What a 3-season tent is
A 3-season tent is made for spring, summer and autumn: rain, wind and the odd cold night, but not deep snow or winter storms. It is the most common kind of tent, and for most camping in Britain it is the right one. Most are double layer, with a breathable inner tent, often mostly mesh, under a waterproof flysheet. A tent is filed here when its maker calls it 3-season, and that includes the tents sold in both a 3-season and a 4-season version.
The kinds in this range
- Backpacking and trekking tents are most of this range. The Naturehike Star Trails EXT 1-person tent has a minimum weight of about 0.78kg. See backpacking and trekking tents.
- Tunnel tents, such as the Xingyun 2 and the Taihang 2MAX, give two people more room for their weight. See tunnel tents.
- Dome tents stand up before you peg them. The OneTigris COSMITTO is a 2-person 3-season dome. See dome tents.
- Pyramid tents and inners stand on one pole or a walking pole, with an inner tent chosen to suit the season. See pyramid tents.
The same tent in a 3-season or a 4-season version
Several tents here come in both versions, and the difference shows what a season rating is. The TAIJI2 2-person tent offers a 3-season inner of 20D net yarn, weighing 512g, or a 4-season inner of 210T nylon. Net lets the moisture you breathe out escape and keeps a summer night cool; solid fabric keeps draughts off and holds warmth in. The Archeos 3-person tent weighs 3.5kg as a 3-season tent and 3.9kg as a 4-season one, which adds a snow skirt. If most of your trips are between spring and autumn, the 3-season version is the lighter, cooler choice.
Weight on your back
Because so many of these are carried, weight matters. The lightest weigh under a kilo, many come in under 2kg, and the 2-person COSMITTO dome weighs 2450g. A maker's "minimum weight" leaves out pegs, guy lines and bag, so what you carry will be a little more.
What the waterproof rating means on a 3-season tent
The rating in millimetres, the hydrostatic head, is the height of a column of water the fabric holds back before it leaks, tested to BS EN ISO 811. About 1,000mm is the lowest rating usually called waterproof, most lightweight flysheets are 1,500mm to 3,000mm, and more is worth having for long wet trips or a 3-season tent left up for days. The groundsheet is often rated higher, because you kneel and lie on it. Taped seams matter as much as the number. Shop by rating: to 2,000mm, to 3,000mm and 5,000mm and over.
Questions people ask about 3-season tents
Can I use a 3-season tent in winter?
On a sheltered campsite on a mild night, with a warm sleeping bag, often yes. For snow, strong winds on the hills or a stove, you need a 4-season tent.
Is a 3-season tent too hot in summer?
Not usually. A mesh inner lets the air through, and with the flysheet doors open it stays cool. For festivals and the beach, a summer tent is lighter again.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when that tent usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.
More to look at