Are you in search of the best tents for high winds? There are many options available in the market, but all of them cannot endure harsh winds, heavy rains, and low temperatures.
And if you don’t make a wise choice, your hiking experience will be very uncomfortable, or your tent might blow away from the top of the hill due to the wind.
You need a tent that is not only tough and sturdy to withstand harsh wind but is also ideal for backpacking and provides enough room. There is a lot more that needs to be considered to make the right choice.
If you want detailed guidance about wind-resistant tents, you are at the right place. We are going to guide you about the essential features of high wind tents and some pro tips for pitching your tent.
Along with that, we will also review some ideal tents that are reliable and trusted by professionals.
If you are in a hurry, we recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent as this high wind tent is sturdy, easy to set up, and lightweight.
So without any further ado, let’s begin the guide. Jump To Best Options!
Why is a high wind tent necessary?
If you are looking forward to hiking in high deserts, an area that lies above the treeline, or on high mountain ranges, a wind-resistant tent will be a must-have for you.
This is because harsh winds are very common in such regions and can be very unpleasant for you if you are not equipped enough to tackle that.
In that situation, an excellent wind-resistant tent can save your hiking experience from getting ruined.
This is because wind-resistant tents are made in such a way that they can withstand the gale-force winds that have a speed of about 55 mph.
On the other hand, an ordinary tent would blow away even when the breeze is not that strong.
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Quick answer:
best tent for wind
Check out this quick list of our top 3 favorite high wind tents if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews
1- Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent
2-MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent
3-NTK Arizona GT Tent
Best Tents For High Winds
1-Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent
First of all, we have the Big Agnes copper tent ultralight. It comes in 2 beautiful colors, i.e. orange and olive green.
The smallest is for 1 person use, and the biggest is ideal to be used by 4 people.
Furthermore, this tent is freestanding, which means that it holds its shape itself, and you do not need to put extra effort to stake it out.
It can easily be folded into a compact form. It comes with a rainfly which makes it waterproof, so you don't have to worry if it starts raining.
You also get an external vestibule with it. The Big Agnes copper tent is made from a sturdy fabric that gives you sun protection and shade even on sunny days.
The smallest one gives you s floor area of 20 square feet. It weighs about 2lbs and 6 ounces. The door of the tent can easily be zipped up and sealed.
The fly and the floor the treated with silicone which gives them extra strength and makes them resistant to punctures. You get high-quality DAC featherlite poles with poles.
Highlight features
Comfortable: Big Agnes tent gives you a comfortable experience. The high-quality nylon material that is used in the tent is waterproof. You will not have to face any inconvenience, whether sunny outside, drizzling, or even snowing. It is suitable for 3 seasons. You get a home-like environment outdoors.
Extra space: You can choose from the size option to get the space you want. You also get a vestibule, which you can stake out for extra space. It is awning style and ideal for sitting outside with some shelter.
Ultralight: The tent is ultralight, making it easy to carry and set up. It weighs only 2lbs 6 ounces. It is ideal for backpacking and carrying across long distances.
Sturdy and convenient: The material of the tent is high quality. The poles are made from DAC, which is considered to be ideal. You get a lot of pockets inside the tent to put your gear in and keep your stuff organized. It is freestanding, so you don't have to worry about it collapsing even in heavy winds. You can set it up by yourself without much effort.
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Reason to get this: Best OVERALL
2-MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent
On number 2, we have the popular MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent. This 2 people's tent has a floor size of about 84" x 50". It weighs about 3.5 pounds.
The tent is dome-shaped, giving it extra stability in extremely windy weather. It is best for three seasons.
You get a single room in the tent with two doors. It comes in a very beautiful red color.
The ventilation in the tent is ideal for summers, and you won't feel any suffocation even when it is closed.
The material of the tent is nylon. You also get a roll-up vestibule for stargazing.
Due to the unified hub and pole system, it is very easy to set up.
The color-coded clips of the tent make the task even easier.
You get two big sized vestibules with a total area of 17.5 square feet which is enough to store all your gear away from your sleeping space.
the tent comes with poles, guylines, rainfly, stakes, and a compression stuff sack.
The tent can be folded into 18 * 6 inches which is easy to carry.
However, you do not get the footprint in the package. You have to buy it separately.
Highlight features
Airy and open: If you are looking for a tent that provides cross ventilation, this one would be the best option. It comes with two doors which make it very airy. You can remove the outer fly if you don't need it. You can also enjoy stargazing that way.
Sturdy: The material of the tent is nylon, and it is treated with Xtreme shield waterproof coating. It is upgraded to a very sturdy material that can't be easily ripped or torn.
Poles: The poles are made from indestructible syclone fiber, which makes them extra sturdy compared to any other tent. It can withstand high-pressure winds that can rip up any tent within seconds.
Easy to set up: Due to the unified hub and pole system, you can set up without any help. Just align them and clip them according to the color code. Then, fasten the guylines and set the fly according to your choice.
Lightweight: The MSR Hubba Hubba NX tent is very lightweight compared to any other tent that can accommodate two people. It weighs only about 1.32 kgs, so you don't have to think much while including it with your gear.
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3-NTK Arizona GT Tent
Next on number 3 we have the NTK Arizona. It is a huge tent and can accommodate 10 people at a time.
It comes with 2 rooms, each with 1 door. You get 3 windows in the tent for extra ventilation.
This tent is freestanding and will hold its shape perfectly without extra weight.
As it is a 10 people tent, it weighs about 12 kgs. It is ideal for you if you are looking forward to camping with your family.
This tent comes with a waterproof fly to protect you from rain. It also provides UV protection.
The dimensions of this NKT tent are 205 x 245 x 530 cms. The total height of the tent is about 6.2 feet hence very comfortable for young and adults.
The cover material is meshed and is breathable to prevent suffocation and discomfort.
The rods given with the tent are made from fiberglass.
The outer material of the tent is also anti-fungal for extra protection.
You also get a zipped report for easy wiring of h tent. The polyester used in the tent is ultra-thin and not see-through.
So, now, you can enjoy camping with your whole family, without having to carry an extra tent bag with you.
Highlight features
Micromesh material: Most tents that are waterproof are made with a thick material that is not breathable. If you use a tent with 9 other people, your main issue is ventilation. With this tent, this issue is resolved. It is made from good-quality mesh that is breathable and lets the fresh air flow throughout your tent.
High-quality floor: The floor of this tent is made from anti-fungus seamless polyethylene. It is a high-quality waterproof material. In addition, it is so reliable that you do not have to worry about water seeping through it even if there is a puddle of water under it.
Easy assembly: Because of its large size, it seems like this tent would be very heavy and hard to set up. It is used only on poles that are set up in the inner part of the tent. There is another small pole to set up the awning near the door and the backside.
Full coverage rainfly: With this huge tent, you get a full coverage rainfly to protect you from high winds and harsh weather. It is ideal as it withstands the condition.
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4-MARMOT Thor 2P
The next tent that we are going to talk about is the Marmot thor 2p tent.
If you search for a highly wind-resistant tent that is stable and does not impact high winds, then this can be a good option for you.
It is ideal for two people. It weighs about 4.75 kilograms.
It comes with two separate large anterooms that can be sealed to avoid any external thing from entering.
It is suitable for all 4 seasons. Marmot thor 2p is a double-walled tent which means it is sturdy and reliable and won't get ripped easily.
It has a center height of 44 inches and an area of about 37 square feet which is perfect for two people.
The seams of this tent are perfectly taped, and there is no chance of rainwater getting in even when it is raining heavily outside.
It is straightforward to set up and provides ample space for you. The tent is made from ripstop nylon.
Highlight features
Quality material: The frame of the marmot thor 2p is made from aluminum, while the rest of the tent is made from different densities of nylon. The nylon is ripstop, which means it won't tear entirely if you get a hole by accident.
Easy to use: The tent is easy to install and set up even if you want to do it alone. If you want to fold it and shift it to any other place, it won't take much time as it is effortless to fold.
Suitable for 4 seasons: The tent can get sealed entirely with zippers. It is suitable for all four seasons. It is indestructible in heavy rains, winds, snow, and no matter harsh the weather is.
Plenty of headroom: This tent is dome-shaped, which is the ideal shape for maximum stability in harsh winds. Along with that, you also get a headroom of 44 inches. It makes the experience even more convenient and comfortable.
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5-MSR Expedition Mountaineering Tent.
On number 5, we have the MSR expedition mountaineering tent.
It also has a dome shape that makes it stable and reliable in heavy winds and harsh weather conditions.
It comes in orange color only and is suitable for all 4 seasons. The dimensions of this tent are 87 x 55 x 44 inches. It weighs only 1.43 kgs which means you can carry it on the go.
The tent is very easy to set up and is of hanging type. You get plenty of headspaces as well.
The floor dimensions of this tent are 87 x 55 inches. You get windows for ventilation and a rainfly to put on when it is raining, or the weather is cool.
MSR expedition mountaineering tent comes with a large vestibule where you can put your gear.
The poles of the tent are made from ultra-durable Easton syclone.
The total area of the vestibule is 33 square feet, and that of the vestibule is 22 square feet.
Highlight features
Sturdy poles: The poles of this tent are made from ultra-durable Easton syclone material. These poles can withstand heavy snow and rain and won't get damaged in extreme weather.
Waterproof rainfly: You get a rainfly with this tent as well. It is very easy to put down. Then, if you see clouds appearing at night, you can quickly spread them and clip them so that no water can get into your tent.
Easy to set up: This remote tent is very easy to set up. All the guylines of the tent have velcro attachments that you can attach to the frame of the tent and give it extra strength.
Warranty: The manufacturer gives a 3-year warranty on the tent. You can quickly get it repaired or replaced if there is any issue with the tent.
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6-Eureka Alpenlite XT Tent
So, the next one that we are going to review is the Eureka AlpenlitE XT tent.
The installation type of this tent is freestanding. It can occupy 2 people at a time.
One of the best things about this tent is that it is suitable for all four seasons.
It can excellently handle all types of extreme weather conditions.
Whether it is very sunny, drizzling, heavy rain, heavy breezes, or snow, this tent will not let it come in your way and ruin your experience.
The center height of this tent is 3 feet 4 inches.
You get a total area of 31 square feet under the tent, out of which 11 square feet is under the vestibule of the tent.
The tent size after packing is 6 by 19 inches which makes it ideal for backpacking.
It features a six-pole A-frame design. You get a PU transparent window that brightens the interior of the tent.
The poles you get for setting up your tent are made from aluminum, and they are shock-corded, making them even more reliable.
You also get stakes and guylines with the tent that you can use to set it up more securely.
Highlight features
Stormshield design: Eureka is among the first brands of tents that introduced storm shield designs to make the tent resistant to wind and harsh weather. This tent also comes with storm shield designs, making it ideal for extreme weather.
Lightweight: Eureka alpenlite XT tent can easily accommodate two people. It weighs only about 7.8 pounds. You can carry it with you in your backpack across long distances, and it will not make you feel uncomfortable or tired.
Storage options: Once you set up the tent, you'll see a lot of extra pockets to put your hiking gear in. You get 6 pockets to put your regular use stuff. Along with that, you get 3 gear lofts. Along with that, you also get 2 flashlight loops.
Ventilation: Eureka alpenlife XT tent comes with an excellent ventilation system. You get two roof vents, a rear window, and four side vents, so you don't feel any suffocation even when the tent is zipped up.
"This gives you a very comfortable experience both in the day and at night."
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The next tent that we are going to talk about is the the Kelty trail ridge tent.
It is perfect for you if you want to go camping with your family as it can easily accommodate six people.
It weighs only 15.1 pounds, which is ideal for a spacious tent. The dimensions of Kelty trail ridge 6 are 120 x 98 x 74 inches.
You can choose one of the two aesthetic colors: sand and Ponderosa pine.
Kelty trail ridge 6 is made from high-quality polyester that is mesh. This makes it breathable to give you a comfortable experience.
The poles that are given with this tent are made from aluminum. This tent also incorporates a multi-dimension pole configuration.
This enables the walls to be more steep and stable. The arch in the middle of the tent provides extra space on the top of the tent.
This tent is suitable for a family or team of six for three seasons.
The top flap of the tents acts as a weather shield and prevents rain, snow, and harsh winds from ruining your experience.
In addition, this tent is specially designed to fold into a compact form.
Therefore, it takes significantly less space in your backpack. You also get a carry cube bag with the tent.
Highlight features
Stargazing fly: If you want to sleep under the starry sky and enjoy watching the sky, the Kelty trail ridge 6 tent is there to fulfill your wish. You can uncover the fly from the tent and clip it backward.
Easy to install: This tent is very easy to install. You just have to spread the footprint (it is included in the package). Then, lay the tent on it straight. After that, set the poles and clip the flaps. Finally, add the ridge pole for extra space above you.
Extra space: As mentioned earlier, this tent can accommodate 6 people. The gear of those 6 people would also be enough to mess up any tent. You don't have to worry about that as you get 2 vestibules with this tent. You can put your extra stuff over there and avoid the unnecessary mess inside.
Convenient: This tent is very easy to install and set up. Along with that, you also get some extra pockets to put your gear in. It is easily adjustable. You can remove and put back the outer flap for extra protection at night or in harsh weather.
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8-ALPS Mountaineering Taurus Tent
Next on number 8, we have the ALPS Mountaineering Taurus tent.
This 4 people tent has a dome shape, making it perfect to use when you want to camp in a high area with a chance of harsh winds.
The dimensions of this tent are 23.5 x 7 x 7 inches. The center height of the tent is 52 inches.
It comes in only one color, and that is sage.
It weighs only 10.3 pounds which is amazing for a tent that can accommodate 4 people.
Alps mountaineering Taurus tent comes with 2 doors and 2 vestibules. The vestibules give the space to put your gear out of the way.
It is a very simple 2 pole tent that is very easy to set up. You get a mesh window in the tent for ventilation.
The fly of this tent also comes with some additional vents, so you do not have ventilation issues even when the fly is on.
The high-quality lightweight fabric is used as the tent material. It is made from nylon and polyester.
The fly and the floor are coated with waterproof material to keep you dry.
The tent gives you a total area of about 64 square feet. The total area of both the vestibules is 25 square feet.
Highlight features
Easy to set up: Alps mountaineering Taurus tent comes with only two poles that are made from fiberglass. As the tent is freestanding and does not include many poles, it can easily be set up within no time at all. You just have to open it and clip it, and it is ready for use.
Gear loft storage: One of the most significant inconveniences that the campers face is that there is no space to put the gear. If they put it inside the tent, it obviously takes up extra space. With this tent, you get extra gear loft storage and keep it organized.
Excellent ventilation: When 4 people are living in a tent, ventilation is something that they would not like to compromise. So does this tent. It comes with the mesh on the top part. Along with that, the fly also has some vents to ensure proper ventilation.
Spacious and lightweight: It is hard to find a tent that can accommodate maximum people and is lightweight as well. This tent has an area of 64 square feet and weighs only 10.3 pounds. This makes it easy to carry on a hiking trip.
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9-Mountain Hardwear ACI 3 Tent
Lastly, we have the Mountain Hardwear ACI 3 tent. It can easily accommodate 3 people.
It is only suitable for spring and summer only.
It is designed to focus on stability so it can be reliably used in high-altitude areas. The material of the tent is nonstretch and lightweight.
The tent poles come with sleeves, which ensures easy pitching of the tent. The Mountain Hardwear ACI 3 tent is single-walled.
It comes with 4 adjustable zipper vents. In addition, you get color-coded poles and webbing, so you can easily set it up even if you are not experienced.
The peak height of the tent is 41 inches, and the total floor area is 45.8 square feet.
The pole material is DCA Featherlite NSL which is considered the best for tent poles.
All the materials used in this tent are tested to be free from fire-retardant.
Highlight features
Ideal capacity: The floor area of the Mountain Hardwear ACI 3 tent is 45.8 square feet. This makes it ideal for three-person use. You also et extra pockets and a vestibule in the tent to put your gear.
Sturdy: The poles of the tent are made sturdy to avoid destruction. They are made from high-quality DCA Featherlite material, which is ideal and holds pressure.
Cross ventilation: You get extra vents on most of the walls of the tent that allow easy cross ventilation. You can also adjust the windows according to your choice.
Integrated Vestibule: Like other wind-resistant tents, you get a vestibule with this one as well. You can enjoy sitting there when it is too sunny ousie. You can also put your gear over there to avoid mess inside the tent.
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Other Consideration
Getting a perfect wind-resistant tent, you can enjoy camping wherever you like. But, when it comes to perfection, there are certain essential features that you need to consider. Let’s see what these features are.
Shape
You will mainly find two types of tents when it comes to the shape. Some tents stand taller and are more flat and vertical. These include single wall tents and frame tents.
The second one is dome-shaped. They are more close to the ground. These tents are more suitable for high wind regions as they provide optimal wind diversion. They are better at providing structural integrity hence are a better option.
Size and height
The size of your tent should depend on the number of people you want to accommodate. For high winds, it is advised to use either regular sized or small tents.
Tents that have comparatively greater height are considered more comfortable, but when it comes to camping in high wind areas. You will have to sacrifice the height of the tent.
"The closer the tents are to the ground, the better resistance they provide."
Weight
You might be thinking of getting a single wall tent as they are lightweight. But if you are going to a high wind area, that would not be the best.
So instead, you will have to consider a double-walled tent as they are sturdier, provide better grip, and withstand harsh weather.
However, they can be a bit heavier than single-walled tents.
Doors
Tents with 2 or more doors can end up being unstable in high winds. This happens due to the pressure that is built upon the inner walls of the tent. Choose the tent with an extra flap on the upper side that can be sealed properly.
Vestibule
Vestibules can be very helpful in keeping your tent clean and giving you some extra space for your gear.
They also provide some extra protection and prevent icy drafts from blowing into the door.
However, if you are in a harsh weather area, you need to stake out your vestibule securely.
Poles of tent
The more poles your tent has, the more secure it will be. Poles of the tent are generally of two types of material: fiberglass and aluminum.
The aluminum poles are lightweight and sturdy. Fiberglass poles are strong but heavier and can add extra weight to your backpack.
If the aluminum pole breaks, it will break into two pieces. Alternatively, a fiberglass pole breaks by shatter effect and might rip your tent. Hence aluminum poles are recommended.
Pro tips for pitching your tent
Pitching your tent securely is very crucial. Here are some pro tips to help you out:
- Find a sheltered spot for setting up your tent if possible. Otherwise, go for a hedge, rock outcropping, or a woodland area.
- Do not camp very close to a tree. Clear out the dead branches from the ground, if any.
- Direct the narrowest side of the tunnel towards the wind as this will work as an aerodynamic tunnel.
- Look for some loose rocks and bring them close before setting up the tent.
- Put those rocks on the stakes for extra protection.
- Use extra guylines or stakes for secure pitching.
- Do not keep the doors open, as flapping can lead to ripping off the tent.
- Use heavy gear or rocks on the inner corners of the tent to anchor the tent.
FAQs
How can i keep the tent from blowing away?
To prevent your tent from blowing away, you need to set it up properly. Provide extra anchoring and support. Use extra ropes and pegs and put a trap over the entire tent.
How to prevent the tent from flapping?
The best way to prevent the tent from flapping is by setting the pegs up by 45 degrees. Next, adjust and set the rope such that the fly is taut. It will prevent the tent from flapping.
Is it good to put a trap on our tent?
If the weather is too windy, it would be best for you to put a trap on the tent. This will prevent the tent from blowing away and give you extra security.
How much wind can a tent withstand?
If the tent is sturdy and is set up firmly, it can withstand winds as high as 50mph. Note that all the tents are not capable of that. Only those made to withstand harsh weather can bear with you. An average tent can withstand only 20-30mph winds.
conclusion
We hope this article has helped you resolve all your queries about tents for high winds. You can use the above-mentioned guidelines to choose the right tent for you.
However, if you are still wondering which one would be the best overall, we would recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent as it is effortless to set up, gives you an ideal capacity, and is resistant to harsh weather such as heavy winds.
Don’t waste your time scrolling, get your hands on the wind-resistant tent of your choice, and don’t let the wind come in your way of enjoying nature and safe camping.
For more guides & reviews read my other posts:
About the Author
Hussain is a passionate hiker and traveler that love the outdoor and enjoys what nature has to give, whenever he can he love to write and give tips & honest reviews to help others get out there and just seek more unforgettable experiences.
