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Thread: 4 season tent question

  1. #1
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    Default 4 season tent question

    im trying to find a 1 or 2 person 4 season tent that wont brake the bank but also inst a pile O' junk does anyone have any recommendations? any help would be much appreciated


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    Administrator Rick's Avatar
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    That's tough criteria. Why does it have to be 4 season? You could purchase a good 3 season tent and warmer bag for less.

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    Senior Member natertot's Avatar
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    Yeah, can you tell us a bit more about what you plan on doing? Are you car camping, backpacking or other type of camping? Is this for a base camp for hunting or trapping? Are you wanting to hot tent or just have a general purpose tent?

    More details you can give, the more help we can be.
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    Hunter63 saying Hey and Welcome.
    There is a intro section at
    http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...-Introductions

    Might be a better question if your location, terrain, use, type of transport and maybe budget is known......

    You get what you pay for.......the best deal isn't always the cheapest......
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    sorry i must have missed the intro section. i currently live in kansas but will be moving to western washington next year (hopefully). im looking for a tent that is 110% waterproof and can handle snow that hopefully wont be to heavy but im young so i can deal with weight sorry for the lack of info

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    Super Moderator crashdive123's Avatar
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    I lived in Washington state for several years. I did a lot of camping in the Cascades and Olympics at all times of the year. I never used a 4 season tent, but did use a high quality 3 season dome tent.
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    do you remember what type of tent that was by chance?

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    If I remember correctly, it was a Sierra Designs dome tent. It was heavier than tents you find today(a lot of short fiberglass poles), but I still used it backpacking.
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    Super Moderator crashdive123's Avatar
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    Honestly - any quality tent will work for you. Make sure it has the features you need. If you go with a small tent a vestibule for your gear - is very nice - almost essential for some of the Washington state weather (west of the Cascades).
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    Good 4 season tents aren't as waterproof as 3 season tents. You don't want them to be. They should really call 4 season tents 1 season tents because they are really just good for winter. Most winter backpackers have at least 2 tents, a winter one and a 3 season. Winter tents are heavier than 3 season tents. You only really want to carry that weight in the winter, not all year. You probably don't need a 4 season tent right now.
    You can buy a 3 season tent that can take some good wind, a decent snow load, and is still waterproof. Basically look for a three pole dome tent. Make sure it has a full coverage fly, not a bikini fly. Also, make sure it has aluminum poles. Look at spending at least $100. If you follow those 4 criteria, you will get a tent that will take you through most of winter, and the rest of the year.
    If, however, you actually want to do real winter camping with heavy snow loads, heavy winds, or are trying to climb Rainier or Baker or McKinley, then you need to look for a real winter tent. Expect to pay at least $500. Look for at least 4 aluminum or carbon fiber poles and a full coverage fly. Eureka, Kelty, Black Diamond, The North Face, Hildeburg..and others...all make good options.
    Here is an option that I have actually used. I bought 4 of these guys for my scouts and have used them backpacking in the summer and camping in the winter. I will never buy a tent with fiberglass poles...but that is just me.
    http://www.amazon.com/Ledge-Sports-R...rds=ledge+tent
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    i dont think i need that much room in the tent. i found a 2 person version of it but it only has 2 poles. does the third pole add strength to the tent?

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    Quote Originally Posted by pacepaterson View Post
    does the third pole add strength to the tent?
    Yes, absolutely.
    Here is a true 4 season tent. It is big enough for 2 people and has 5 poles and weighs 9+ lbs.
    http://store.eurekatent.com/high-camp-tent

    Here is one that isn't so heavy duty, but will still be good for a Washington winter. It still uses a lot of poles.
    http://store.eurekatent.com/alpenlite-xt-tent

    For snow load, you want more than 2 poles. The more the better. And, you don't want fiberglass poles, unless you like broken poles.
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  13. #13
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    Default 4th season, winter tent

    Another 4th season tent (about $350 - 400 total cost):

    http://www.titaniumgoat.com/vertex5.html

    Are you planning to have a small stove inside it for warmth?

    Probably much cheaper ones from Hong Kong. Or if you know how to use a sewing machine you could make one but these "cheaper" options could put your life at risk if temps drop well below 0F.

    Another sort of obvious comment: the smaller it is the more body warmth it traps and less wind resistance it creates.

    Edit: by HK I was referring to retailers like DX dot com, I have bought minor items from them but never a tent that protects me from hypothermia.
    Last edited by TXyakr; 12-18-2014 at 02:03 PM. Reason: edit DX and similar

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