Definition of "4 season" for tents

[AlexB]

I'm starting to do some gear research, kitting up again after decades off the track. Reading threads on here about tents I see lots of people talking about "3 season" and "4 season". I am in one of the colder bits of Vic (Ballarat) and assumed I'd want 4 season if I wanted to use it in winter anywhere in this region, but when I read a bit deeper people talk about 4 season tents being able to stand up to heavy snow dumps, howling winds above the treelike, etc. We don't get that here and I don't have any winter alpine hikes in my plans for the foreseeable future.

What I want is something that can handle subzero overnight temps and heavy frost or a very light sprinkle of snow. At present I probably wouldn't plan to go out if it were forecast much below zero but I'd like to be prepared.

So, in tent parlance, is that 3 season or 4? What specific features should I be looking for?

[Strider]

That is usually referred to as 3 season.

Specific features for cold weather usage: as little mesh on the inner as possible. Note that this will make it hotter in summer. Tents with doors either side can be opened up for better ventilation.

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[GPSGuided]

3.5 season tent?

Seriously, I think you really should examine each tent individually. Amongst those so called 3 season tents, there's a wide variation in their 'ventilation'. Some are nice summer tents with netted inner and a fly with lots of opening all round while others are far more enclosed with a high wall fabric inner.

[DanShell]

I'm starting to do some gear research, kitting up again after decades off the track. Reading threads on here about tents I see lots of people talking about "3 season" and "4 season". I am in one of the colder bits of Vic (Ballarat) and assumed I'd want 4 season if I wanted to use it in winter anywhere in this region, but when I read a bit deeper people talk about 4 season tents being able to stand up to heavy snow dumps, howling winds above the treelike, etc. We don't get that here and I don't have any winter alpine hikes in my plans for the foreseeable future.

What I want is something that can handle subzero overnight temps and heavy frost or a very light sprinkle of snow. At present I probably wouldn't plan to go out if it were forecast much below zero but I'd like to be prepared.

So, in tent parlance, is that 3 season or 4? What specific features should I be looking for?

My take on 3 season and 4 season tents is simple (I am a simple man). A 4 season tent will withstand a load of snow and higher winds. A 3 season tent will most likely fail quicker than a 4 season tent in high winds and snow loads. But then you will get 3 season tents that fail faster than others in high winds and snow loads, it all depends on the design amongst other things.

It sounds to me as though you only need a 3 season tent but get a double wall with a solid inner. Lets not get too excited about the solid inner being 'warmer'. You must remember it is only a very thin piece of nylon (in most cases) so its not like its going to insulate you from a heavy frost

All tents will blow down if the wind/gusts are strong enough. There is only so much force a small tent stake can hold until it lets go, unless of course you were able to tie your guy lines down like they do in those wind tunnel tests

[Lophophaps]

Alex, as advised above, four seasons means being able to take snow. Most decent tents will take a dusting of snow; four seasons to me means a tent for above 1500 metres in winter. One key point about the inner is that a solid fabric will resist the wind better than mesh. With a solid inner wall up to, say 300-500 mm, you can sleep out of the breeze. The tent will not stop the cold - that is what clothing and sleeping bags are for. Smaller tents heat faster than big ones. I've been in tents in sub-zero conditions and the stove brought the temperature to about 20 degrees C just by cooking dinner.

[Orion]

Solid fabric is warmer than mesh. Not because that thin layer of nylon is insulating. But because it minimizes the circulation of air from inside and out. You get a warmer "bubble" of air with a solid wall. One downside is that a sold wall is hotter in warmer conditions.

I have a "5 season" rain fly. What does that mean.

[RonK]

As well as the differences already mentioned 4season tents are typically made with more durable fabrics, use robust multi-pole architecture with multiple guys and have a longer fly that reaches the ground to exclude drafts.
Inevitably they are bulkier and heavier too.

[Strider]

Tarptent will add additional pegout points if requested at time of ordering.

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[north-north-west]

I have a "5 season" rain fly. What does that mean.

Spring. Summer. Autumn. Winter. Tasmania.

[Lophophaps]

I have a "5 season" rain fly. What does that mean.

Spring. Summer. Autumn. Winter. Tasmania.

LOL!

[madmacca]

One big difference is that 4 season tents tend to have a more solid inner rather than mesh. Not only just to trap warmth, but also to prevent spindrift (blown snow), which can get over your sleeping bag and compromise the down as it melts. The solid inner often makes them stifling hot in summer. Being able to use them in 4 seasons is a bit of a myth.

While Ballarat and surrounds may well be plenty cold in winter, what you are really looking for would be a '3 season' tent.

[Orion]

It's true that a lot of 4 season tents are really 4th season only tents. But some also ventilate pretty well with zip panels. We have a two door Bibler that opens up nicely to allow air flow. Sierra Designs used to make convertible tents that had zip-off panels for warmer season use.

[Franco]

Alex,
For what you intend to do the Tarptent Scarps could be a good choice.
Both are a bit larger than some for their respective rating (Scarp 1=1+ /Scarp 2=2+)
With the "solid" inner (breathable fabric) you get better wind protection but unlike many full-on mountain/expedition/4 season tents it also has very good ventilation options
(bottom and top vents and two doors that can be fully or at least partially open even in the rain.
If you happen to get down Altona's way you are welcome to pop in to have a play with the Scarp 1 (I don't have the two )
I will however be up in Ballan for the next few days .
http://www.tarptent.com/scarp1.html

( I am part of Tarptent...)

[beean]

It's true that a lot of 4 season tents are really 4th season only tents. But some also ventilate pretty well with zip panels. We have a two door Bibler that opens up nicely to allow air flow. Sierra Designs used to make convertible tents that had zip-off panels for warmer season use.

Yah I agree, most 4 season tents are pretty unsuitable for summer camping, they're way to warm and don't breath well in hot temps. 4 season tent usually means that you should use it in winter only, and then only in environment that get strong winds and/or snow.

[Orion]

Not just for snow. A four season tent can also be a good choice for cool desert conditions. A wind storm in the desert can blow fine silt through mesh, coating your skin (and lungs) with a layer of dirt that's very, very unpleasant. I actually sewed zippered panels over the mesh of a three season tent for this reason but a lot of people just use four season tents.

A large mid actually works pretty well for 4 seasons. Good ventilation in the summer and you can dig it into snow to make a really large, lightweight shelter. They aren't the best in the wind though.

[Moondog55]

Adding to this confusion is the 4+ rating also known as Expedition tents which may well be smaller and heavier to cope with very heavy snow and very high winds. The more poles it has and the more pole crossings it has the more likely I would be to rate the tent 4+/Expedition.
If you won't be camping above the snowline then you don't need a 4th season/winter tent but if you are then many times you need that 4+/expedition tent rating