If you’re in a rush and want to find out what the best wind resistant tent is, we recommend the MSR Elixir 1 tent.
At some point in your camping journey, you’re going to experience rough weather. Usually this comes in the form of torrential rain, but I think we often forget that this isn’t the only environmental pressure exerted on our tents. Sometimes, a strong gust of wind can cause more damage than anything else.
On top of the normal requirements, getting a high wind tent should also be something you prioritize. You don’t want your tent poles snapping during the night, after all. So, to get you pointed in the right direction, here are just a handful of our favorite wind resistant tents for you to choose from.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the following wind resistant tents:
- MSR Elixir 1 Tent – Best Overall
- ALPS Mountaineering Helix 1 Tent – Lightest Wind Resistant Tent
- MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent
- Marmot Tungsten 4 Person Tent – Largest Wind Resistant Tent
- REI Co-Op Trail Hut 2 Tent – Best Bang for Your Buck
- Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent
- Kelty Late Start 2 Tent – Cheapest Wind Resistant Tent
- Sea to Summit Alto TR2 Tent – Editor’s Choice
Shape
When you’re looking for a high wind tent, shape is going to be one of the biggest factors for you to keep in mind. Tall cabin tents with vertical walls are great for creating more interior space, but they also catch the wind like the sail on a boat. So, despite being more luxurious, I’d suggest you avoid the cabin style if you’re looking for a truly wind resistant tent.
Dome camping tents are more aerodynamic, encouraging air to roll over the top instead of stopping it in its tracks. And if you can find a dome tent that has a lower peak height, even better. You won’t have much headroom, but it’s a better option for riding out strong wind gusts.
Smaller tents also tend to be more elongated, which can be used to your advantage in heavy wind. Once you’ve figured out which direction the wind is coming from, point the narrow end of your tent in that direction. It gives the air less material to run into, making your shelter even more aerodynamic.
Poles
The poles are what give your tent structure. That also means that they’re the component that will be taking the brunt of the force generated by the wind. I’ve heard countless stories from campers who had to cut their trip short because one of their poles snapped after getting caught up in a wind storm.
So, what’s a good pole material to look for in a tent for high winds? Well, you really have three options: aluminum, fiberglass, and steel.
Steel is the sturdiest option for tent poles, but it’s also incredibly heavy. You’ll typically find it in higher capacity camping tents, especially if they have a cabin design, because the extra strength is needed. It’s the perfect option for folks who like to drive to their campsite, and don’t plan on lugging their gear long distances.
However, for people on the move, fiberglass and aluminum are the only real options for tent poles. Personally, I like aluminum the best because of how lightweight and strong it is, especially since we’re talking about wind resistant tents. Some campers don’t like them because they will corrode over time, and they conduct electricity (so getting struck by lightning could be bad), but these aren’t good enough reasons to dissuade me. For instance, aluminum tent poles are coated with an anti-corrosive that increases their longevity, and the odds of getting struck by lightning are small enough where it doesn’t bother me.
On the other hand, I have plenty of reasons to dislike fiberglass. While it’s somewhat cheaper, it’s also heavier and more fragile, which is hardly characteristic of a high wind tent. Not to mention that it slivers easily (I still have one in my finger), and it’s completely useless in cold weather. In its defense, it is low maintenance and doesn’t corrode, but I’d still go with aluminum tent poles any day.
Guylines
I can’t think of any tent that doesn’t come with guylines, but at the same time, I feel like it’s one of the most underutilized resources a camper has. I’ve been to quite a few campsites where no one has bothered to attach their guylines, even on the windy mesas of Utah.
For those of you who don’t know, guylines are thin strings that you can tie to the walls of your tent. Once they’ve been attached, you’ll want to pull them taut and stake them down, which puts tension on every side of your shelter. It’s a great way to keep your tent in place when strong winds threaten to blow it away, as well as prevent it from collapsing in on itself when the wind resistance becomes too great.
Tent Stakes
Especially when used with guylines, tent stakes are your biggest ally in the effort to keep your tent from flying away. After all, they’re what secure your shelter to the ground, keeping it stabilized and immobile. But the problem is that most stakes that come with the shelter itself are incredibly poor quality, either popping out of the ground easily, or bending the moment you hammer them into place.
We might be talking about wind resistant tents, but I’d say this no matter what the topic was – buy yourself a new set of tent stakes. You won’t regret it. And I would also say, consider the locations where you plan on camping, and purchase appropriate stakes for the environment. You’ll need to take different measures for rocky ground vs dirt vs sand or snow, and so on, as most stakes perform best in one of these conditions and not in the others.
Durability
There’s no point in buying a shelter if it’s not going to last you a long time, right? Durability should always be a major factor that you take into consideration, but even more so when you’re looking for a windproof tent.
Pole and tent material will take the brunt of any environmental factors, so this is where you should look first. We’ve already talked about poles, and how steel is the strongest option you can get. Aluminum comes in second, and should be your material of choice when purchasing a dome tent, while fiberglass is the least durable of them all.
Next, look at the tent material itself. Nylon, polyester, and canvas are going to be the most common, with canvas having a highest base durability out of them all. However, I know not all of you are itching to lug around a heavy canvas tent, so how do you know if nylon or polyester will get the job done?
Denier (pronounced: den-yer) is a rating that measures the durability of fabric. I could get into the science of how this process works, but I won’t bore you with the details. Suffice it to say that the higher the denier, the heavier and thicker the material will be – ultimately equating to more durability.
Tents that are small and light, especially those that were designed for backpacking, can’t afford to have high denier materials. It’ll add on the ounces really quickly, so the best you’re going to do is usually around 50 denier for these tents. Larger, more stationary cabin tents don’t care as much about weight, so their fabric often has a higher denier.
Best Wind Resistant Tent Reviews
MSR Elixir 1 Tent
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 4 Pounds
- Peak Height: 39 Inches
- Number of Doors: 1
As you might have guessed, the MSR Elixir 1 tent has a high wind resistance because of its small stature and trapezoidal design. The downside, of course, is that it only fits one person.
So, if you want to go camping with your significant other, family, or friends, I won’t be heartbroken if you move on to some of the other tents in this review. However, if you’re interested in a solo trip (whether it be car camping or backpacking), I think you’ll appreciate what this shelter has to offer.
I’ve always been impressed by how weather resistant MSR’s products are. The Elixir is no exception, easily withstanding heavy rain and driving winds, as long as you’ve staked everything out properly. On top of that, it’s pretty lightweight, coming in at about 4 pounds and a handful of ounces. Certainly not what some would consider ultralight, but it’s definitely light enough for many backpackers. When paired with the 39 inch peak height, this shelter is downright luxurious for a one person tent.
One of my only complaints with this tent actually has nothing to do with the tent itself. The carry bag is a tad big for a single person shelter, and somewhat heavy as well, so it might be worth it to invest in something a little smaller.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– A tank in wind and rain
– Tall peak height for plenty of headroom
– Comes with a fairly large vestibule
– Easy setup
– Comfortable
Cons:
– Stuff sack is a bit too big
– Tent materials feel a somewhat delicate
ALPS Mountaineering Helix 1 Tent
- Tent Material: Nylon
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 3.1 Pounds
- Peak Height: 37.5 Inches
- Number of Doors: 2
Another option for solo campers, the ALPS Mountaineering Helix 1 tent is a bit lighter than the Elixir mentioned above. This isn’t because you get less space, but mostly because there’s a little less material used in its construction.
Overall, it’s a pretty simple tent without a lot of bells and whistles. The rainfly extends out enough to create a small vestibule, while providing great rain protection across the rest of the tent. It’s pretty easy to setup, and provides enough space for anyone under 6.5 feet tall to remain comfortable during the night. Once you hit that 6.5 foot threshold, though, things start to get a little cramped, but I assume most of you won’t struggle with that.
Some ALPS Mountaineering tents come with a footprint that’s semi-attached, but the Helix isn’t one of them. A groundsheet is handy for increasing the longevity of the tent, so I’d recommend getting one separately. On the inside, you’ll find a large pocket for storage, and adjustable ceiling vents that help prevent condensation. I wish the corners of the rainfly were color coded to match the appropriate positions on the tent, but that’s my only real complaint about this backpacking tent.
Pros:
– Easy setup
– Strong against wind and rain
– Small vestibule
– Semi-attached rainfly
– Adjustable ceiling vents
Cons:
– Tent stakes need improvement
MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent
- Tent Material: Nylon
- Pole Material: Easton Syclone
- Weight: 3 Pounds
- Peak Height: 40 Inches
- Number of Doors: 2
I laugh every time I read the name, but the MSR Hubba Hubba is anything but a joke. With a spacious design, this 2 person tent can actually house you and a partner comfortably, partly because the floor doesn’t taper near the feet. However, despite the extra room, it’s still light enough to serve as a backpacking tent. I would even feel comfortable stuffing all 3.5 pounds into my pack for a solo trek through the mountains, just for the additional room inside.
But don’t feel like you need to keep your gear inside with you, if you want it to stay protected from the elements. On either side of the tent is a large vestibule that can easily fit your pack, boots, and other items. With durable poles and fabric, this shelter is more than capable of withstanding strong wind gust and heavy rain. The hub and pole system makes it incredibly easy to set up as well (this style is actually my personal favorite), and packing it away again is just as simple. With a good-sized compression sack, you won’t have any trouble finding a home for the tent inside of your pack.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– Hub and pole system
– Great headspace
– A couple large vestibules
– Large doors on each side
Cons:
– May have some issues with the poles when the product is shipped
Marmot Tungsten 4 Person Tent
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 8 Pounds
- Peak Height: 53 Inches
- Number of Doors: 2
I’m a big fan of Marmot tents, and especially the Tungsten, which is one of their best sellers. The quality of their gear is top tier, so it would make sense that this shelter would have a high wind resistance, despite having vertical walls. Though it will experience more strain from strong gusts than a dome shaped tent will, I wouldn’t be too concerned about anything breaking. After all, it doesn’t have the height of a typical cabin tent, so there’s still less surface area for the wind to grab onto.
That being said, the vertical walls on the Tungsten are actually quite nice, because they really open up the interior space. You’ll have more headroom, and it won’t feel like the walls are closing in around you – as someone who’s a tad claustrophobic, it does make a difference. And the best part is that you get this extra space without adding any ounces onto the weight. You likely won’t be backpacking with a 4 person tent (though I have in the past), but at 8 pounds for the entire setup, I would feel comfortable bringing the Tungsten with me on a trek. Especially if the weight was distributed among a couple people.
Putting it together is a breeze, and shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. The poles are durable, and the tent material is waterproof, making it an ideal option for locations prone to rough weather. Even better is the fact that it also comes with two, large vestibules, so even your gear can stay protected from the elements while leaving the interior of the tent open for you and your friends.
Unfortunately, the ventilation could be better, but that’s my only real gripe. Aside from that, it’s a great car camping tent, or useful for shorter backpacking trips.
Pros:
– Vertical walls for extra space
– Durable and strong against weather
– 2 large vestibules
– Weighs about 5 pounds
– Easy to put together
Cons:
– Ventilation needs improvement
– Stakes are flimsy
REI Co-Op Trail Hut 2 Tent
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 5 Pounds
- Peak Height: 40 Inches
- Number of Doors: 2
As a tent designed to find a happy compromise between comfort and cost, the REI Co-Op Trail Hut might not make all your dreams come true, but it also won’t break the bank. Large enough for one person to fit comfortable, and two people to fit snuggly, the Trail Hut probably isn’t what you would consider an ideal backpacking tent. It is roughly 5 pounds, after all, which is quite a bit considering the amount of interior space.
However, I know not all of you are backpackers by trade, so I would certainly recommend this product for car camping. You could even tamper with winter camping too, even though it’s not a 4 season tent. Whether you’re facing wind, sleet, snow, or rain, the tent will continue to stand strong and repel whatever comes its way. This holds true for the two vestibules as well, which provide more than enough room for you to store your gear outside.
I do wish the tent doors were a bit bigger, but it is nice that there are two of them. I also wish that some of the materials had better reflective properties, but again, that’s not too big of an issue when you get down to it. For the price, it’s a great budget tent that will take care of you through most windstorms coming your way.
Pros:
– Affordable
– Durable
– Strong against bad weather
– Can withstand some winter conditions
– Two large vestibules
Cons:
– A bit heavy
– Doors can be difficult to get through
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: DAC NFL
- Weight: 3.5 Pounds
- Peak Height: 43 Inches
- Number of Doors: 2
I know, I know, you probably took one look at the photo and thought, “There’s no way this is a high wind tent!” At least, that’s what went through my mind on first glance, simply because the awnings make it look more like a luxury shelter. A style that tends to be notoriously bad at withstanding strong wind gusts.
Upon closer inspection, though, you can see that these awnings are being held up by trekking poles, and can easily be taken down if necessary. For a tent that only weighs 3.5 pounds, the Big Agnes Copper Spur has a surprising amount of space that’s protected from the wind and rain. And despite being so light, it’s not flimsy enough where you need to be concerned about a strong gust of air knocking it over or breaking poles.
If you really want to cut back on weight, there are a couple different ways for you to do so. For starters, you can ditch the entire tent floor altogether, and bring nothing but the tent body and footprint (which, unfortunately, is not included). You can also go without the footprint and rainfly, if you don’t expect to experience any rainfall.
Storage space won’t be an issue, and that’s before you consider the massive ceiling pocket! I really can’t get over how thorough the design was on this tent, all while keeping it at such a minimalistic weight.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– Spacious design
– Lots of storage options
– Sturdy and weatherproof
– Multifunctional
Cons:
– Ventilation could be better
Kelty Late Start 2 Tent
- Tent Material: Nylon
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 3.5 Pounds
- Peak Height: 40 Inches
- Number of Doors: 1
As the cheapest product in this review, Kelty’s Late Start will immediately be attractive to those of you looking for a budget tent. Obviously, cutting back on price means that you’ll be making sacrifices in other areas, but Kelty did a good job of making these manageable.
For instance, you’ll find that there’s only one door. When it comes to a tent that’s designed to hold more than one person, this is an immediately recognizable drawback, but in no ways a dealbreaker for most of us. There’s also the matter of headroom, which feels pretty cramped for those of us who are 6 feet or taller. However, there’s still enough space where you can sit up comfortably, and the lower peak height also makes it more aerodynamic.
Another bonus that comes from its smaller stature is that it’s a lot easier to put together than other two person tents. Even if you arrive at your campsite after the sun has set, it shouldn’t take more than a handful of minutes to pitch your shelter. This is pretty handy, because let’s be honest…staying on schedule can be a major struggle more often than we’d like to admit.
Pros:
– Cheap
– Easy setup, even in the dark
– Aerodynamic
– Pretty spacious for a two person tent
– Good ventilation
Cons:
– Only one door
Sea to Summit Alto TR2 Tent
- Tent Material: Polyester
- Pole Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 2.5 Pounds
- Peak Height: 42.5 Inches
- Number of Doors: 2
I’m a big fan of the work Sea to Summit puts into most of their products, and the Alto TR2 tent is no different. Right off the bat, you can see that it has a unique shape, which is specifically designed to provide more interior space. The doors are also quite large, which makes it easy to get in and out of the shelter – something that tends to be pretty difficult in most other tents.
It’s a tight squeeze for two people to fit comfortably, but it would make for a good one person setup. Since it weighs less that 3 pounds, you could still get away with using this on a solo backpacking trip. I like to have the extra space a two person tent provides, even if I’m trekking alone, despite the additional pound or two in my pack.
The mesh body is perfect for ventilation, and really opens up the night sky when you don’t have the rainfly on. Naturally, this helps it stand firm in high winds, since the breeze will pass right through the mesh. However, even when you have the rainfly covering the tent, the pole structure is strong enough to withstand powerful gusts without bending.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– Spacious
– Compartmentalized storage options
– Large doors
– Adjustable rainfly
– Excellent ventilation
Cons:
– Not freestanding
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FAQ
How to Choose a Windproof Tent?
When choosing a windproof tent, several factors should stand out to you. Keep an eye out for tall tents with vertical walls, as these are more likely to catch the wind than something smaller and more aerodynamic. If your tent has vestibules, these are also more likely to get taken by the wind.
Pole strength is an important feature of a windproof tent as well. Something more flimsy, like fiberglass, isn’t going to be a good choice for this type of shelter.
Should I Consider Windy Conditions When Buying a Tent?
You should definitely consider windy conditions when buying a tent. Wind is unavoidable, but some locations have stronger gusts than others. You never know what you’re going to be faced with, so it’s best to be prepared for the worst.
Wind Resistant Tent: Final Verdict
A tent’s sole responsibility is to protect you from external forces. While we often spend a lot of time talking about how waterproof a tent is (an important topic, to be sure), wind resistance is just as important. I’ve spent countless nights lying in my tent, wondering how long it would last under the pressure of powerful wind gusts. Thankfully, I haven’t had any poles snap on me, but I know plenty of people who weren’t as fortunate.
To prevent something like this from happening to you, it’s important to pick out a sturdy shelter that can weather just about any storm. For us, the MSR Elixir 1 tent fit the bill better than anything else. Strong and durable, it holds up well in the wind and rain, and it even has a large vestibule to protect your gear as well. As the lightest tent in this review, it’s easy to see why it’s a crowd favorite among car campers and backpackers alike.
