, which does have bug netting. However, for your lightest missions where packed size is of huge importance, this is our top choice.

Read review: MSR Advance Pro

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price	Our Take
	78	Black Diamond Eldorado	$730	An excellent all-around option, it strikes a great balance of weight, strength, packed size, and stormworthiness
	77	MSR Access 2	$660	Offers a tremendous amount of versatility and the ability to keep its inhabitants dry
	72	The North Face Assault 2 FUTURELIGHT	$750	A versatile bivy style tent that is packed full of features
	72	Hilleberg Jannu	$1,075	When you know you're in for crummy weather and want an exceptionally high performance model, choose this one
	71	MSR Advance Pro	$625	Provides shelter and doesn't weigh you down, but isn't ideal for hanging out in
	71	Mountain Hardwear Outpost 2	$700	Strikes an excellent balance of weight, strength, and livability
	70	The North Face Mountain 25	$690	Not as expensive as some other models, this option is a popular choice to bring on climbing adventures
	69	REI Arete ASL 2	$449	Hard to beat for the price; offers enough storm protection to more than suit most needs
	67	Mountain Hardwear Trango 2	$850	A spacious option that is tried and true on expeditions around the world; built for harsh conditions and comfy living
	65	Hilleberg Nallo 2	$815	A spacious model that can tackle seriously strong winds
	65	Hilleberg Nammatj 2	$875	Lightweight, comfort, and versatility are the names of the game for this model
	57	Black Diamond Firstlight	$400	A lightweight master, this model is built for minimalism

Why You Should Trust Us

This review is crafted by long-time OutdoorGearLab contributor and professional mountain guide Ian Nicholson. Ian is an internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide who has spent nearly 2,000 nights sleeping in a tent over the last decade. As a result, few people can offer his level of expertise and insight when it comes to four-season shelters. He is a member of both the AMGA's and AIARE's National Instructor teams, teaching professional-level courses for both entities. His experience ranges from ten Denali expeditions, first ascents in Alaska, Patagonia, the Waddington Range, and the North Cascades to and more than 20 week-plus long ski traverses around the world. Few people consider their shelter options as deeply as Ian, who is obsessed with researching the latest products and putting them through their paces. While Ian spearheads this review, we made sure to draw upon a pool of more than a dozen individuals and guide services to make this review the comprehensive resource that it is.

Most of the information comes from specific field testing that has been happening continuously since 2008. Test locations include Alberta and British Columbia, Alaska, Patagonia, Antarctica, Peru, Bolivia, Aconcagua, and various other locations worldwide. We examine several factors and then determine which are the most important in the functionality of a 4 season tent. By having a long testing period and a variety of sources of information, we are able to gain valuable insight into things like long-term durability as well as what models fared better or worse in specific conditions. These tents have seen high winds, cold weather well below zero, and days of stormy and sunny weather.

Analysis and Test Results

We've selected a host of 4 season tents to accurately paint the picture of the current market. We test models that offer different niches across the board, from super lightweight to heavy and mega stormworthy. What's undeniable, is all tents in this review can hold up across a host of conditions, from super sunny conditions to cutting winds. Each is scored against the metrics to help you filter out which tent you need for your ambitions and future travels.

Value

If you've been searching for a four-season tent, you know these products aren't cheap. When prices are ranging over a factor of four, the right shelter — without overpaying for your needs — is key for your budget. When we select our products, we specifically look for high-value options — a great product at a good price. Standing out among the rest for value are both The North Face Assault 2 and REI Arete ASL 2. Both represent a good overall performance score at a great price. All have different niches and are ones to consider if you're looking to pinch some pennies and save a little money.

Weather Resistance

This metric assesses a tent's ability to protect its occupants from the outside environment, whether that be snow, rain, or wind. The best are those that will keep you dry without bowing or changing in shape in high winds and relatively poor conditions. We take this metric seriously, which is reflected in our intensive evaluation of each product.

To start testing, we take the time to set up each tent in a variety of conditions, from high ridges to rainy plateaus. In addition to these field tests, we comparatively evaluate the integrity of the tent design. We look at pole design, pole type, fabrics, vestibules, and other features that affect each shelter's strength. Some of the largest contributing factors include the number of pole intersections, the number of points, and the mechanism for attaching the inner tent to the poles, along with the number of points and mechanisms for attaching the outer tent to the poles. Finally, we look at the number, location, and quality of guy points. What we learned from our testing is that the most significant factor influencing wind resistance and overall strength are pole design and pole quality.

Pole Design

The most significant factors contributing to a tent's strength are the number of poles, their layout within the tent, and the number of pole crossings relative to the size and external height. Almost always, more crossings equate to more strength.

How strong do you need your 4 season tent to be? That, of course, depends on what you plan to be doing. All of the contenders we reviewed are robust models that will excel in most summertime mountaineering and multi-day ski touring adventures, where camps will likely be made in exposed areas above treeline along with modest winter use.

If you are planning on logging time in massive mountain ranges or will be spending extended amounts of time above treeline, where the potential for regular strong winds and/or heavy snow loads is greater, you should consider a beefier tent with more poles and pole crossings, as well as a burlier overall design.

Tent Poles

In addition to design, the next biggest contributor to strength is the tent poles themselves. Tent poles used in the tents we tested range from 8mm to 10.25mm in diameter. The majority are aluminum and made by DAC, but some are made by Easton and are either aluminum, various composites, or carbon fiber.

DAC Featherlite NSL Green Poles are some of the best available aluminum poles found in mainstream tents, with a few smaller manufacturers using Easton poles (which might be slightly stronger for their weight). We particularly liked Easton's new composite pole used on the MSR Access 2, as they can flex much further before breaking.

Fabrics

Four season tent fabrics range from ultralight, non-waterproof, wind-breaking materials, as on the Black Diamond Firstlight, to light and robust silicone-coated nylon, found on the Hilleberg models, including the Nammatj 2, and Jannu. We've also tested beefy laminates (think a 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket) found in the single-wall Black Diamond Eldorado. We break down each tent's specific fabric in their reviews.

Coatings: Silnylon vs. Polyurethane

There is a difference between a tent covered on both sides with silicone, called silnylon, and fabric coated on the outside with silicone and the inside with polyurethane (PU). The latter is cheaper but not as durable and strong. The most robust fly fabric used on a 4 season tent is the Hilleberg Kerlon 1800 silnylon, which has a breaking strength of 40 pounds. You can find this material on their Nammatj and Tarra tents as well.

PTFE Laminates

Some 4 season tents, like the Black Diamond Eldorado,, use a burly PTFE laminate, which is similar to your waterproof and breathable jacket. It's also stronger than most silnylon but is a little heavier and bulkier.

Guy Line Points

Most of the 4 season tent options tested have between 4-10 guy line tie-out points. We like having at least four, though six is nice for most alpine climbing and ski trips in the lower-48. For expedition use and extreme weather, six is a minimum, and we'd rather have eight. The guy lines have far more holding power than the lower corners of the tent; as the guy lines pull from the middle of the tent, they get a better angle against the wind to keep your shelter in place (AKA leverage).

The Most Weather Resistant

The Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 and The North Face Mountain 25 offer excellent weather resistance. They are notably strong, which is why the previously listed models will make up a large chunk of the tents you'll see on expeditions from Vinson to Everest to Denali.

The single-wall model with the greatest static strength is the Black Diamond Eldorado; while exceptionally strong, these competitors are a step down in stormworthiness from the models mentioned above. All of these models are worthy of being taken to big remote ranges like the Alaska Range or the Himalayas.

Tents like The North Face Assault are not as sturdy, despite having 2.5 poles, with the 0.5 poles coming in the form of a third half-length pole that acts as a cross pole to create more headroom. At times, the Assault can act as a sail, and as a result, the winds push harder, and the poles become further stressed. The Assault is undoubtedly a strong 4 season shelter but isn't a model we'd take to Denali or places we'd expect fierce winds.

Weight and Packed Size

We rank each 4 season tent based on its weight (which we measured ourselves) and packed volume. We measure both the minimum weight and "packed weight" for comparison and used these two measurements to accurately compare each model. The minimum weight is the tent, fly, and poles; no guy lines, no pole sack, no sacks, etc. The measured weight is the weight of each tent where it is usable, which is generally everything included in the minimum weight, plus guy lines, a pole bag, and an appropriate number of stakes. The measured weight is the primary number we used for our comparison.

Of all the comparison categories in our review, this is where we saw the most significant difference. For example, the Black Diamond First Light is one of the lightest tents tested, with a low minimum weight.

We can then compare it to models like the The North Face Mountain 25 or the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2, which weigh significantly more and are essentially 2-3 times the weight of the lightest models. That means depending on what shelter you opt for, there is likely no other piece of gear that facilitates as much weight savings (or additional weight) as your shelter. For most fair-weather summer mountaineering trips in the lower-48 and Southern Canada, light is generally right.

We loved models like the Black Diamond Eldorado, The North Face Assault 2, MSR Access 2, and the Mountain Hardwear Outpost 2 All of these models weigh just a little over four pounds and are heavier than several of the extremely weight-focused bivy-style tents; all prove to be significantly more versatile and comfortable for only a pound more, and we think that for many people, these tents hit a sweet spot of weight, comfort, strength, and livability.

That said, we love bivy style tents for short trips with nice weather. However, if you are only going to own one tent, getting something just a little bit heavier (often only 8-16 ounces more) that provides significantly greater ventilation, comfort, and strength could be worth it, especially since most climbers in North America use a short "short-term base-camp". This refers to hiking into a camp, then leaving camp to summit a peak, and returning to camp before hiking out.

While there is no shortage of carry-over routes in North America, and many people might embark on one or two per season, most people aren't bringing the tent up and onto the route, where weight would become even more crucial.

Packed Volume

We discovered similar results when it came to packed volume, with some contenders taking up as little as one-quarter the space of the bulkiest. We'd typically prefer a more compact model over a larger one, unless we're on an expedition to an extreme environment, where even a fair amount of extra bulk is 100% worth it in comfort and strength. A shelter is literally one of your most important lifelines if on a remote glacier being pounded by winds and snow.

For most climbers and skiers embarking on 2-5 night trips, packed volume is weighed pretty heavily. Similar to weight, and depending on the types of trips you typically go on, a little more bulk can provide a lot more versatility and strength.

One of the most compact models we tested was the Black Diamond Firstlight; no other disappeared as easily in our pack as this one. Options like the TNF Assault, MSR Access 2, Mountain Hardwear Outpost 2, and Black Diamond Eldorado weren't a whole lot less packable but provided more comfort and versatility.

The Size of a Tent's Footprint

A tent's footprint is the amount of real estate it takes up, not to be confused with the "other" footprint that protects the floor of your tent. For many users, this might not be on their radar but could save headaches down the road. Ledges or even established camp/bivy sites perched on rocky moraines or nestled between boulders can be small, as is often the case in many areas of the Cascades, Tetons, Colorado Rockies, Wind Rivers, or Sierra.

Livability

Here we assessed how pleasant (or in some cases, tolerable) it was to spend time in each tent. We looked at interior space, headroom, door and vestibule design, zipper quality, the number of pockets, peak height, and vestibule space. Then we assessed the overall vibe on how pleasant it was to share each model with another person. Was it dark and gloomy, or bright and cheerful?

Did the tent get wet when someone entered in the rain? Do the pockets hold what you want them to hold? Are two people cramped? How well do two full-sized pads fit? Can you sit up, face your partner, and play cards?

We also considered if the fly protects the inside from splashback or water dripping off it. Here are our ratings for each model's livability. As a reference, the average size sleeping pad is 20 x 72 inches or 10 square feet.

Among the most comfortable in the sub-five pounds category, the MSR Access 2 and Black Diamond Eldorado were our favorites. These struck a nice overall balance between weight and comfort, with the Mountain Hardwear Outpost also being decent but checking in a hair over five pounds.

Ease of Set Up

To look at the ease of set up, we look at whether or not the tent uses pole clips, sleeves, or internal poles. We also evaluate the time for set up and how easy each is to set up in poor conditions.

Pole Clips

Pole clips are the quickest and easiest way to set up a tent and offer the advantage (in the case of double-wall tents) of letting more moisture move around the tent, resulting in less condensation buildup. The disadvantage of clips is that they are heavier and don't spread the force of wind or snow as evenly along the pole's length (compared with pole sleeves).

Pole Sleeves

Pole sleeves are more supportive than clips, as they spread the weight out more evenly across a wider area. Clips are slightly faster, though sleeves are challenging unless it's incredibly windy; then, you have to be very careful. When it's windy, you have to use more caution while setting up a tent with pole sleeves; a pole is more vulnerable, with the tent acting like a kite until the whole tent is erected and can support itself.

One small gust can bend or snap the poles if you aren't holding the tent correctly. Once set up, they are equally, if not more bomber, because the pressure will spread out evenly. Pole sleeves don't let moisture circulate as nicely as clips, but this is a smaller difference in materials; examples include The North Face Mountain 25 and the Hilleberg Nammatj 2. Some models use a hybrid of pole sleeves and clips, like the REI Arete ASL 2.

Internal Poles

Internal poles are found in lighter-weight tents, and you typically have to set them up from the inside. This is the lightest design because the body of the tent itself supports the poles, and no real clips or sleeves are needed, though some designs use small pieces of velcro or twist-tie features to keep the poles in place. The weight shavings from forgoing clips and extra materials means that internal pole tents are often lighter weight.

This design is also incredibly strong and can be as strong or even stronger than models that use sleeves with a similar pole structure. The primary disadvantage is that internal pole setups are the most challenging and time-consuming to pitch. If it's windy, it's an even bigger pain. The reason is you have to crawl inside to set up. Examples are the Eldorado and Firstlight. These models have a very tight pitch, which makes them incredibly strong for their weight; they also have the biggest learning curve to pitch efficiently while avoiding stabbing a hole through the floor. The learning curve is hardly extreme, but it is worth setting up in a park or your backyard a few times before having to deal with it for real. A tip from Tester Ian Nicholson is he stands feet on the ground and starts from the back corners, working towards the door.

Correctly setting up a tent on snow or ice can take several minutes to several hours. Chopping a tent platform or cutting blocks to build a wind wall is time-consuming and hard work. A tent that sets up quickly can save energy; a tent that pitches promptly in high winds is even better. The fastest tents to set pitch from the outside and generally use clips.

The North Face Assault uses a combination of sleeves and clips, pitching from the outside. What sets this model apart is that the sleeve is closed off at the end. This means that when you are setting up the tent, you don't have to snap the first side of the pole into place; it just automatically locks into place.

Among double-wall models, the Hilleberg contenders were BY FAR the easiest to pitch. Unlike most double-wall tents, where you pitch the body with the poles and then throw the fly over the top of everything, the Hilleberg models are suspended from the fly, and you erect the entire thing from the outside. This minimizes the amount of time your tent could become damaged by the wind or filled with snow. For more traditional double-wall designs, we found the REI Arete was easier and faster than others.

Adaptability and Versatility

Versatility is an essential factor in choosing a tent. A tent's versatility refers to how well it performs across a range of conditions and climates. Many people looking to buy a four-season tent will want to use it on a range of trips and in multiple climates. All 4 season tent options are designed with snowy and windy conditions in mind, and we compared them across the spectrum of common uses, such as alpine climbing, bivy tent climbing, snow camping, multi-day ski-touring, and expedition climbing. We also compared how well each model performed in the rain, warmer three-season travel, and desert climates.

In the end, more versatile tents are generally a better value. As a whole, most of the double-wall tents scored better than the single-wall tents because they handled warmer conditions both with and without moisture. The Mountain 25, Trango 2, and Outpost 2 also fared well and would be good options for sea-kayaking and both three and four-season use.

A tent scored higher in this category when it had features that allowed us to use it differently. For example, a removable vestibule, as is found on some single-wall tents, or a removable inner tent, which allows you to use and pitch your one tent in different ways, was helpful. We also loved models like The North Face Assault, which came with removable vestibules, adding to its versatility and adaptability. It is worth noting that you can buy a vestibule for all of Black Diamond's single-wall models, but unlike the TNF Assault, it isn't included.

All Hilleberg tents have removable inner tents that allow you to have a lighter floorless shelter for summer backpacking and fast and light winter trips. The floorless option is excellent for mountaineering because you can dig down into the snow to create a cooking area.

Ventilation

Ventilation can have a dramatic influence on a tent's adaptability and livability. Double-wall tents often have better air circulation and less condensation than single-wall options. The Hilleberg models and The North Face Mountain 25 have some of the best ventilation and moisture management of all double-wall tents. The top vents on dome tents are useful in moving air around and mitigating the "it's snowing inside" effect that happens when moisture vapor from your breath freezes, hits the roof, and falls back on you.

Of the single wall tents, The North Face Assault sported the most impressive ventilation system. This model features four vents total, with a vent on the front door, one on each side, and a door/window/escape hatch that allowed for ventilation and air circulation. The hatch also allows for improved safety while cooking.

Bug Screen

Unlike most three-season models, not all 4 season tents have a bug screen. For those not going on an expedition-style climb, having a bug screen is pretty essential. It lets you leave the door open, which allows for ventilation, and also ensures you won't be driven insane by mosquitos or black flies. This is particularly true for climbers or ski tours who are likely to have a few lower elevation camps below treeline where it's buggy — which would say is nearly every mountaineering or ski tourer at some point.

Durability

The main factors influencing durability are the type of fabric used for the fly, the quality of the poles, and the floor. If pitching on snow, the floor will matter less. Silnylon is the fabric of choice for double-wall tents. Most of the PU formulations used on fly fabric coatings are more prone to hydrolysis (chemical breakup) than silnylon. They can wear out faster, particularly in wet environments, and aren't as resistant to UV degradation.

That said, companies like Mountain Trip, a super well-known Denali guide service (who retire their tents with plenty of life left), get eight to twelve 22-day Denali expeditions out of The North Face tents.

A tent such as the Hilleberg Nammatj, with three layers of silicone on each side, may last between a third or even twice as long. Regardless of what tent you buy, 150 days is a lot of time for a model to be out in the elements. While it is possible to recoat a fly's fabric, it's much more common to buy a new outer tent (fly), which is an option with most companies.

Tent floors have high-grade PU formulations that resist hydrolysis. The majority of the double-wall tents tested have a tough 70 denier floor. Some Hilleberg tents, like the Nammatj and Tarra, use a 100 denier fabric that is burly. Single-wall tents often use lighter floor materials.

Specific features can also have a significant impact on durability. The big three here are zippers, clips, and webbing adjustments. More prominent zippers last longer and can handle expeditions because they continue to work with dust and grit in them. The most durable double-wall tent we tested is the Hilleberg Jannu, which features mega high-quality poles; they also have the nicest fabric among other contenders in our review.

Conclusion

We understand that the tent market is vast, and the investment is large when it comes to 4-season tents. We hope that our experiences of exploring, sleeping, and living in each helped point you in the right direction. We know that the search can be tough, but we are here to make it a little bit easier — no matter your budget or adventure.