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Camping in the winter has its perks, from having to deal with fewer bugs and crowds to the tranquil beauty and peacefulness of snowy wonderlands. But with unpredictable weather and rough terrains, it's important to be well prepared — including having the right gear, especially tents and thermal sleeping bags. Here's some of the highest-rated (and still affordable) gear you'll need for winter camping. Do you have favorites we missed? Share them in the comments.
$100
This tent is lightweight (less than 6 pounds) and easy to carry and set up. Equipped with vestibules on both sides, it provides extra storage space for all your camping gear. Heat-sealing seams provide good insulation and prevent water from leaking, keeping you dry and warm inside. It's spacious enough to accommodate up to two people, making it perfect for couples or a single person carrying hefty equipment.
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$112
A solid option for a family outing, this affordable tent is large enough to fit six sleeping bags comfortably (or one queen air mattress). The tent, which has a large mesh door, four mesh windows, and a mesh top, allows for adequate ventilation but keeps bugs out. It is also waterproof, lightweight at 13.4 pounds, and easy to set up.
$150
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Lauded for its easy installation (setup or takedown is 60 seconds), the Toogh is a good-quality tent with a waterproof exterior made from oxford fabric with a silicone coating and equipped with two doors for easy access in and out. Mesh windows provide good ventilation and a "six angles design" allows for a more stable setup in wind and rain.
$179
This three-to-four-person tent is perfect for hikers or backpackers and ideal for camping in extreme weather. It's equipped with a versatile double-layer feature able to manage rain or snow and an inner layer that provides airflow and ventilation when used in the spring and summer. This tent is highly rated for its insulation and can help keep you warm and dry even in bad weather with strong winds.
$290
If you're looking to splurge on a tent that doubles as a studio apartment, this one is for you. Made from durable waterproof nylon with a double-door design, this large tent comes highly rated for winter camping. It has a stove jack for a tent stove and a windproof snow skirt to help insulate the inside while ensuring proper airflow and ventilation.
$43
Rated as the "best bang for your buck" by Best Reviews, this sleeping bag comes equipped with a heat-retention technology that helps keep you cozy through the night. The drawstring hood keeps warm air in and cold air out and away from your head and neck. Bessport's design is compact and lightweight and large enough to fit an adult over 6 feet tall.
$80
While a good-quality tent is vital for winter camping, you also need a reliable and insulated sleeping bag for optimal comfort and warmth. The Coleman polyester "mummy-style" sleeping bag is rated highly for camping down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. The insulated "footbox" and Thermolock draft tube help retain heat, while the semi-sculpted hood tightens with a drawstring to help seal in heat.
$19
While investing in heat-retaining tents and sleeping bags is important for winter camping, putting a pad underneath your sleeping bag is recommended for comfort and warmth. Affordable and easy to pack, the ASR thermal mat is made from EVA-insulated foam to help stay warm throughout the night. The pad can also be used as a seat cover and weighs only 8 ounces. Stack two pads for added comfort and help elevate you off the ground while you sleep.
$40
Rated highly among mountain climbers, this sleeping pad is affordable and still quick and easy to inflate. The pad is made with water-resistant polyester rip stop and as a bottom of hefty 75-denier polyester sturdy enough to withstand any camping environment and cold-weather surfaces. It comes with a built-in pillow.
$180 and up
While pricier, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad comes highly recommended for its "reflective ThermaCapture technology" that helps traps radiant heat inside a sleeping bag, while its "Triangular Core Matrix construction" minimizes heat loss. The design is lightweight and quick and easy to inflate.
