Best Tent For High Winds: Top 9 Wind-Resistant Tents of 2024

In case you’re wondering, the best tent for high winds is the ALPS Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter Tent.

If you want to find the best tent for high winds then there are a few things you should consider.

In this guide, I’ll teach the key factors to look at when choosing a tent I’ll go over my favorite high-wind options.

The best tents for high winds are:

• ALPS Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter Tent (Overall Best Tent For High Winds)
• Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent (Editors Choice Tent For High Winds)
• Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent (Premium Tent For High Winds)
• The North Face Mountain 25 Tent (Best 4-Season Option)
• Kelty Wireless 6 Tent (Best For Small Groups & Small Families)
• MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Tent (Best Option For Backpackers)
• Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent (Best For Experienced Campers)
• CORE 9 Person Extended Dome (Best For Large Groups)
• White Duck 13′ Regatta Bell Tent (Best Premium/Glamping for High Winds)

Best Tent For High Winds: Our Top 9 Choices

ALPS Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter Tent

Tent Size: 4 person | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 10 lbs 2 oz | Inside Height: 52″ in | Floor: 102 x 90 in (64 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins

The Alps Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter 4-person tent is an excellent 3-season tent for campers and backpackers. It can even withstand light snow and colder weather conditions.

With two doors and two vestibules, this tent provides both easy movement and extra space to store your equipment (25 sq ft extra). Not only does each door have a mesh window, but the rain fly has additional vents so you won’t have to worry about losing fresh air.

Newly upgraded in the Outfitter model are the poles which come in aircraft alloy 7000 series aluminum that is both strong and lightweight.

There is simply no better match for high winds and a great value, than the Taurus Outfitter 4.

Pros:

• The Taurus is dome-shaped, so it can stand up to high-wind conditions with no issues
• Incredibly cheap — likely lower in cost than routine teeth cleanings at your dentist
• Loft storage for small gear and other personal items
• Free-standing, two-pole design means this tent can be set up in a rush
• The top rain fly covers the entire tent, giving great wind protection

Cons:

• Poor seal-work on the door zipper which could lead to rain getting inside the tent (this is not an issue if the rain fly is used).

Best for: small groups who want a lightweight, durable tent that’s easy to set up and great against rain and wind.

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Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-season | Weight 7 lbs 7 oz | Inside Height: 55″ | Floor: 96 x 80 ft (53.3 sq ft)

Having a slightly smaller size (53.3 sq ft) and lighter weight (just over 7 pounds), this Kelty tent is a great introductory tent purchase for first-time tent buyers.

It also has great ventilation, easy setup and a durable construction.

All that combined means it’s a good choice if you want a good beginner tent that could last you for years. Its freestanding tent design allows you to set up camp wherever you want, and its color-coded clip construction means you’ll be up and running in no time.

Pros:

• Easy setup – can be done in 3 minutes
• It’s 7 lbs. 7 oz. weight makes it perfect for backpacking
• Can handle winds up to 45 mph
• Durable – made with quality materials so it will last you for years
• A large vestibule provides a lot of space for your gear

Cons:

• Some customers found the tent poles to be of a lesser quality

Best for: camping beginners who want a quality four person tent that will withstand high winds.

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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent

Tent Size: 2 person | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 3 lbs 8 oz | Inside Height: 43″ in | Floor: 90 x 70 in (41 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins

This double wall tent from Big Agnes is a 3 season tent, so it isn’t suitable for use in extremely cold weather, but it sure does hold its own in high winds. It sleeps 2 people and has a peak height of 40”. If you need bigger, it also comes as a 3 person tent giving a bit more space.

Its low peak height and freestanding dome-shaped structure make it super stable when the wind picks up. Another thing that significantly boosts the structural strength of this tent is the four-way hub pole system with DAC Featherlite NFL and NSL poles.

These poles have varying diameters in the same line of pole, which gives you more space inside the tent, without having to sacrifice weight or stability.

What’s really cool about this camping tent is that it only weighs a little over 3 lbs., so you can take it backpacking with no problems whatsoever.

Pros:

• Low peak height and dome structure make it incredibly stable
• Four-way pole hub system ensures sturdiness in high winds
• Ultralight tent, making it suitable for backpackers
• Features 2 vestibule awnings, so you get a small covered outdoor area on both sides of the tent
• Made of durable ripstop nylon and polyester mesh, with a ripstop nylon rain fly to keep you dry when it’s raining outside

Cons:

• Footprint not included
• Not suitable for extremely cold weather conditions

Best for: solo campers or couples looking for a great 3 season tent that can withstand heavy wind.

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The North Face Mountain 25 Tent

Tent Size: 2 person | Seasons: 4-season | Weight: 9 lbs 13 oz | Inside Height: 41″ in | Floor: 86 x 54 in (32.3 sq ft) | Setup Time: 10 mins

If you’re looking for a high-end tent that will withstand just about anything, look no further. This North Face tent comes with high-strength guylines with equalizers, so you can rest easy knowing that your tent isn’t going to budge in a storm.

It’s also got a 4 season rating, making it suitable for use in all kinds of rough weather. Structurally, this tent has all the characteristics needed for good wind resistance. These include a dome-shaped structure, and a relatively low peak height of only 41”.

The Mountain 25 features aluminum poles and a bucket floor, for added structural strength. It weighs just under 9 lbs at 8 lbs 13 oz. Now, there are tents on this list that weigh a lot less than that, but a little extra weight goes a long way in keeping you stable when the wind picks up. Plus, if you divide the parts up between 2 people, it’s still light enough to take on a backpacking trip.

The only real downside is that purchasing this tent may require you to take out a second mortgage. OK, maybe that’s being a bit dramatic, but it definitely ain’t cheap.

Pros:

• High-strength guylines with equalizers will have you nailed down to the ground
• Has 2 doors for easier access
• Freestanding dome-shaped structure and low peak height ensure good stability
• DAC aluminum poles are both strong and sturdy
• Comes with a footprint included
• Features a bucket floor, which provides added structural strength

Cons:

• More expensive than other tents on this list

Best for: campers who don’t mind paying a little bit more for a premium tent that they’ll be able to rely on in any and all situations.

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Kelty Wireless 6 Tent

Tent Size: 6 person | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 17 lbs 3 oz | Inside Height: 79″ in | Floor: 118 x 106 in (86.9 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins

When it comes to wind resistance, this tent is a stellar option. I’ve used many Kelty tents over the years and, if one of my sons had been born a girl, I’d likely have a kid named Kelty by now.

With the consistent quality that they provide, it’s no surprise that they’ve been in business for over 65 years. Kelty’s Wireless 6 is either a higher-priced budget tent or low-priced mid-tier tent.

In any case, it provides great value for its cost and is a strong choice for any smaller group of campers.

It’s got a great amount of space that any group will love. The durable rain fly wraps around the entire tent, making it waterproof and shielding you from any kind of wind. It easily packs into the neat “carry cube bag” and it’s even made right here in the United States!

Pros:

• The dome-shaped design guarantees high weather resistance, even at high wind speeds
• Aluminum poles that won’t shatter and tear up the tent
• 86.9 sq. ft. interior, providing a lot of room for campers and their gear
• Completely rain-proof, even during heavy pours
• Four average-sized adults could fit inside with room to spare, but six or more is where it starts to get cramped – it’s very spacious for me and my two sons

Cons:

• Warranty only provides discount coupons, rather than replacing the unit

Best for: groups of 4 who want a large, strong tent that’s so reliable, it’ll become part of the family.

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MSR Hubba Hubba 2-Person Tent

Tent Size: 2 person | Seasons: 3-season | Weight: 3 lb 14 oz | Inside Height: 39″ in | Floor: 84 x 50 (29 sq ft) | Setup Time: 5 mins

This budget tent is a great option for those who want to go camping in a high-wind area without breaking the bank.

Its geometric shape and sporty color scheme also bring a nice aesthetic element to the table.

There are quite a few advantages that this tent holds over the others, but it does have its fair share of cons as well. It’s lightweight, compact, well ventilated and easy to set up.

It’s also got durable poles, as well as a low peak height and structure that helps keep it stable in windy weather. On the downside, the stakes that come with this tent could be better. Staking your tent down well is important when the wind is strong, so I’d strongly recommend spending a few extra bucks on a good quality set of stakes.

Be sure to check out our video review of the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Person Tent here:

Pros:

• The tent is very lightweight, making it easy to carry for miles without breaking a sweat
• It’s very compact and even comes with a compression bag for easy transport
• Good ventilation takes care of condensation, keeping you dry no matter what
• Spacious for one to two people, but may get cramped with anything beyond that
• Easy and intuitive setup
• Durable poles
• Affordability isn’t an issue with this tent as it can accommodate even the most modest of budgets

Cons:

• Stakes aren’t perfect – consider upgrading to MSR’s Groundhog stakes which are perfect for high-wind camping
• It could get crowded for large individuals or couples

Best for: big backpackers who want awesome wind protection, or couples who like to cuddle.

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Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent

Tent Size: 2 person | Seasons: 4-season | Weight: 7 lbs 13 oz | Inside Height: 40″ in | Floor: 90 x 54 in (33.75 sq ft) | Setup Time: 10 mins

Like the Kelty, the Alpenlite 2XT is treading the line between budget and mid-tier. That being said, it’s still affordable for most campers with a decent budget. I’ve always thought highly of Eureka tents, and this one didn’t disappoint.

It’s a bit heavy for my taste, but its durability and weather resistance make up for that — at least in my opinion. My sons also liked the yellow accent on it. They said it’s “cool.” While I agree that the tent is stylish, its color also serves a practical purpose. The yellow ensures that you can see the tent, so you don’t lose sight of it at night or in the woods.

While this doesn’t win “best tent for high winds,” it’s still a strong option for the fiscally responsible.

Pros:

• Six poles keep the tent secured in high winds
• Produced by a trusted manufacturer that was founded in 1895
• Four-season rating, making it great for winter camping
• The multiple-vent system prevents any condensation issues with this tent
• Durable construction

Cons:

• The A-frame design is more vulnerable to wind than a dome tent in the same price range
• Heavier than most of the tents on this list, weighing in at about seven pounds when fully packed

Best for: seasoned campers who want ultimate protection against all the elements.

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White Duck 13′ Regatta Bell Tent

Tent Size: 6 person | Seasons: 4-season | Weight: 71 lbs | Inside Height: 98 in | Floor: 13 ft diameter (132 sq ft) | Setup Time: 20 mins

A lot of camping tents are just fine – they get the job done, but you are always looking forward to coming back to a real house and bed.

With Regatta, however, you almost forget you’re out in the wilderness – it’s that comfortable.

In fact, a lot of its users are using it as a second home in their backyards when they’re not camping. While it’s definitely not a backpacking tent, its 71 lbs. weight makes it very manageable for most car campers.

Add to that the incredibly simple setup (less than 20 minutes for one person, 10 minutes for two) and you can see why this camping tent is so popular.

Pros:

• Snow, rain, wind – this tent will stand up to them all without a hitch
• Easy setup – even one person can do it without any problems within 20 minutes
• At 71 lbs. weight, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a canvas tent of this size
• Three windows provide plenty of airflow for cooling and ventilation

Cons:

• It’s a bit tricky to pack it back in the bag

Best for: people who want the overall best canvas tent.

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CORE 9 Person Extended Dome

Type: Dome | Seasons: 3-Season | Weight: 18.21 lbs | Inside Height: 72 in | Floor: 16 x 9 ft (144 sq ft) | Setup Time: 20 mins

The CORE 9 Person Extended Dome tent weighs only 18.21 lbs, but with a 16′ x 9′ layout still manages to eek out 144 sq ft of space (see our full review here).

You can easily fit two queen air mattresses in this tent, with plenty of space to spare for gear.

A 72 inch peak height means that you’ll be able to stand up in the middle portion of this dome tent, but because it is a dome tent, you still get the advantages of a more wind-proof design. Where the Core really shines is in its ability to fend off weather on a budget.

The dome design along with the CORE H20 Block Technology keeps rain and wind out of the tent. Just make sure to properly stake it.

Lastly, the Advanced Ventilation System provides a ventilation pocket behind the tent, which provides excellent ventilation compared to other tents of this style.

You can check out our video review of the CORE 9 Person Extended Dome here:

Pros:

• Lightweight for a tent of this size at 18.21 lbs
• Weatherproof design and CORE H20 Block Technology keeps rain and wind out
• 144 sq ft, means plenty of room for 2 queen air mattresses and gear
• Mesh fabric ceiling allows for great views in fair weather
• Great value for the price

Cons:

• Stakes are flimsy, will want to buy heavy duty stakes instead
• Only one door

Best for: Families looking for an excellent budget tent that can withstand the elements.

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Finding The Best Tent For High Winds: A Buying Guide

You’ve seen what I like, but how do you determine what you like? Next, I’ll explain what I look at when inspecting tents.

Weight

The first thing that you should consider when choosing a tent is its weight.

Usually, larger tents will be more resistant to high winds, so keep that in mind. They’ll also provide more interior space. This is important depending on how many people you have with you.

Despite that, heavier tents are more difficult to transport over long distances. If you aren’t going to stray very far from your car then the weight shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

However, if you’re going to be backpacking, then you should avoid biting off more than you can chew.

Height

Headroom is a privilege, but there are some occasions where you’ll need to sacrifice it for the greater good.

The lower your tent is, the more resistant it’ll be against strong gusts of wind.

If you have enough room to fix a lantern to your ceiling then that’s good enough.

You can try to go for taller if you don’t feel comfortable in a shorter tent. Remember – the higher you go, the more vulnerable you’ll be to wind.

To summarize, it’s a trade-off between headroom and wind-resistance.

Shape

The shape of your tent is a key element to look at when trying to survive high-wind conditions.

Dome-shaped tents are far more aerodynamic than cabin tents or A-frame tents. Their shape will catch less wind and thus provide more structural integrity.

If the shape of your tent is elongated then having its narrow end face the wind can reduce the impact of the wind.

Doors

It’s always nice to have more doors. But, if you’re trying to endure high wind speeds, then it’s wise to stick with a tent that only has one entrance.

Sure, it’ll be harder for you to get into the tent, but it’ll also be harder for the wind to get into the tent.

That’s a worthwhile trade-off in my eyes.

Check to see if the tent you’re using has sealed door seams as this will make it more resistant to the wind as well as rain.

Any windows should also have the ability to close otherwise wind will make its way into your tent that way.

Poles

Another factor that you should pay close attention to is the poles.

Tents with more poles will be more stable even in strong winds. That being said, other elements of the poles matter beyond the headcount.

For instance, the material of your poles can play a big role in keeping your tent secured.

Aluminum poles are the best choice for high-wind situations. They’re both lightweight and durable.

Fiberglass poles are cheaper but also heavier. This shouldn’t be an issue if you’re setting your tent up right next to your car.

Yet, if you’re hiking to a camping spot that’s prone to high winds then it could be a bad choice. Not only are they heavier to carry, but fiberglass poles are also more prone to shattering. When broken, poles could send sharp fragments ripping through your tent.

In contrast, when aluminum poles break they just split in half, which is a far safer situation.

V-shaped stakes are the best choice when it comes to high-wind areas as they’ll be able to keep their footing even during strong gusts. They’re harder to get into the ground, but that extra effort will be well worth it when the wind picks up.

Price

As nice as it’d be to get a gold-plated tent that’s resistant to EF5 tornadoes, not everyone has that kind of money to burn on camping.

That being the case, you should always factor in the price when choosing a tent for yourself.

Depending on your camping style, it might be worthwhile to buy a premium tent.

However, compromise with a lower cost option if buying a premium tent will put you in a bad situation.

Pick a tent that fits your budget, and don’t compromise the health of your bank account over a fancier option.

FAQ

Camping in high winds is definitely a situation you don’t want to go into unprepared.

The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to protect yourself when the wind picks up.

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about tent camping in high winds. They’ll give you some useful ideas and tips that might just be the difference between a safe, comfortable experience and a complete disaster.

How do you secure a tent in high winds?

There are 2 main ways to secure a tent when the wind picks up: staking it down and guying it out.

The stakes and guylines that come with a tent are typically of lower quality.

If you want to make sure your tent doesn’t blow away in the wind, it’s definitely worth investing in a set of high quality stakes and guylines.

As we mentioned earlier, when it comes to stakes V-shaped stakes are your best bet.

They do a far better job at staying in the ground in windy weather conditions.

Whether you should push your stakes down vertically (at a perpendicular angle to the ground) or at a 45 degree angle is a hot topic of debate among campers.

While many people insist that a 45-degree angle is the way to go, I would definitely strongly suggest pushing your stakes down vertically. In my experience, they’ll hold up much better in high winds this way.

Is it safe to camp in high winds?

If winds are between 20-30 mph, then yes it is safe to camp. It might seem a bit scary, but as long as you’ve got the right gear and manage to stay warm enough, it’s perfectly safe (unless you’re caught in a hurricane or tornado, of course).

Still, that doesn’t mean nothing can go wrong. If wind is expected between 30-40 mph it’s not safe to go camping even if your tent can withstand it. 

Plus, if winds get too strong your tent could end up getting damaged. That’s why it’s always a good idea to take an emergency repair kit on ANY camping trip, so that you can fix your tent if a pole snaps, the fabric tears, or a tent zipper fails.

What wind speed can a tent withstand?

The answer to this question obviously depends heavily on the tent in question.

For most tents, 30 mph winds are strong enough to cause damage.

However, tents like the ones in this article that have been specifically designed to withstand high winds will hold up well in winds up to 50 mph (some even up to 60 mph).

Anything stronger than that and you should probably think about taking shelter somewhere with walls that are more solid than those of a tent.

How do you stop a tent from flapping around in the wind?

Even if you’ve got a rock solid tent that can withstand incredibly strong winds, you might still have a problem with the fabric flapping around and causing a ruckus.

Personally, I can sleep through any noise. However, if you’re not like me and you don’t sleep like a log, the noise of your tent flapping around could easily be enough to keep you up all night.

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to improve the situation.

First of all, it helps if your tent is on level ground. This is generally a good idea when pitching a tent, because it’s much more comfortable to sleep on flat ground. In high winds, though, it’s even more important, as it’ll keep the noise level to a minimum.

Another thing you can do is try to tighten and loosen the guylines until you find that sweet spot where they’re not too loose and not too tight.

If that’s still not enough, try to bunch the material along the bottom edge of one side of the side together and tie it up with a rope. Next, stake the rope down about half a meter or so away from the bottom of the tent. If you haven’t got any rope on hand, you can also try placing a heavy rock or two along the bottom edge of the tent to keep the material down.

Our Verdict

After factoring in all the criteria, we found the ALPS Mountaineering Taurus Outfitter Tent to be the best tent for high winds and it comes in with a 8.6 overall rating.

First of all, the Taurus Outfitter tent is dome-shaped. This reduces the amount of wind that can impact it.

Plus, the heaviest of downpours won’t be enough to get you wet, and you won’t see so much as a drop of rain inside while using it.

Overall, this is an excellent tent packed with features to make camping fun — and that’s a win in my book.