So, I've now established that I have a workable sleep system for temperatures well below zero. I also have clothing that works for when I'm up and about. However, I've found that the transition between those two and the mundane camp tasks (read: cooking and eating) are the weak link in my current system. I was using a pretty simple 3-season tent (see this picture), and while it cut the wind nicely, I found myself wondering if there was a way to have a bigger difference between the temperature outside and that in the tent. Also, I wished I could cook in a more protected way - I ended up using the stove in the vestibule but with the vestibule open, so I was out of the wind, but still at outside temperature. It's amazing how many small tasks require (or strongly encourage) you to do them with your gloves off, and that gets rather unpleasant eventually.

So, the question becomes: Those of you who have used tents actually billed as "4-season", do you find them significantly warmer, or is it just the snow loading and wind strength features that make the difference? Has anyone experimented with trying to add insulation to a tent, and if so how? I have seen that some tents (such as the Exped Andromeda II) have a mega-vestibule that would be plenty to cook and otherwise lounge about in comfortably, which looks quite appealing. Has anyone used that tent or others like it? Any other suggestions for how to keep a semi-warm space without making the leap to a hot tent setup?

I think if you have too big a temperature difference, you'll have major condensation issues. Which, I'm sure you know, will cause bigger problems. Ultimately the cold camping shelters I've used & researched have been just that. Cold.

For us, their primary function has been as a potential wind/snow break. While providing a place to keep gear somewhat organized and out of the elements.

A few things we do to help with part of your problem.

~ I bring my CCS tarp along. It can be setup to knock the wind down and protect the kitchen area. (Where you need dexterity the most)

~ I also bring along a few pair of sheer merino glove liners. They allow me the freedom to perform 90% of the tasks I need to do without having to remove them, yet still provide a surprising amount of protection from the elements.

~ Also, on occasion, I keep hand warmers in the pockets of my wool bibs for a little extra warmth.

I guess that doesn't really answer your question......but, I've found these measures help quite a bit.

You are probably thinking this already and I agree. If you really want a significant impact on tent heat, you need to hot tent. The tomb you have there is nice for pretty much one thing... sleeping. We are heading up in a few weeks with our sleep systems (closed foam pad/bivy/memory foam pad/-20 bag/tarp) and are hoping the temps don't head to far below -10 or so. Otherwise we may be building a quinsy for night two.

How did the new Steger Mukluks work? I am considering getting a pair of Camuks in Ely this week because they are 25% off at $165.

They are discontinuing the old style with the less aggressive tread.

Is there a big difference in warmth verses a good pair of Sorels?

Great job camping out in those conditions Tony!

My bibler tent pulls all the frost to the outside. That being said it is not warmer. It is nice to get out of the wind. But a snow trench is much warmer

quote Zulu: "How did the new Steger Mukluks work? Is there a big difference in warmth verses a good pair of Sorels?"

Friggin' great, and hell yes. It was nice to be noticing my hands instead because my feet weren't an issue! Also, with the tops being higher and lacing tight all the way up, it means no snow working down into the boot, which always happened with my Sorels.

quote Canoearoo: "But a snow trench is much warmer"

That's a good point - I didn't have the time or the snow for a quinzee, but I should have tried a trench.

I closed up a three season tent with a tarp to decrease it's screen area. This did warm up the tent over having all that screen material releasing heat to the outside.

My former deer hunting buddy and I heated a nylon 3 season tent with a propane heater with success. He has a 4 and 6 person tent with 50 inch ceiling so we had the space. I think if you had a big enough vestibule you can cook in there while heating the main part of the tent.

And yes, do this at your own risk.

Agreed with the condensation issues. I am very opinionated about 4 season tents being as necessary as bringing snow shoes on a summer trip.

Any temp difference is negated by the moisture accumulated. As you know a wet 5 degrees is way colder than a dry -20. Bring a tarp! Total ventilation and it will protect you from wind, snow and rain.

Have you ever considered making an igloo? Stable temp no matter the outside temp.

quote George: "Have you ever considered making an igloo? Stable temp no matter the outside temp."

I've never done an igloo, but have made quinzees on several occasions. They certainly are the way to go if you have the time and materials, but of course that's not always the case.

I always like this pic, it's taken from inside a Nemo Moki, they have a optional metalized fabric liner that creates a small air gap. The pic shows the temp difference between the tent body inner wall and the liners inner wall ( door of the liner is open on one side), pretty drastic. So if you you somehow create a similar type of air gap it would likely help a ton. The hard part is finding a material that holds/reflects heat as well as breaths.