Need a tent that’s ready for whatever mother nature can throw at you? And don’t want to break the bank? We’ve got you covered with 10 of the best budget 4 season tents. We’ve based our analysis on durability, weatherproofing, weight, ventilation, and cost.
We’ve also included a buyer’s guide at the bottom so you know what to look for in a quality, budget four season tent.
Now, just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you need to skimp on a quality night’s sleep. After all, there’s nothing worse than being wet and miserable at the end of a full day’s exploring when all you want to do is sleep. Choosing one of these affordable 4 season tents below will ensure you have the peaceful rest you deserve.
Our favorite 4 season tent for those on a budget is the Geertop 2 Person Tent. It strikes the optimal balance between affordability and durability, with waterproof features that allow it to hold up great under rain, wind and snow loads.
The outer layer of this two-layer tent is constructed from rugged 210T anti-tear checkered polyester. This durable polyester helps prevent any cuts and holes from forming, preventing the elements from finding their way inside.
A waterproof coating has also been added to the outer layer, making it waterproof up to 3,000mm. This is great, but they’ve even increased waterproofing for the Oxford fabric floor to 5,000mm.
Combined with the skirting that surrounds the base of the tent, you’ve got yourself a very water and snowproof tent for winter.
For summer, the outer layer can be removed, leaving you with just the inner breathable layer that consists of 2 doors with mesh windows.
Ventilation is provided by two ventilation windows on the outer layer and two doors. The inner layers have two large mesh panels. Ventilation is important year-round. It’s especially needed in winter to avoid condensation build-up inside the tent.
The tent is a good size for two people. The inner layer dimensions are 78(L) x 55(W) x 41(H) inches. There are also two storage vestibules, but these are relatively small.
Weighing 6.4 lbs, this is a very lightweight tent for an affordable, 4 season tent. Other tents at this pricepoint tend to weigh considerably more, or are made of thin materials that struggle to keep the winter elements out.
Overall, we really like the waterproofing, ventilation and durability of this dual-layer four season tent. Given the price, we think it’s your best bet for your next camping adventure.
Ideal for the very budget-conscious, this 2 person tent from FlyTop is an entry-level 4 season tent. With two-layers, the outer layer features 210T PU3500MM anti-tear checkered polyester with the seams taped. This is coated with PU 3,500 water resistance.
The inner layer is 210T breathable polyester with no-see-um mesh wall panels to aid thermal performance. The floor is made from Oxford fabric with a coating that increases waterproofing to PU 4,000mm.
Ventilation is helped by the two doors and two pop-up ventilation windows on the outer layer.
The height is a comfortable 45.28 inches, with the inside area measuring 59 x 83 inches. Two vestibule areas of 8ft2 are also included.
Weighing 5.9 lbs, this tent is certainly light enough for hikers to include with the backpacks. You’ll need to go up a couple of price brackets if you want something more lightweight that still provides comfort in all 4 seasons.
At well under $100, this is one of the best value 4 season tents we’ve seen. You’ll be paying a lot more for a similarly spec’d tent from a big outdoor retailer.
This tent is ideal for the performance-minded campers. The Alps Mountaineering 3 person, 4 season tent features some high-quality finishes that push it to the next level.
We like that you can access the vents from inside. This allows you to control the ventilation and airflow without having to leave the comfort of your tent. Another handy feature is that you can just leave the doors open for increased ventilation without having to worry about the rain finding its way inside.
The freestanding nature of this affordable four-season tent opens up the possibilities of where you can pitch it as you don’t need to find any stable structures to connect your lines to.
The outer layer is kept watertight with the help of the 185T polyester with 1500mm waterproof coating. The 185T poly taffeta floor has a 5000mm waterproof coating and weatherproof fly buckles to ensure a dry night’s rest.
The Alps Tasmanian is generously sized with the height reaching 5’4” and a base size of 6’7” x 7’8”. Adding to the generous proportions are the two large vestibules (21ft2) that can easily store large rucksacks.
All of this room and durable materials come with one main downside; weight. At 9.8 lbs it is on the heavier side. So, keep this in mind if you’re planning on carrying it as you may need to share the load (ie one person carries the fly and friend carries the rest).
Overall this is perhaps the best tent in our list for tall campers looking for a versatile 4 season tent that comes with a good amount of storage room and can handle snow and rain loads well.
The Moko 3 person is another 4 season tent worthy of consideration. The dome design features two layers with a built-in Oxford floor.
This is aimed at families, so it’s big and bulky. The 6.7 ft inner floor provides ample room for 3 people and the 3.5 ft height allows for comfortable sitting.
The elements are kept at bay thanks to the outer layer that provides 2,500mm waterproofing, and the floor that provides 5,000mm.
Ideal for budget-conscious families that aren’t doing a lot of hiking with the tent. The biggest detractor of this tent is the 9.9 lbs weight. This makes it one of the heaviest in our list.
There is a lot to like about the Hillman 2 person high altitude tent. Especially so given the very affordable price.
Waterproofing features include double-stitched seams and a very impressive PU 10,000 mm waterproof silicon-coated nylon outer layer. There is also skirting attached to the bottom of the outer layer that helps push the snow and rain away from the tent. This is a very handy feature.
The inner dimensions are 126 x 47 inches with a maximum height of 39 inches. This height allows for easy sitting up and the size is big enough to fit 2 adults, but won’t accommodate much else in the way of gear.
The durability of the materials is good. But, you can’t expect a $100 tent to have the same durability as a $300+ tent.
If you don’t have a lot of experience setting up tents, then you may need to watch some YouTube videos to assist as the instructions are not in English and some owners have reported issues setting it up.
We strongly recommend a setup and takedown practice run at home before venturing out with this tent as you don’t want to get stuck without internet access to assist (if needed).
The weight is a very respectable 6.2 lbs. This makes it accessible to take on the trail with you. You can find lighter tents out there, but it’s unlikely they’ll hold up in winter due to the lighter material or they are considerably more expensive. If budget is your primary concern and you need a 4 season tent, then you are going to have to make a weight sacrifice.
One area we think this tent could be improved is the ventilation for the inner layer. The outer layer provides quality ventilation, but this airflow can struggle to reach the inner layer. Potentially leaving you with some condensation build up.
Overall we think this is a good choice for budget-conscious campers that have some experience setting up tents and are not expecting a super lightweight tent for the price.
This 1 person tent from Geertop provides a lightweight, durable and affordable solution for 4 seasons. The design is freestanding so you don’t need to worry about finding a tree or other structure to tie to.
You’ll stay dry thanks to the 20D nylon tear-resistant plaid fabric coated with PU4000mm waterproofing on the flysheet outer layer. The floor is made from 210D Oxford cloth that has a PU 5000mm waterproof coating.
The inside sleeping area dimensions of this 1 person tent are 81 x 43 inches. But, unlike some other 1 person tents, the Geertop has a generous height of 43 inches so you are free to sit up and move about.
Air is mainly circulated through the front door and from the sides. There are no ventilation flaps in the inner layer, but the 210T material allows air to circulate in and out.
At 4 lbs, it’s light enough to throw in your backpack to enjoy the trails without much additional effort.
We like how easy this tent is to erect. Being a 1 person tent, you really don’t want a complicated setup that requires assistance from a fellow camper. The free-standing design allows for a quick 5 minute setup so you can spend more time relaxing.
Overall, this is a great option for those that are mainly after a lightweight 1 person tent that will mostly be used during the 3 seasons but can also be used in the colder, windy conditions of winter. But, if you’re mainly using it for winter, then you may need to go up a price bracket for increased resistance to snow and rain loads.
Now for a 4 season tent that exudes personality. Introducing the Vidalido 5 person dome, yurt or teepee style tent.
The conical structure for this tent performs well under snow loads as snow just runs off because it has nowhere to accumulate.
The Vidalido is also built for performance with doors and windows constructed with 2000D PU 3000MM high-density mesh. The outer layer is constructed with anti-tear 190T patterned polyester and the floor is made from 150D Oxford fabric.
You can remove the outer layer and just keep the inner layer for those hot days. You can even erect both the inner and outer tents if you want.
But, this is now your average tent for the trail as it weighs 14 pounds. It’s more suited for somewhere you can take your family in a car and pitch your tent close by.
We really like the versatility. This could make a great all-year-round tent plus its yurt design makes it ideal for festival camping, or dare I say glamping.
This is the highest tent in our list. At 7.9 feet high, even Michael Jordan can walk around inside without issue.
Overall, with ample room, solid ventilation and load-bearing features, this could be your ideal year-round family tent provided that you don’t need to strap it to your back and hike with it.
The Eureka Mountain backpacker tent has a great reputation for durability and attention to detail that only comes from years of manufacturing high-quality tents.
Some of these features include removable side panels for increased ventilation, 2 large vestibules for gear storage, a gear loft and pocket stashes for valuables, and 2 doors for easy access. They include the footprint too which is a great touch.
Eureka has a coveted history making durable tents. Fun fact - they’ve been building outdoor products like tents, wagon covers, and horse blankets for over a century!
The outer layer and floor are constructed of 68D 185T polyester taffeta, with PU 1800mm and PU 3000mm waterproofing, respectively.
It’s generously sized dimensions are 7 ft 4 in x 6 ft 6 in with a maximum height of 3 ft 8 in. So, this can easily fit 2 people plus gear. The front and rear vestibules provide an additional 25 ft² of storage space.
The 6 lbs 13 oz weight is lightweight for a 3 person tent without being ultralight. The side vents can be removed to lighten the load.
We really like the durability and attention to detail that this tent provides. It may not be the cheapest tent in this list, but we think it’s still a great buy for those that need peace of mind that comes from a Eureka tent.
The High Peak South Col comes very highly rated for use in rough winter conditions.
The outer layer is constructed of RipStop polyester with taped seams and a waterproof coating to withstand PU 3000 mm. The floor is rated to PU 5000mm.
It’s very roomy for 2 persons with gear, or you can fit 3 persons but you’ll have limited storage space for your gear and will need to rely on the two large vestibules. The inside sleeping dimensions are 84 x 79 inches with a maximum height of 53 inches.
We’re impressed with the durability of this budget 4 season tent. The double-stitched and taped seams along with the RipStop material will preserve this tent for years to come.
We like that the tent can be set up and dismantled by one person, but is obviously quicker and easier with two.
The main potential downside is the weight. It’s 9.7 lbs which is on the heavy side and may require 2 people to share the load if you’re taking it on the trail. For a lighter tent with the same 4 season durability, you’ll need to pay considerably more.
The Arxis 2 person tent is a very affordable 4 season option. The skirting around the base of the outer layer is a great feature at this price as it really helps to keep the snow at bay.
The 210T polyester outer layer has a waterproofing coating to PU 3500mm, and the 210D Oxford floor is rated to the PU 4000mm. This waterproofing, combined with the skirt will ensure you have dry nights ready to go again the next day.
Ventilation is achieved through the flaps on the outer layer and through the two doors. In cold winter conditions, you may need to ensure the door is open a little to keep condensation from building up inside.
Whilst the ratings are good, it’s always hard to trust a cheap tent from a manufacturer that you may not have heard of. We like that Arxis offers a 20 month guarantee to give peace of mind should any quality issues arise.
The overall size is good for two people with inside dimensions of 82 x 59 inches and a maximum height of 45 inches. The two vestibules extend out another 19 inches on each side to provide gear storage.
At 5.7 lbs, this tent can easily be added to a backpack for the trail.
Whilst setup is very straightforward, it is a bit of a shame that the instructions are not in English. Potentially making it harder for some beginner campers to setup and take down.
This is a very budget-friendly 2 person tent that is virtually a risk-free purchase given the 20 month guarantee.
We consider the following factors to be the most important when choosing a 4 season tent:
It’s easy to understand the ventilation requirements during summer. You really want it nice n breezy to ensure heat can escape.
But, ensuring there is enough ventilation during winter can sometimes confuse beginner campers as it can seem a little counter productive. I mean, you want to keep all the heat in so you close every single vent and door, right? No! Your breathing will cause condensation build up and you will wake up in a very wet tent. Not fun at all.
So ensuring your tent has adequate ventilation for winter use is very important. Ideally you have access to several vents and doors that you can use to help control the airflow to reduce any condensation build up.
If you’re used to summer camping, then you may not be familiar with the double layer design used for the majority of 4 season tents. The two layers help promote ventilation as the air is able to enter the outer layer via the vents and doors and the air can then easily pass through to the inner layer via large mesh openings. This greatly reduces the possibility of condensation build up.
The additional layer also provides more protection as it’s harder for the elements to penetrate. Ultimately, you will be warmer inside a two layer tent.
A quick warning about the capacity manufacturers use for their tents. The stated capacity is generally for a snug fit without any gear. So, for example, a 3 person tent can sleep 3 people, but you’ll struggle to fit in gear for all 3 people too. This gear will need to sleep in the vestibule(s).
So, if you plan on buying a tent for 2 people and gear, your best bet is to find a 3 person tent. This will ensure you aren’t cramped and you have enough room for gear too.
If you need more living space, you may be interested in an affordable multi-room tent. Just be warned that they generally aren't as well equipped to handle all 4 seasons.
This guide is targeted towards campers that have a limited budget, but still want to enjoy winter camping. So, we consider all tents in this guide as budget options. The biggest trade-off you’ll need to make when budget is a key driver is weight. You won’t find an ‘ultralight’ 4 season tent that we’d still consider a budget option. You’ll definitely need to fork out more if keeping your trail weight low is your main priority.
Whilst it’s impossible to find a budget 4 season tent that is also ultralight, weight still varies considerably between options. This weight shouldn’t always be seen as a negative. It can often mean the thick, heavy material is also more durable and more likely to hold up when the weather turns nasty.
Some of the tents we’ve recommended include removable components so you can leave them behind if you don’t need them. For example, the outer layer can be removed in many of these tents and left behind for light summer camping.
Also consider any add-ons you might purchase such as a footprint or heavy duty stakes in your total weight calculations.
To help offset the weight of a 4 season tent a common strategy is to share the load. One person takes the outer fly layer and the other takes the rest.
4 season tents need to be able to withstand considerable wind, snow and rain loads. So, it’s important to choose a tent and pole design that won’t buckle under the pressure.
The poles need to be able to flex under loads, but if they flex too much then they are at risk of snapping. The overall pole diameter is important too. Thicker poles generally means more stability.
Aluminum poles are popular choices for four season tents because they are strong, yet lightweight and have good corrosion resistance.
The overall design and how the poles are used matters too. Designs that have poles on the inside tend to be lighter. Whereas tent designs with external poles are heavier, but are generally able to withstand more loads. External poles can also be easier to set up, and replace should the unthinkable happen and break during a downpour.
Sure, the tent is a necessity, but may also want to ensure you come prepared with the following camping accessories:
Proper ground insulation is vital in maintaining a warm tent. Adding an additional layer between yourself and the ground is an easy way to bump up your comfort level.
Some four-season tents provide a footprint included, whilst other brands sell them separately. Regardless, a cost-effective option is to buy a 6mm tarp like this waterproof grizzly tarp and cut it to size.
Most of your heat is going to come from a properly rated sleeping bag. The best 4 season tent is not going to keep you warm unless you pair it with an appropriate sleeping bag.
Yes, we all love a natural campfire. But, this isn’t the most practical option for winter camping. Packing a portable camping stove really is the most convenient option for cooking and making that delicious cup of morning coffee.
We’ve focused on the waterproofing quality in each of the tents reviewed here. And, whilst we think the manufacturers do a good job, we always recommend grabbing a can or two of Scotchgard water repellent as an additional precaution.
Pay particular attention to the seams as the thousands of little holes created by the sewing machine are the main points of entry for rain or other moisture.
Your tent is your home away from home. As budget-conscious explorers, it is possible to find a quality 4 season tent that you can treasure for years to come.
Our favorite affordable 2 person tent is the Geertop 4 season. We were blown away by its performance and winter-friendly features such as the skirt and ventilation. It’s super affordable and backed by loads of positive reviews. For the price, we don’t think you can do better.
Let us know in the comments if you bought one of these tents. We’d really like to know what you thought of it.
Enjoy your outdoor adventures!
[…] Also: Best Waterproof Backpacks Best Backpacking Tents Best Cordless Vacuum […]
[…] customer considers the three important things such as safety, comfort, and better convenience. The https://www.pickgears.com/best-backpacking-tents/ website shows the valuable review and feature of backpacking tents for the customers and helps to […]
[…] Cheap Backpacking Tents […]
[…] For all those that possess little knowledge in lightweight backpacking tents, the price can leave you a tiny shellshocked. Mid-range lightweight backpack tents might come a modest steep in price, together with many beginning approximately 300 bucks at a excellent quality tent best budget backpacking tents. […]
[…] Pick a backpacking tent to handle the hardest states you are very likely to handle if you might use it. A good quality back packing tent will probably last for many years with minimum care and this means that you may put it to use in many climates. Heavy drains such as the Pacific Northwest? High winds like in the Rockies? Snow? Each One the above Mentionedmentioned? This really is one of the most critical components of your purchasing decision for your own backpacking tent. The majority of people don’t seem far enough ahead so they select a tent that meets their immediate requirements, but also for the following vacation they must start over. Unless you’re scaling Denali, you can probably locate a kayak that’ll be a actual advantage for the majority of journeys. It will tempt you to chuckle at exactly the elements and behave as a trusted friend after having a few trips-your refuge in the storm backpacking tents for 2 person. […]
[…] primary gear includes backpack and rain cover. You would be in need of a tent that you can find at https://www.pickgears.com/best-backpacking-tents/. Moreover, the sleeping bag stuff sack are also critical along with a sleeping […]