When you head out on a camping trip, your humble tent isn’t just a piece of gear anymore. It’s one of your most treasured pieces of equipment. Tents are your best form of refuge after an extremely hard day of being in the outdoors. In essence, it’s your home away from home and provides shelter if you’re staying in the wilderness.
So, if ever you find yourself in some bad weather while on a camping trip, your tent is the only place that you’ll need to be. When shopping for a tent, it’s a great idea to secure a weather-grade tent. These offer more wind and weather protection than any other.
Best Camping Tents for High Winds
- Hillman 4 Season Tent for Wind (Overall Best Tent for High Winds)
- GearTop 4 Season Tent (Best Wind Tent for Beginners)
- FLYTOP 1-2-Person Backpacking Tent (Best Budget Tent)
- NTK Arizona Sport Camping Tent (Best for Large Groups)
- Gear Top Portable 2 Person Tent (Best Premium Option)
1. Hillman 4 Season Tent for Wind | Overall Best Tent for High Winds
- QUICK and EASY TO SET UP, one person can easily set up the...
- Large mesh sections on the tent body allow for greater...
- The tent is made of high quality WATERPROOF materials which...
- The tent is extremely PORTABLE weighing just 5.6 lbs...
- 3 Person, 3 Season tent perfect to take with you when...
Unlike many others, this one is extremely popular among campers. The entire design on this waterproof one allows all of its services to be efficiently used. If you’re looking for a quick setup, this one is manageable for one person alone to handle and it can be done in less than 10 minutes.
If you’re talking about the venting system you’ll be pleased to know that the overall design offers a high-density nylon section and a breathable polyester layer. Its composition is ideal for durability and airflow at any point in the day. The seams on this tent were double-stitched making it extremely waterproof and strong.
The included stakes and poles were made from aluminum and are great for erecting a stable and sturdy tent. So, if you’re looking for a reliable shelter, this is the perfect one for you. This bad boy will stand up to even the strongest winds and it’s spacious to accommodate you and two friends or family members.
If you’re backpacking or even car camping, this lightweight portable tent is perfect since it weighs only 2.6kgs. It is ideal for just about any weather condition or situation.
Specification:
- Material: Nylon
- Special Feature: Water-Resistant, Portable, Windproof, Waterproof, Lightweight, UVProtection
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Shape: Dome
- Pole Material Type: Aluminium
- Maximum Height 47.2 Inches
- Very durable
- Quick and easy to set up
- Made to be versatile
- Both wind and waterproof
- Exceptional ventilation
- Not suited for large families
2. GearTop 4 Season Tent | Best Wind Tent for Beginners
- 【Backpack Tent for 2 Person】GEERTOP backpacking tent is...
- 【Waterproof Tent for 4 Season】Double layer tent for...
- 【 Simple & Easy to Use】Free-standing 2 aluminum poles...
- 【Breathable & Compact】Tents for camping 2 person has two...
- 【Lightweight Backpacking Tent】Ultralight 2 person tent...
If you’re an avid camper, you’ll know that reliable camping gear doesn’t come cheap. However, this state-of-the-art four-season beauty keeps the finances in check.
The materials on this one are not only UV resistant but it is also water-resistant and extremely durable. The overall design of this backpacking tent makes it seem like it’s suited to buildup some type of condensation.
When it comes to venting, there are two vestibules and two doors and you won’t run out of space to store your gear. The free-standing dome style makes it easy to set up if you’re alone. If ever you’re faced with high winds, this one will be battling it out as it keeps you protected.
Specification:
- Material: Aluminum
- Special Feature: Water-Resistant, Windproof, Waterproof, Lightweight
- Item Weight: 3 Kilograms
- Shape: Dome
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Pole Material Type: Aluminium
- Can be pitched alone
- Great price
- Flexible and strong poles for windy conditions
- The external shell is somewhat non-breathable making it easy for moisture to build-up
3. FLYTOP 1-2-Person Backpacking Tent | Best Budget Tent
- Easy set up: dome tent with simple structure. One person...
- UV Protection: Silver coating can effectively block up to...
- Portable with carry bag: Total weight: 5.9lbs. Floor:...
- Waterproof Tent: Durable sturdy 210T waterproof fabric and...
- Perfect for: When you need a private room to change clothes,...
This amazing fly-top tent is an exceptional option for those interested in sticking to a budget. Even at its low cost, it offers both wind and rain protection along with other convenient features. So, if you’re looking for an all-season winner, this is the one for you.
The anti-tear polyester fabric is both durable and thick and ensures that you’re dry on the inside. Even in cold climates, you’ll be safe with the snow skirt that prevents the ice from coming too close.
However, the downside to this one is that it has thick aluminum poles and has a very thick wall. Additionally, the rainfly is somewhat small and doesn’t allow a big vestibule. When combined with small windows, the venting in this one is a bit poor in the heat.
Specification:
- Material: Nylon
- Special Feature: Portable, Windproof, Waterproof, Pop Up, UVProtection
- Item Weight: 2.45 Kilograms
- Shape: Oval
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Pole Material Type: Aluminium
- Great price
- Four-season tent
- Durably made
- Featured snow skirts to prevent ice from coming in
- Bulky and heavy
- Poor ventilation
4. NTK Arizona Sport Camping Tent | Best for Large Groups
- RATED #6 FOR THE BEST FAMILY TENT IN THE USA IN 2016....
- WATERPROOF FULL COVERAGE RAINFLY: Double layer 190T...
- FRAME: 100% virgin NANO-FLEX shock corded fiber glass rods...
- MESH: Inner tent fully breathable with generous Ultra-thin...
- FLOOR MATERIAL AND DESIGN: Heavy duty seamless polyethylene...
The NTK Arizona is a pretty large dome tent. It has two rooms with dividers. The high ceiling spans for most of the interior and has more than enough ventilation.
The specially made NANOFLEX fiberglass poles are similar to the NTK Laredo. The Arizona also features anti-fungal floors and a special silver coating. The overall design on this one prevents water from coming in and there are a couple of neat side pockets to ensure that you can store a couple more items.
There’s a specially designed overhang to prevent the rain from getting in through the two doors and three windows. The inside easily covers up to 140 square feet and can easily fit 8 campers and their gear. The rounded end provides the ideal solution for incoming winds.
Specification:
- Material: Polyester, Fiberglass, Fabric
- Special Feature: Waterproof, UVProtection, Rainfly
- Item Weight 26.45 Pounds
- Shape Dome
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Pole Material Type: Fiberglass
- Spacious and large
- Weatherproof
- The poles are color-coded for an easier setup
- The instructions are not as clear as they should be for setup
5. Gear Top Portable 2 Person Tent | Best Premium Option
- 【Waterproof Camping Tent】Geertop 2 person 4 season tent...
- 【4 Season Tent】This 4 season tent built in snow skirt...
- 【 Easy to Set Up 】DOUBLE LAYERS tent - Inner tent +...
- 【2 Person Tent 4 Season】Height - 39.4 in; Floor -...
- 【Lightweight Backpacking Tent】Only weight 6.27 lbs,...
This is a very lightweight one that can stand up to both high winds and cold temperatures. There’s also a built-in skirt that makes it even more suited for winter camping and the material used in construction is 100% waterproof. The seams are taped shut and double stitched.
If you’re looking for a neat backpacking option, this is perfect due to its weight and size. Another excellent feature of this tent is the attached reflective strips. While they may seem insignificant, it makes it easier to spot the tent at night.
If you’re thinking of adding some extra security there are multiple ways to secure the ends of the tent and the vestibule. With the vestibule space, you’ll be able to store more gear than expected.
- Due to the new cross-pole design, you’ll be able to add more stability
- Super lightweight and easy to pack up
- The vestibule is very big
- When secured properly, this bad boy will be able to withstand strong winds
- Special waterproof coating makes it easy to stay protected and dry in bad weather conditions
- Could have been properly ventilated to prevent condensate build-up
Buying Guide
Aerodynamic Profile
You can purchase a tent in pretty much any shape or size these days, but not all of the choices will be right for harsh climates.
Popular choices include cabin-style and box-shaped tents that come with high-positioned flies, however, they can perform poorly when the wind really gets blowing. A rounded tent that has a low profile is a much better choice for such weather conditions.
Circular tents include dome tents or basecamp, they do not have a broad, flat surface that is positioned high against gales. A well as this, a tent that has a sphere shape gives just the right amount of aerodynamic surface so that the wind is able to glide over it.
Having a low profile means that the tent is as low to the ground as is possible, this gives less possibility for the wind to push against it, hence less risk of the tent being tipped over by a strong gale.
Size
Tents can market themselves as being for a set amount of people, for instance, a 5-person tent, however, it does not mean that 5 adults are actually going to feel comfortable inside with all of their gear.
It is a better idea to think about the floor dimensions and determine where everyone will be sleeping. Look at tents that have separate sleeping areas or detachable wall dividers so that you can set the space up according to your needs.
The Materials and How Durable They Are
How much you will be protected is ultimately down to what the tent is made of. It is usually a good idea to focus on the denier rating and the water resistance rating of the material used.
Denier is often known as D and shows how thick the fibers are in the material. It is determined by the length and weight of the yarn which is then weaved together to form the tent. Nylon which tends to be used for outdoor purposes will often be 40D. In general, the higher the D rating, the thicker and hence more stable the material will be. It is worth noting that in most tents the floor will have a Denier rating that is higher than the walls.
Strong winds are often accompanied by heavy rain. This means that the tent needs to be resistant to downpours as well as wind. The seals are the places to give attention to, make sure that they are sealed and waterproof. Don’t just rely on how the seams look but check that they are waterproof by consulting the product description, otherwise you may have a leaky tent. Zippers on the tent should not protrude, In addition, the tent’s windows and doors need to have small sleeves which provide a cover for them.
Mesh Should Be Closable Coupled with Full-Coverage Fly
Double-wall tents have two layers one is the fly and the other is the inner canopy which should have closable mesh areas. The fly is the layer that is on the outside and provides your defense against the elements. If camping conditions will tend to be damp, humid, or wet, tents that have flies are a good idea as they provide ventilation, allowing moisture to escape and hence minimizing the risk of dew forming.
Tents that perform well when it comes to wind resistance tend to have big, low-positioned flies which ensure that every inch of the tent is covered. They work to give protection from the cold, as well as keep a constant temperature inside the tent. They also make the tent a streamlined shape so that wind can glide over it. Another advantage is that there is extra space in the vestibule to keep a good chunk of your gear.
The inner canopy of the tent needs to have sufficient mesh areas to ensure good ventilation. If the tent has no mesh ‘windows’ you are at risk of dew forming. You should be able to fully close the mesh areas for privacy.
Guy Lines, Guy Out Points and Stakes
When we talk about stakes we mean the pegs that you push to the ground so that your tent stays on the ground. You need to drive them vertically to give the best performance. Don’t just put them halfway. You should bury them deep enough that you can tie a cord over them.
Guy lines also work to give the tent stability. These loops are visible and are placed strategically around the rain fly. They have an important role to play as they stop the tent from being blown away! In stormy weather, they are crucial, in fair weather they may be used optionally.
Weight
In general, tents that have a single wall are lighter and less bulky. However, if your camping expedition will mean you encounter high winds you really will appreciate having that double-wall tent. They will perform much better in winds and also have a breathable inner lining, a good combination for bad weather. Having a fabric that is on the heavier side, as well as correct staking will cut down on annoying flapping that can make for far too many sleepless nights.
Height
It’s great to heave headroom but there are times when you will want to sacrifice it for a better scenario. When your tent is lower, you have better defenses against stormy weather. If your tent provides enough height for you to fix a lantern then you are onto a good thing.
If you really do not feel comfortable in a low tent then you could consider opting for a taller tent. Do keep in mind that the higher your tent the more chance you will be negatively affected by windy weather. You really need to choose between headroom and how wind-resistant you want the tent to be.
Doors
It is true that two doors can be very convenient but they really are not your friends if the weather is windy.
You may have heard of the ‘wind tunnel’ effect. It’s what happens when air comes in through one opening and then gets pulled through a second one; if the weather is especially stormy it can put a lot of stress on the walls and seams of your tent leading to stability issues.
Ensure you choose a tent that has closable windows and doors that are sealed, as well as a door flap that has a zipper, this will all work to reduce wind drag.
Vestibule
If you want your storm to be truly storm-proof you should probably forget about a vestibule.
That being said, if you think one would be very useful then do ensure that you stake it as securely as you possibly can. You do not want a weak point so ensure that all of the stakes you use are of a good length.
Pole Structure
You could call the poles the skeleton of the tent. In general, the more intersections, the stronger the skeleton and hence the stronger the tent.
When we talk about an intersection we mean that the poles have to make a criss-cross shape. Choose a tent that has several of these, if the tent has less than 3 it may not be a wise choice.
However, a tent that has too many intersections can be a problem to pitch. When it’s already raining and you want to get the tent up as quickly as possible a high number of intersections can be a real pain.
Look for high-quality carbon fiber or aluminum poles. Aluminum tends to be the cheaper option and benefits from being light and durable. However, it can dent easily which can lead to problems inserting the poles into the shafts.
Carbon fiber is more costly but tends to be more hard-wearing too. It can often be put under considerable pressure without cracking.
Easy Setup
Before you purchase a tent you need to check how easy it is to assemble. Newbies to camping may be tempted to choose a pop-up tent.
However, you always need to check the waterproofing rating and also the shape as many of the pop-up tents on the market have an umbrella design and may bend easily if the weather gets stormy.
You can also look at tents that have a few built-in features such as pre-threaded poles or color-coded poles.
Providing Wind Break Protection
It is true that you want to choose a wind-resistant tent but you can also use the environment to your advantage. Natural windbreakers can play a great role in keeping you safe from the highest winds.
Do not choose a wide-open space as your pitch, this is where the winds will be highest. If possible, camp in front of a sheer cliff face or find a steep hill and set up at the bottom of it. Even things like a vehicle can be a good windbreaker. Get the best wind-resistant tent you can afford, even if it’s not top of the range.
Tips on Securing a Tent to Make It as Wind-Resistant as Possible
When you are on a summit you are going to experience strong winds. These tips are good to keep in mind:
- Identify the direction that the wind is blowing from and position the strongest pole in this direction
- Avoid areas that have weak trees that may fall on your pitch
- If possible set up a fly tarp above the tent with one end lowered to act as a windshield
- Ensure stakes are deep into the ground and place rocks on top
- Make use of all guy lines and bring spares as well
- Ensure the guy lines are neither too loose nor too tight
- Keep your rucksack and gear inside the tent to act as an anchor
How Do You Pitch a Tent in the Wind?
Is It a Safe Idea to Camp in High Winds?
In a word – yes, it can be (so long as you don’t get stuck in a hurricane or tornado, that is!) However, you need to have the right gear and be able to keep yourself warm.
Of course, things can go wrong.
If the winds become very strong they could topple your tent. Hence the need to take an emergency kit on ALL camping adventures, this will allow you to fix our tent if it gets damaged.
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Last update on 2022-05-30 / Rating by Author / Affiliate links, Images, Descriptions & Price from Amazon Product Advertising API