If you are an adventure-seeking traveler, you need to invest in good equipment and gear. Out in the wild or on the top of a mountain, you can never predict the weather correctly. Without appropriate protection, your life could be in danger. Among other things that are essential for hiking and camping, you definitely need a durable tent. So, what exactly is a 4-season tent?
In simple words, a 4-season tent is designed to minimize condensation and offer protection in harsh weather conditions. Expectedly, these tents can be a tad more expensive than your standard tents used for camping. In this post, we are sharing more on how to choose the best budget 4 season tent, with product reviews that we absolutely love.
In a hurry? My favorite is this HILLMAN 4 Season Lightweight Backpacking Tent. See it at Amazon.
# | Preview | Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick  | HILLMAN Store 4 Season Lightweight Backpacking Tent CHECK PRICE | - Nylon Material - Windproof Tent - 2 Person Tent - Zip Closure | CHECK BEST PRICE | |
 | GEERTOP 2 Person Tent 4-Season Backpacking CHECK PRICE | - Polyester Material - Waterproof Tent - Dome Shape - Zip Closure | CHECK BEST PRICE | |
 | Azarxis Backpacking Tent For all Season CHECK PRICE | - Polyester Material - Collapsible Tent - Large Size Tent - Hexagonal Shape | CHECK BEST PRICE | |
 | GEERTOP Backpacking Tent4 Season Camping Tent CHECK PRICE | - Aluminum Material - Lightweight Tent - Dome Size - 3 Kg Weight | CHECK BEST PRICE | |
 | GEERTOP Portable 2-Person 4 Season Tent CHECK PRICE | - Polyester Material - Portable Tent - 100cm Height - 2.1 Kg Weight | CHECK BEST PRICE |
Reviewing Top Five Best 4-Season Tents in the Budget
HILLMAN Store Lightweight Backpacking Tent
For beginner backpacking trips, when you don’t want to spend a fortune on your tent, this could be a perfect option. Not one of the best tents for sure, but this product works surprisingly well in all weather conditions, especially in summers and springs.
We found the product to be extremely lightweight, so if you don’t want to carry something heavy, the tent should be enough.
Pros
– Budget-friendly
– Entry-level 4 Season
– Best for spring and summer
– Weighs just 4.9 Pounds
– Windproof
– Waterproof
– Zipper closure
Cons
– Not ideal for mountains
– Not meant for extreme weather conditions
GEERTOP Backpacking Tent for 2 Person
The Geertop 4-season tent is designed for extensive use and for all weather conditions. The product is made of 210T anti-tear checkered polyester, which can easily withstand abrasions and regular usage.
The product is also UV-resistant and has two layers, which adds to further protection in the mountains. The outer layer is great for added privacy. This a dome tent, which takes just a few seconds for installation, and two adults can comfortably share the space.
Pros
– High-quality dome tent
– Made of 210T anti-tear checkered polyester
– 2-layer design
– Ideal for 2 adults
– Easy to setup
– Ideal for mountains
– Assured privacy
Cons
– Slightly expensive
Azarxis 4 Season Backpacking Tent
The Azarxis 4 Season Backpacking Tent is made of 210T polyester and offers UV protection, besides being rainproof and waterproof. The product is ideal for two adults and comes in a wide range of colors.
As far as practical usage is concerned, the product is meant for all terrains and can be set up within minutes. There’s also an added ventilation window, besides strong zippers for complete protection.
Pros
– Made of 210T polyester
– Comes with a 20-month seller guarantee
– Simple and easy setup within minutes
– Budget-friendly
– Waterproof and rainproof
Cons
– None
GEERTOP Backpacking Tent for 2 Person 4 Season Camping Tent
This 4-season tent is ideal for all terrains and extreme weather elements. No matter where you are trekking or camping, this Geertop product’s 210T anti-tear checkered polyester will protect against rain, wind, and snow.
Other features include UV resistance, a two-layer design for added protection and privacy, and simplified installation within minutes.
Pros
– Top range dome tent
– Made of 210T polyester
– 2-layer design for added privacy and protection
– Ideal for 2 adults at max
– Easy installation and setup
– Ideal for all terrains, incl. mountains
Cons
– Tad more expensive
GEERTOP Portable 2 Person 4 Season Tent
If you don’t mind paying a tad more, consider this Geertop 2 person 4 season tent, which has been crafted from 20D PU8000 mm waterproof coated nylon.
The product comes with a tent floor that’s made of 210T PU 5000 mm polyester. Aluminum poles used for the design are strong and sturdy, and there’s enough room for two adults.
Pros
– Aluminum poles
– Polyester tent floor
– Made of 20D PU8000 mm waterproof coated nylon
– Easy setup
– Adequate room for 2 adults
Cons
– Slightly expensive
How to Choose the Right 4-Season Tent?
Materials
First things first, check the materials used in the design. Nylon and durable polyester are some of the preferred options. Some brands use patented materials, which can add to the cost of the tent.
Types
There are two types of 4-season tents – single-layer and double-layer. If you want to be added privacy and protection, the latter is a better choice. Also, double-layered tents tend to be more durable, and you can remove or add the added layer as needed.
Weight
Weight is another important factor to consider. Keep in mind that these tents tend to be heavier than 3-season tents because of heavier fabrics, stronger and more durable poles. If you are carrying your tent in a car, this may not seem like a big factor, but for trails, this is a key point for selection.
Size
Some 4-season tents are designed for personal use, while others are ideal for two to four people. Depending on how you like to travel, do consider the size. Some people do not prefer to share their tent; this is more of a personal choice.
Space
Finally, do consider the space inside the tent. You can find 4-season tents that don’t have much height inside, but the design is such so that the tent can withstand all weather elements, including heavy snow and rain.
Installation
Another important factor that must be considered is installation. For those who are camping or hiking alone, a 4-season tent that’s hard to set up or too large to handle is definitely not the ideal choice. If you want to check more about selected products, do check for reviews.
As for the price, consider your budget because there’s no one 4-season tent that would suit everyone’s needs.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the different types of 4-season tents?
In general, 4-season tents are divided into three categories – Mountaineering tents, base camping tents, and Treeline tents. If you are into generic camping, you can consider Treeline tents, which are the cheapest of the lot but cannot withstand extreme weather, as good as mountaineering tents.
If you frequently trek to high mountains, you need a mountaineering tent.
2. How important is ventilation?
With less mesh, 4-season tents are better for protection against weather elements and can hold more heat. As such, it is even more important to check for ventilation. The more vents you have, the better, so that you can get some fresh air when you want, especially when sharing the tent.
3. How much do 4-season tents cost?
Again, this depends on the budget. The quality of materials, poles, and other things like zippers do add to the cost of a tent and branded 4-season tents can cost a tad more. If you don’t mind paying a little more, a good 4-season tent should cost somewhere around $100 or more. You can file cheaper alternatives, but for avid adventure junkies, these may not suffice.
Infographic: Types Of 4-Season Tents
Final word
If you are new to buying a 4-season tent, go for a brand you can trust. Check all the details, including the size, capacity, and style of the product. A good 4-season tent is more like an investment and spending a tad more is never a bad idea, considering that a good product should last for years. It is also like an assurance that you are never alone and unsheltered in the rough weather.
