All-climate tents are intended to keep campers comfortable in all conditions, from a mountain blizzard to a hot day in the desert. To perform well in stormy weather, all-climate tents need to have sturdy pole systems, be made of quality materials and feature re-enforced construction. In warmer temperatures, these same shelters should have good ventilation to keep campers cool.
Materials
All-climate tent manufactures use lightweight, polyester fabrics like Ripstop 70D Nylon for the floors, walls, and flies of their tents. The nylon is reinforced at the corners and sealed at the seams for added strength and weather proofing. Tent floors can be polyurethane coated to help make them waterproof and more durable. All-climate tent doors are often backed with mesh, to allow the tent to breath in warmer weather. Poles are made of anodized aluminum alloy, and held together with an elastic shock cord. Most all-climate tents are double-walled, with a nylon rain fly covering the internal tent wall.
Poles
Storm-worthy tents employ a system of four interlocking aluminum poles to stand up to high winds and heavy snows in mountain weather. The poles are connected to the tent fabric with a systems of locking clips, or by sliding into sleeves sewn into the nylon walls. Some tents add an additional short pole, to support a vestibule. All-climate tents also feature guy lines attached to the outside of the rain fly to stake down and add strength to the shelter.
Design
Strength and versatility are key components in the design of all-climate tents. Shelters using four interlocking poles steadied by guy lines can withstand the highest winds. Large vestibule areas on both sides of the tent allow for lots of covered storage for gear and a protected space to change in and out of boots. Steep tent walls will help the shelter shed snow and rain and keep campers dry during long periods of inclimate weather. Versatile models will feature mesh backed doors, windows, or skylights to keep campers cool in balmy conditions.
The North Face Mountain 25
The North Face Mountain 25 is a all-climate tent designed to stand up to the worst conditions mother nature can offer. Trusted on Himalayan expeditions for decades, The North Face tents have earned a reputation as the toughest tents in the mountains. According to the website Camping-tent-reviews.com, the best part of the Mountain 25, "is its tried and tested ability to withstand the worst of mountain storms. Regardless of where you are in the world, the weather report, and altitude, you can rest assured that you will be safe and secure." The Mountain 25, is versatile too, with two doors and vestibules, that can be unzipped for maximum airflow in hot weather. The Mountain 25's big disadvantage, is its weight. The two person tent will add 8.5 lbs to your pack.
Bibler Fitzroy
For hikers and climbers looking to travel light and move fast in the backcountry, the Bibler Fitzroy is a single-wall, all-climate tent that can weigh as little as 6 lbs, 4 oz. The tent's optional vestibule and single-wall design help make it one of the lightest tents capable of holding up to extreme mountain weather. Two large mesh backed doors provide easy access and good ventilation, while steep walls offer lots of head room and shed snow during storms. The Fitzroy's drawback, is its price tag. At $699 (as of 2010), it's one of the most expensive two-person, four-season tents available.
Sierra Designs Lightning XT
If you're looking for a big tent but weight is an important factor, consider going light with Sierra Design's Lightning XT. It won Backpacker Magazine's 2009 Editor's Choice Award, and offers room for four campers at about the same weight as most two-person all-climate tents. Its breathable mesh walls make it a smart choice for campers who plan to do most their trips during spring, summer, and fall. And even though it's light, a four pole design makes it strong enough to weather a winter storm. According to Sierra Designs the Lightning XT 4 weighs 7 lbs, and 6 oz.
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