3 vs 4 season tents
- Thread starter JasonH
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Sometimes when I am camping in really cold weather I'll heat up some water till its really hot and pore it into my nalgene bottle. Or if I am really lazy I'll set the bottle full of water next to the fire to heat it up. Once the water is real hot make sure the lid is on super tight and throw it into the bottom of your sleeping bag. It will keep you warm all night. Works way better then you would think.
HTH
-Noah
HTH
-Noah
I have a 12 year old mountain hardware winter light 4 season 2 person. It's great and has outlasted any tent I had prior to that. Take a look at the trango 4. It's a time proven design and will last long past your camping days. With 4 people you want something with a good big vestibule. I've got friends who have this tent and love it. With 4 people in it you should be able to raise temp at least 20 degrees.
And invest in some thermarests. The thicker the better if you are car camping and with a chair kit they are one less thing to have to haul. Also get some better sleeping bags. If your cold at night this is the reason. The tent will help a little bit but a nice sleeping bag will make all the diff.
I bought a Mountain Hardwear 5 degree crazy legs down bag before they discontinued them. Will be the last bag I will ever neen.
My advice is to keep your coleman tent and get better pads and bags. If money is an issue.
And invest in some thermarests. The thicker the better if you are car camping and with a chair kit they are one less thing to have to haul. Also get some better sleeping bags. If your cold at night this is the reason. The tent will help a little bit but a nice sleeping bag will make all the diff.
I bought a Mountain Hardwear 5 degree crazy legs down bag before they discontinued them. Will be the last bag I will ever neen.
My advice is to keep your coleman tent and get better pads and bags. If money is an issue.
Troll, i think i got you beat. I have a 25 year old North Face ve-24 4 season tent. The zipper broke a few years ago and i sent it back to The North Face for warranty repair. THey fixed it free and enclosed a little note saying that was the oldest tent they have seen still in use that they have fixed. They said it was their very first dome tent ever.
My dad gave it to me. He purchased it new back in the early-mid seventy's when he was deer/elk hunting and backpacking his hunting trips.
I have really used that tent in some serious cold, snow and rain situations and it hasn't let me down yet. If you are going to invest in a tent (think shelter here) you might as well spend the money and get a good one. When you are trying to sleep out in the bush and it starts pouring down rain then your tent starts leaking on you, you are going to wish you had spent hte money.
My dad gave it to me. He purchased it new back in the early-mid seventy's when he was deer/elk hunting and backpacking his hunting trips.
I have really used that tent in some serious cold, snow and rain situations and it hasn't let me down yet. If you are going to invest in a tent (think shelter here) you might as well spend the money and get a good one. When you are trying to sleep out in the bush and it starts pouring down rain then your tent starts leaking on you, you are going to wish you had spent hte money.
Jason, my recommendation is to spend more on your sleeping bag than your tent. As long as your tent is keeping you dry, I would stick with it. I've got 3 sleeping bags and 2 of them were $150+. Got a good thermarest self inflatable sleeping pad and depending on what type of camping I'm doing, I'll grab either my zero degree or 15 degree bag. I HATE BEING COLD. My newest "sandman" by sierra designs is fantastic ($175 IRRC). I've never been cold and often never zip it completly up.
Jeremie
Jeremie
- Thread starter
- #26
OK everybody, thanks very much for the input! For now I'm gonna get a better sleeping bag.
One of the things I was trying to plan for was keeping my wife and kids warm when we go to Moab this year. I decided to rent a cabin.
It's cheaper than buying a new tent and we get heat and AC. Realistically, they ususally don't go with me when it gets cold so a new bag for me should work fine. Although one of those huge canvas tents with the stove inside sure would be sweet!
Thanks again!
One of the things I was trying to plan for was keeping my wife and kids warm when we go to Moab this year. I decided to rent a cabin.
It's cheaper than buying a new tent and we get heat and AC. Realistically, they ususally don't go with me when it gets cold so a new bag for me should work fine. Although one of those huge canvas tents with the stove inside sure would be sweet!Thanks again!
This has been a good thread....
Did some online hunting myself, the Coleman Bristol 3 "appears" to be a decent tent for a good price....
The Coleman Siege 2 also looks nice...
gotta take a measurement on my cots tho to see what'll fit....
Did some online hunting myself, the Coleman Bristol 3 "appears" to be a decent tent for a good price....
The Coleman Siege 2 also looks nice...
gotta take a measurement on my cots tho to see what'll fit....
sorry jason I didnt read every post but .... any tent you get will work basicall the some ,there are differences ( vestibles,rain flys etc. etc) i have used a small dome (3 person) that i got at target 10 years ago.... yes there are better ,had them before ,got it on selll for 20 somthing dollars ,small enough i can packit anywhere,
2nd the good sleeping pad and good sleeping bags....
and if it permits(you know no little ones) concider what you wear to sleep in common mistake people mak is wearing clothes... sleep naked you be much warmer as for the clothes put them in your bag body heat makes em warmer for the morning.....
Just my .02
2nd the good sleeping pad and good sleeping bags....
and if it permits(you know no little ones) concider what you wear to sleep in common mistake people mak is wearing clothes... sleep naked you be much warmer as for the clothes put them in your bag body heat makes em warmer for the morning.....
Just my .02
No one has mentioned the Woods Artic bags, so I imagine no one is winter camping in -30F +temps. I and my family have 4 of those puppies - "modified" 3 Stars - modified (because they are old) by adding one additional pound of down to each bag, a sleeping pad pouch and sewing on a hood. You won't waste any time slipping into that bag's wool liner in your birthday suit on a cold "frosty" night. Tents - I like Mountain hardware for a lightweight 3 season tent but that's just a personal choice. For rugged spring and summer trips, I like cotton duck fabric type tents, if you're using a base camp to come back to in the evenings. I just got rid of my Woods, which gave me 29 years of good memories.
If your an experienced camper you know what works for you at the least expense. If you don't possess the experience go with an inexpensive tent and sleeping bag (temp rated for your area/time of season) and if you start camping on a regular basis throughout the year, you too, will find out what works best for you in your environment. You will make due with the inexpensive equipment and when it wears out/gets tore up etc. you will now know what you want - the only problem is whether or not you want to spend that kind of money to keep up with the Jones's or if you want to rough it a little and put the money into that money pit called Cruiser PM
If your an experienced camper you know what works for you at the least expense. If you don't possess the experience go with an inexpensive tent and sleeping bag (temp rated for your area/time of season) and if you start camping on a regular basis throughout the year, you too, will find out what works best for you in your environment. You will make due with the inexpensive equipment and when it wears out/gets tore up etc. you will now know what you want - the only problem is whether or not you want to spend that kind of money to keep up with the Jones's or if you want to rough it a little and put the money into that money pit called Cruiser PM
Mountain Hardware Skyview 3 = the best tent I have ever owned. Convertible from 3 season to 4 season with a zipout headliner. Just spent the night in -7 degree temps and a white-out blizzard, stayed warm and dry. I also recommend a good, down-filled bag and a thermarest as others have suggested. My bag is a Granite Peaks -50*, packs nice, but not for long adventures. My son slept in +20* bag w/fleece liner and stayed warm. Having a good pad is key.
One of the all round best tents I have found for the $ is the Eureka Tetragon series. I do only cold weather camping from November to April (hate bugs and snakes) and would not trade my tetragons for anything. They are not rated as 4 season only because they are not rated for winds as strong as the 4 season tents. They can be closed up (roof and side vents zip/close), and the rain fly extends way down on the sides to provide great rain protection. Gear loft standard. No vestibule. I have been in them in 30 mph winds and single digit temps w/ no problems. Rugged. Put a catalytic tent heater like a black cat in these and you can stay plenty warm in these tents with then closed up or vented. BUT ONLY RUN THE HEATER IN SMALL BURSTS. Get a good 0 degree or below bag, and a good insulating slepping pad and you will stay plenty warm. I have used 2001 - 2005 models for years. The Teragon 5 is essentially great for one, the Tetragon 7 for two, and the Tertragon 8 and 9 will comfortably hold 3. They changed the design somewhat for 2006 so I could not vouch for them after the 2005 model. They are great tents for the $ from the folks who make most of our military tents....
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Jason, get a liner for your sleeping bag. Silk is best but is more delicate (it rips easly). It should add about 10 degrees to your bag.
As for tents.. I have a single wall tent (bibbler Ahanee) but this tents being that they are single wall they tend to be colder.
If you are going to be doing regular winter camping not a high altitude yah should be fine with a 3 season tent provided you dont camp on a windy ledge or expect too much snow ( it may collapse on you).
Having a theramarest and a foam pad stack on each other also helps a lot for keeping warm inside your tent.
Good luck to yah..
As for tents.. I have a single wall tent (bibbler Ahanee) but this tents being that they are single wall they tend to be colder.
If you are going to be doing regular winter camping not a high altitude yah should be fine with a 3 season tent provided you dont camp on a windy ledge or expect too much snow ( it may collapse on you).
Having a theramarest and a foam pad stack on each other also helps a lot for keeping warm inside your tent.
Good luck to yah..
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I would buy the best gear you can afford. A cheap tent will clapse in about 30 MPH wind (not that much) A great tent that is a 3 1/2 season is the Eureka Timberline (or Timberline xt) about 100 -170 on Ebay or from www.campmor.com depending if you want a 2 man or 4.
They have proven themselfs through out the world and parts are easy to come by if you should need them. Very easy to set up and bulletproof (like a cruiser).
Dont buy from REI - they donate money to the Sierra club = shut down trails and forest areas. If you dont believe me call them. This is crazy to me because they sell mountain bikes and such. Sorry I didnt mean to change the subject but thought I would say something!
They have proven themselfs through out the world and parts are easy to come by if you should need them. Very easy to set up and bulletproof (like a cruiser).
Dont buy from REI - they donate money to the Sierra club = shut down trails and forest areas. If you dont believe me call them. This is crazy to me because they sell mountain bikes and such. Sorry I didnt mean to change the subject but thought I would say something!I also agree with the Mountain Hardwear, I have have used Eureka, Coleman, North Face, Sierra Design, Kelty and Mountain Hardware. Kelty and Mountain Hardware are the only two that I would buy.
I currently use a Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead three, which has a lot of ventilation, but all of it zips up to keep the heat in during the winter. I recently got nailed in a horrible thunderstorm with 3/4 hail. It rained so much we were literally in 3 inches of water...not a drop of water in the tent.
I currently use a Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead three, which has a lot of ventilation, but all of it zips up to keep the heat in during the winter. I recently got nailed in a horrible thunderstorm with 3/4 hail. It rained so much we were literally in 3 inches of water...not a drop of water in the tent.
Tent Heater
If your 'tent heater' uses some sort of combustable fuel you are dancing with death by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ross[/QUOTE]
Have any of you guys used the L.P. tent heaters? Cost is approx $150.00 and uses only approx 3.00 of fuel a night. I don't really like to sleep in the bags, actually like to sleep under sheats, comforters, etc. I would rather spend a little money on a tent heater and be very comfortable. The ones I have looked at have intake and exhaust pipes with the actual heater outside your tent.
Gman
If your 'tent heater' uses some sort of combustable fuel you are dancing with death by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ross[/QUOTE]
Have any of you guys used the L.P. tent heaters? Cost is approx $150.00 and uses only approx 3.00 of fuel a night. I don't really like to sleep in the bags, actually like to sleep under sheats, comforters, etc. I would rather spend a little money on a tent heater and be very comfortable. The ones I have looked at have intake and exhaust pipes with the actual heater outside your tent.
Gman
www.springbar.com MADE IN THE USA Bomber. They took one to Everest basecamp...
I do believe that a 4-season tent would be overkill for what you are looking for. By going with a 4-season tent, you will be adding a lot of extra weight, and more likely a longer setup time. It will also be anywhere from $100-1000 more than a tent you will buy from target or walmart. Most 4-season tents on the market are made for the fourth season, winter. They are built storng and use top quality materials to withstand the elements. Most are pre water sealed and have very little ventilation to offer in the summer months.
The 3-season tent, is good for everyting else. If your not going to climb the alps or test your tent out in 4 foot of snow, then a 3-season is the way to go for a good up-grade to you current tent. the first think I noticed about my tent, was the difference in the material of the floor. the coleman that i used to have looked as if it was made from a tarp. a 3-season also has better resistance to waterproofing. But i would always use a seam sealer on top of that for added protection.
It sounds as if you are happy/content with your current tent. Will a 4-season tent keep in the heat a little better? im sure it will.. but not enough to justify the extra $$$. As other people have pointed out. You will be better off spending your hard earned money on quality sleeping pads like therma-rest, ($100) and a sleeping bag made with 700+ goose down material(200-500+), rated at 40 or lower. I dont know what cold is to you, but we all take it differently, some warm up nice and tosty in a 40 deg bag, others need a 0 or -10 deg bag to get the same feeling. If I were you, i would buy a good quality bag for winter/cooler months use, and use your current one for sumer/warmer weather use.
They also make some very nice longjohns now in days. youll pay some where between $30-$50 per top and bottom, but they do make a difference, and are much warmer than the standard cotton ones.
So if you add that all up youll spend about 300-600 per person to keep much warmer than if you bought a new 3 or 4 season tent
I own the Moss Little Dipper 4-season tent. It will be the last tent I own untill there is nothing left of it. Its the only one i have found that works in any weather or season, hot or cold. retailed at 1200+ I picked it up for 400 new. Only downside to it. She weighs in at 12 lbs+. It doesent keep me much warmer in the winter, but it will stand up to 3+ feet of snow, take 30+ mph winds, and wont take on water as long as the level is below the zipper line. Here is a link if you want to see more.
http://www.backcountry-equipment.com/tents/moss_littledipper.html
The 3-season tent, is good for everyting else. If your not going to climb the alps or test your tent out in 4 foot of snow, then a 3-season is the way to go for a good up-grade to you current tent. the first think I noticed about my tent, was the difference in the material of the floor. the coleman that i used to have looked as if it was made from a tarp. a 3-season also has better resistance to waterproofing. But i would always use a seam sealer on top of that for added protection.
It sounds as if you are happy/content with your current tent. Will a 4-season tent keep in the heat a little better? im sure it will.. but not enough to justify the extra $$$. As other people have pointed out. You will be better off spending your hard earned money on quality sleeping pads like therma-rest, ($100) and a sleeping bag made with 700+ goose down material(200-500+), rated at 40 or lower. I dont know what cold is to you, but we all take it differently, some warm up nice and tosty in a 40 deg bag, others need a 0 or -10 deg bag to get the same feeling. If I were you, i would buy a good quality bag for winter/cooler months use, and use your current one for sumer/warmer weather use.
They also make some very nice longjohns now in days. youll pay some where between $30-$50 per top and bottom, but they do make a difference, and are much warmer than the standard cotton ones.
So if you add that all up youll spend about 300-600 per person to keep much warmer than if you bought a new 3 or 4 season tent
I own the Moss Little Dipper 4-season tent. It will be the last tent I own untill there is nothing left of it. Its the only one i have found that works in any weather or season, hot or cold. retailed at 1200+ I picked it up for 400 new. Only downside to it. She weighs in at 12 lbs+. It doesent keep me much warmer in the winter, but it will stand up to 3+ feet of snow, take 30+ mph winds, and wont take on water as long as the level is below the zipper line. Here is a link if you want to see more.
http://www.backcountry-equipment.com/tents/moss_littledipper.html