As the rating suggests, 3-season tents are designed for use during three seasons of the year – Summer, Spring and Autumn. Generally, 3-season tents feature a lighter, more breathable inner (to allow for improved ventilation and to prevent the tent from becoming too warm) and less elaborate pole configurations. The truth is that in mild climates, a 3-season tent will be more than capable of being used in Winter, providing the user has appropriate insulation (sleeping bag and insulated mat) and that a cyclone is not passing through.

Unlike 3-season tents, 4-season variations feature thicker less breathable inners (to prevent heat-loss) and sturdier pole configurations for improved stability in high-wind areas. The title implies that 4-season tents can be used comfortably all-year round – this is not necessarily true. When it comes to many areas of the world (Australia is a perfect example), a 4-season tent is really a 3-season tent that is best suited for Winter, Autumn and Spring. Most 4-season models can easily become too hot to stay in comfortably, and reduced ventilation can also increase condensation issues in cooler conditions.

If you live in Australia or a country with somewhat mild seasons, you probably only need a genuine 4-season tent if you plan to go snow camping primarily. If, on the other hand, you generally plan to set up camp during the warmer months of the year, you are probably better off with a 3-season tent. If you go camping throughout the entire year (and don't plan on snow-camping), a good quality 3-season will likely suffice. If not, you’re one of the few who would do well to have two tents – one better suited for warmer conditions, and another for cold.

The moral of the story? Take season ratings with a grain of salt. Do your homework, judge specific tents on their suitability to your individual needs and don’t get distracted by ratings that were probably intended for hiking in the Swiss Alps or the Rocky mountains (unless you are going hiking in the Swiss Alps or Rocky mountains). We encounter many people who have been led to believe they need a specific tent season rating when more often than not they don’t. Many people assume that the term 4-season means ‘better, stronger, more waterproof and versatile’ and it’s simply not the case. The only thing you can be assured of is that a 4-season tent is that it will cost you more than an equivalent quality 3-season variant. If you're unsure if you need to spend extra to get a 4-season tent, chances are high that you don't.