Tent camping in windy weather can bring some challenges. Strong gusts might flatten a tent or cause it to come loose from the ground. Choosing a proper wind-resistant tent can keep you protected even during strong winds. Discover the best tents for high winds with recommendations for varying sizes of tents and conditions.
What Is the Best Tent for High Winds?
Many tent manufacturers have built wind-resistant tents with different levels of protection. Ultimately, your choice may depend on how many people you are camping with and what you plan to use the tent for. In general, here are a few factors to look for in a wind-resistant tent:
- Panel steepness: Aim for a gentle slope, as this will allow most of the wind to pass over your tent rather than hitting it directly.
- Shape: Any shape with less surface area to the wind — like a pyramid or triangle — will hold up better.
- Poles: Look for tents with shorter, more curved poles. Also, consider the material’s durability and diameter.
- Panels: Smaller panels are typically easier to pull taut, which makes the tent less likely to flap around in the wind.
While you can use these factors as a guide, here are the best tents in the wind across several categories to help you decide.
1. Best Overall: Alps Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter
Price: $229.99-$279.99
The Alps Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter Tent is an excellent wind-resistant tent. It is dome-shaped, allowing wind to pass around easily. It has a full rain fly to protect in rainy weather. The tent is affordable, and you can find four-person and five-person options, depending on the size you need. It has breezy ventilation, two entry doors and loft storage. The poles come in a strong yet lightweight aluminum.
The only downsides to this tent are its weight and seasonality. The tent is better for car camping than backpacking. It is a three-season tent, so it will not work for winter camping.
2. Best Budget-Friendly: Alps Mountaineering Lynx
Price: $159.99
The four-person Alps Mountaineering Lynx Tent is a great option for the camper on a budget. It has a simple setup with a domed design that can withstand winds. A separate vestibule keeps your dirty boots and gear away from the sleeping area. Storage pockets and a gear loft give you space for your stuff. You can even sit up inside. Despite its positives, the tent is a bit hard to get in and out of. It also is not ideal for backpacking.
3. Best Single-Person: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
Price: $429.95
When you need a wind-resistant tent for one, choose the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL. The tent has a small profile for better wind resistance and is tall enough to sit in. A four-way hub pole system makes the tent more structurally secure. The tent is lightweight, making it suitable for backpacking.
While this tent is a good single-person option, it is pricier than some other tent choices. It is also not ideal for long-term camping or extreme weather. 4. Best Two-Person: Eureka Alpenlite 2XT
4. Best Two-Person: Eureka Alpenlite 2XT
Price: $420.00
This four-season tent works well for strong winds because it is built to withstand harsh winter weather. The Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent has six strong poles to keep it stable in windy conditions. It is roomier than other two-person tents and quick to set up, even in harsh weather.
Though it fits two, getting in is more complicated with only a single access door. You will also need to be more careful with positioning, as the A-frame design is more vulnerable to wind than dome tent shapes.
5. Best Family/Group: NKT Laredo Sport
Price: $379.95
When camping with your family or a large group, the NKT Laredo Sport Camping Tent is a roomy option. It can fit up to nine people and has a dome-shaped design that allows air to pass over it. It has relatively solid poles and shock cords to keep it secure during inclement weather. The durable fabric makes it longer lasting.
The size means you must be more careful when staking it to keep it secure. The tent also lacks separate storage space, so you must keep your gear in the tent’s central area.
6. Best Backpacking: MSR Hubba Hubba NX
Price: $532.91
Besides having a fun name, the MSR Hubba Hubba NX is a great backpacking tent. It is just over 3 pounds and packs small. The low peak height and durable poles make it stand firm in gusty weather. The tent also has a weatherproof coating to keep you dry in the rain and two vestibules for gear storage.
A few cons are the price and size. The tent is more expensive than other two-person tents and is quite cramped with two people.
7. Best Glamping: White Duck Regatta Canvas Bell
Price: $699.99-$1,079.99
Venturing into the great outdoors does not have to mean sacrificing comfort, even in windy weather. The White Duck Regatta Canvas Bell Tent is waterproof and built to withstand four seasons. The rounded shape minimizes wind exposure, keeping the tent secure. Despite its size, it has a relatively easy setup. It also has durable steel poles and heavy-duty pins and stakes for added security.
The main downsides come from the tent’s large size. It is heavy and a bit tricky to pack.
8. Best Extreme Conditions: Mountain Hardwear Trango
Price: $900
While the Mountain Hardwear Trango Tent is one of the pricier options, it makes up for the cost with durability. The tent is suitable for all four seasons with a double-walled design and a durable fly. The tent fly also attaches to the poles and body of the tent for stability. The low-profile, geometric design lets the wind blow around the tent.
The added durability comes with additional weight, so if you are looking to pack light, you may want a different tent. For extreme weather and year-round campers, though, this shelter will keep you protected.
Book Your Next Camping Trip
With more than 500 campgrounds throughout North America, Kampgrounds of America likely has a location near your desired camping destination. Find a wind-resistant tent that suits your needs and reserve a site online to begin your camping adventure.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
Kampgrounds of America, Inc is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and affiliate advertising program. Some links may be affiliate links and Kampgrounds of America, Inc may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these links.
Prices are accurate at time of publishing. Note that they are subject to change at the discretion of Amazon or their marketplace sellers.
