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jacquie
I just bought a summer tent and I was wondering if I could use it in winter. I live in Australia, so our winters aren't that cold or wet. I will use it mostly in summer but I was thinking of using it in Broken Hill in July.
Tent I bought: http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Tents_&_Shelters/Family_Camping_/87057/Retreat_30_Tent.html
Thoughts?
Answer
The difference between 3-season (summer) and 4-season (winter) tents is the amount of ventilation and fly coverage for retaining heat and blocking wind.
A 4-season tent strives to be as sealed as possible, with little ventilation to keep your body heat in and cold wind out. This is usually enhanced by a full-coverage fly, sometimes called a double-wall design, to trap a static layer of air between the inner tent wall and the fly, for insulation. 4-season tents are also usually designed to be more stable in high winds. The costs for this is increased weight/bulk and increased build-up of humidity, the latter often leading to condensation.
A 3-season tent focuses more on basic rain and wind protection while providing good ventilation for comfort. While you can zip-up the windows and doors there are usually large, open vent areas on the top of the tent, and the fly usually only covers the vents and shields the windows; it does not extend all the way to the ground.
I find that, except in extreme cold and wind, a 3-season tent with decent fly coverage is sufficient for most winter camping. My opinion is that a tent is shelter from the weather (wind, rain, snow) and bugs for sleeping, not for warmth or daytime activities. More important are the rating of your sleeping system (bag, pad, liner) and the clothing you wear to sleep (cap, socks, gloves, loose but insulating clothing). I've slept in 20*F (-7*C) temperatures with a light breeze in my 3-season tent (Eureka Backcountry 2) and was warm and comfortable. The tent you bought appears to have even better fly coverage, so I'd expect it to perform just as well or better.
Edit: If the coldest temperature you can expect will be 5*C (41*F), then you are well within the range of a normal 3-season tent without any additional insulation. Be careful using a tarp over a tent as most are not breathable, and if tightly sealed, could lead to oxygen depletion and CO poisoning.
The difference between 3-season (summer) and 4-season (winter) tents is the amount of ventilation and fly coverage for retaining heat and blocking wind.
A 4-season tent strives to be as sealed as possible, with little ventilation to keep your body heat in and cold wind out. This is usually enhanced by a full-coverage fly, sometimes called a double-wall design, to trap a static layer of air between the inner tent wall and the fly, for insulation. 4-season tents are also usually designed to be more stable in high winds. The costs for this is increased weight/bulk and increased build-up of humidity, the latter often leading to condensation.
A 3-season tent focuses more on basic rain and wind protection while providing good ventilation for comfort. While you can zip-up the windows and doors there are usually large, open vent areas on the top of the tent, and the fly usually only covers the vents and shields the windows; it does not extend all the way to the ground.
I find that, except in extreme cold and wind, a 3-season tent with decent fly coverage is sufficient for most winter camping. My opinion is that a tent is shelter from the weather (wind, rain, snow) and bugs for sleeping, not for warmth or daytime activities. More important are the rating of your sleeping system (bag, pad, liner) and the clothing you wear to sleep (cap, socks, gloves, loose but insulating clothing). I've slept in 20*F (-7*C) temperatures with a light breeze in my 3-season tent (Eureka Backcountry 2) and was warm and comfortable. The tent you bought appears to have even better fly coverage, so I'd expect it to perform just as well or better.
Edit: If the coldest temperature you can expect will be 5*C (41*F), then you are well within the range of a normal 3-season tent without any additional insulation. Be careful using a tarp over a tent as most are not breathable, and if tightly sealed, could lead to oxygen depletion and CO poisoning.
What are the better quality family camping tents?
TCMJim
We would like to purchase a camping tent for the family. I am not too keen on dome tents as I am 6' tall and do not want to crawl around inside the tent. There are three of us but a fourth, mother in-law, may join us from time to time. We are not hard core backpackers so will be mostly staying in campsites for now. I want something easy to assemble. We are on somewhat of a budget so nothing over $500. However, we do not want to buy a cheap piece of junk either. Your help would be greatly appreciated
Answer
Big Agnes, Marmot, Kelty, Sierra Designs and Eureka are great brands that make excellent family tents for under $500. You can do so much better with that kind of money than a Coleman. Coleman is OK if you have a smaller budget, but if you can afford quality by having aluminum poles, better material and water proofing, vestibules, and all that, go for it. You'll have it a long time as long as it is cared for and stored properly.
Big Agnes, Marmot, Kelty, Sierra Designs and Eureka are great brands that make excellent family tents for under $500. You can do so much better with that kind of money than a Coleman. Coleman is OK if you have a smaller budget, but if you can afford quality by having aluminum poles, better material and water proofing, vestibules, and all that, go for it. You'll have it a long time as long as it is cared for and stored properly.
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