Best Budget 4-Season Tents
A 4 season tent is just what it sounds like: a tent that you can comfortably use in any season.
Depending on what you want to use it for — mountaineering, hiking, or as a camp base — you’ll need different attributes.
Of course, even a budget all season tent can be more expensive than its 3 season counterpart, but it offers extra protection that I know I will need when camping in strong winds or heavy rain.
For example, if I’m going to trek through Minnesota in January, temperatures can range from 8-12F. Even the best camping tents might not hold up to those lows.
If I’m going to be in Alaska where temperatures can dip into the negatives in late spring? I want the extra protection.
The best backpacking tents can be useful when I know I’m going on a long trek, but there are lightweight, single-wall tent options.
That’s why a 4 season tent is worth having. If you’ll be camping for days at a time, especially anywhere where weather may be unpredictable, a 4 season tent helps ensure you’ll have safety and security.
How to Choose the Best 4-Season Camping Tent
There are a few things I look for before I purchase a 4 season tent. While only you can know what applies best to you, there are some universals to keep in mind.
Size
The best budget 4 season tent will have adequate space. I prefer having my own tent but still look for two person tents to ensure I have room. That may mean I need to compromise on weight, but that’s not usually a dealbreaker for me.
Cost
Not everyone’s budget is going to look the same. The best budget 4 season tent may cost one person $400 while another needs a 4 season tent that costs $80.
No matter what your budget is, there will be a tent for you. You just may need to make sacrifices to get the best bang for your buck.
Weight
I mentioned weight briefly, but this feature is essential when choosing the best budget 4 season tent. The differences between these tents can be extreme. Some around only three pounds while others are nearly ten.
Of course, if you know you’re not going to carry the tent far, that ten pounds may be just fine, especially considering the extra space or protection you’ll get because of it.
Weather Resistance
The best budget 4 season tents are going to be extremely weather resistant. They’ll be able to keep water and snow, stand up to wind, but also come with a footprint to protect you from the frozen ground as you sleep.
