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For winter camping you want the warmth and weather protection of a four-season tent (which is really a one-season tent … winter). These tents can be completely sealed off from snow and wind, so you stay nice and dry inside.
NOTE: For this course, a four-season tent is not required. Students are encouraged to save the expense of a new tent and apply that money to boots or the additional course requirements. A three-season backpacking tent that is in good condition will work perfectly for the planned course activities.
A typical 3-season backpacking tent can work if you’re making camp below tree line and you’re not anticipating especially stormy weather, but for high winds and heavy snowfall, a 4-season tent is recommended. 4-season tents have sturdier poles and heavier fabrics than 3-season tents so they can withstand powerful gusts of wind and heavy snow loads. They also have less mesh and the rain flys extend close to the ground to keep swirling snow from getting inside.
For either type of tent, learn how to stake out your tent with all the guylines to keep it from becoming a kite in raging winds.
It’s a good idea to get a tent that has room for one more person than will be sleeping in it (a 3-person tent for two people works well). This gives you room to stow gear inside away from the elements.
Double-wall tents tend to provide extra warmth, less condensation, and more comfort for extended stays, but single-wall tents are popular with weight-conscious backpackers. Regardless of which type you use, make sure the vents are open and you leave a small opening at the top of the entrance zipper, to allow moist air to escape. This may seem counterintuitive, but otherwise condensation will collect inside the tent and you’ll wake up wet.
If you won’t be on snow, set up your tent just like you always do. If you will be on snow, here are some items that will improve your experience:
Pack down the snow - Loose snow is more likely to be melted by your body and make it uncomfortable for sleeping. Before setting up your tent, walk around with your snowshoes (or skis) on your feet. You can try to stomp around in your boots but will most likely post hole and destroy your sleeping area.
Build a wall - If it’s windy, build a snow wall around your tent if possible. If it’s not feasible to do so, then dig out the snow a couple of feet down for your tent and vestibule. This helps to reduce wind impact. Don't completely seal up your tent though. It still needs to receive sufficient ventilation.
Dig out your vestibule - You can dig out a bench underneath your tent vestibule to create more space for stowing gear and to make it easier to get in and out of your tent.
Use snow stakes - Standard tent stakes won’t do much good in snow. Instead, bury stuff sacks filled with snow or use stakes designed for use in snow in a deadman position. Make sure your tent is staked out securely so it won’t blow away if the wind picks up.
Stay away from sharps - Keep any item that could tear your tent well away from your shelter and do not bring them inside. This includes items like ice axes, shovels and crampons. Ripping your tent on a stormy winter day can be disastrous. When traveling as a group, it is common to designate a central “sharps area”.
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