4 Season tents, Really worth it?

So aside from the inclimate weather properties, are 4 season tents really all that much warmer inside? Basically I was just hoping to enhance my winter camping comfort and people keep suggesting a 4 season tent. However since most of my camping takes place in Jtree, and while I do have interest in some possible Sierra adventures this spring, is the benefits really worth the dough?

Kyle Wills wrote:So aside from the inclimate weather properties, are 4 season tents really all that much warmer inside?

Yes, but they dont breathe well and are miserable in the other 3 seasons. If your use is limited to dry climates in the U.S., than I think youd be much happier with a single-walled ultralight tent. If warmth is your issue, spend the extra money on a second pad.

Kyle Wills wrote:So aside from the inclimate weather properties, are 4 season tents really all that much warmer inside? Basically I was just hoping to enhance my winter camping comfort and people keep suggesting a 4 season tent. However since most of my camping takes place in Jtree, and while I do have interest in some possible Sierra adventures this spring, is the benefits really worth the dough?

Sierra Designs makes "convertible" tents that worked well for me in all conditions, from J-tree to the Adirondacks and White Mountains in winter. Looks like the current versions are the Alpha and Omega, which are similar to what I used to have (don't recall what it was called back then).

I agree w/ brooks8970 that you don't really want to hang out in J-Tree in a 4-season tent.

There is barely any difference in warmth between a 3 season and 4 season tent. Generally a 3 season will have much more ventilation/bug netting, so it will be more "drafty" in cold conditions.

The real difference betwwen 3 and 4 season tents is strength. They are designed to be able to resist high winds, snow loading, etc. They have heavier stitching, more poles, more guy line connections, etc.

Like brooks8970 said, get 2nd pad. And not a thermarest - a closed cell foam pad. I personally like Z-rest pads.

If you just want a warmer tent then I second the convertible suggestion as they give you the option of opening up the tent in warmer conditions and closing it up in colder. Most major manufacturers have convertible models, take a look at a few to see what the configurations and options are.

In addition to being warmer a 4 season tent is typically a lot sturdier than 3 season and most convertibles (not all). Took a MH Skyview on Rainier and the winds almost flattened the tent, my Bibler Fitzroy wouldn't even budge in the same conditions (damn I love that tent).

If you're looking for a tent for high mountains, harsh conditions then you would be better served with a 4 season tent. If you just need a warmer tent then go with a convertible or double up on pads and get a warmer sleeping bag.

Okay, that is exactly what I thought. nuff said not buying a 4 season tent. Thanks people for confirming that for me.

there is a lot of different from camping in the winter in so co then co. i take my 4 season over my 3 season tent any day in the co winters. but if i was at jtree i don't think i need a 4 season.