Three-Season Tents

• Three-season tents are designed for camping during the spring, summer and fall and are the most common tents available. Although not specifically made for winter camping, a three-season tent may be suitable for mild winter camping, keeping in mind that the tent is not made for high winds or heavy snow loads. Also, be sure all those vents and mosquito-netted windows that let the breeze in during warmer weather can be tightly sealed in colder weather.
  
  

Four-Season Tents

• A four-season tent is a better choice for camping in harsher winter weather. The tent walls on a four-season tent are thicker than that of a three-season tent so that it can withstand harsher winter winds. The tent is also designed to shed snow preventing the tent from bowing inward or collapsing because of heavy snow. In addition to the extra protection, four-season tents are also about 4 pounds heavier than three-season tents which is an important factor for backpacking.
  
  

Freestanding

• Choose a freestanding or dome tent that needs few or no ropes or tent stakes for support. Tent stakes are easily lost, and staking out a tent in the snow can be difficult. A freestanding tent allows you to be flexible with location while still feeling secure in the tent’s structure. Keep in mind, however, that a freestanding tent is easily tossed in windy conditions but can be weighted down with gear on the inside or rocks on the outside.
  
  

Support

• Four-season tents are designed with snow load in mind and have sturdy, strong support poles. However, if you opt to use a three-season tent in a pinch during mild winter weather, be sure to check for good cross supports. Avoid tents with large, unsupported, low-angled areas that can accumulate snow and possibly cause the tent to collapse.
  
  

Size

• Choose a tent that‘s rated for one more person than will actually be using the tent. The additional space will come in handy for bulkier cold-weather sleeping bags and extra winter gear. In addition, harsh weather can force campers indoors more often in the winter, and the extra space can help campers pass the time more comfortably. Furthermore, you may want to consider a tent with a vestibule area where you can leave snow-covered boots or cook inside when necessary.