Selecting a Winter-Worthy Tent

Winter tents come in a variety of styles and shapes, but the best among them share these qualities:

Sturdy Frame
Winter tents — some mountaineering tents meet the same basic description — have a minimum of three poles, and often more. That's the biggest reason these tents tend to be heavier than their three-season cousins. Look for poles made of aluminum, high-strength aluminum, or carbon fiber rather than fiberglass, which shatters easily.

Sleek Profile
A tent's profile also affects its stability in gusty weather. Avoid tents with tall, vertical walls because they catch any wind. Instead, look for an aerodynamic, wind-shedding shape.

Lots of Guylines
Make sure the fly extends nearly to the ground, has plenty of exterior nylon loops for staking and guying out, and attaches to the poles on its underside via clips or hook-and-loop closures (aka Velcro). Internal guying, or tying tight guylines between nylon loops hanging from the tent ceiling, enhances stability.

Extra Rooms
Make sure your winter tent has at least one vestibule for storing boots, packs, and wet outerwear, as well as for cooking during stormy weather. Two doors and two vestibules are preferable, since they give you better storage space, entry and exit, and ventilation.

Venting Options
High-end winter tents feature hooded, zippered vents that can be left open in any weather. These vents are usually located at the top of the tent so warm, moist air can escape. At a minimum, you'll want a tent with two-way zippers on the tent body and rain fly doors. That way you can leave a crack open at the top of the tent rather than at the bottom, to release moisture without directing an icy draft on sleeping campers.