Four seasons....

[shaolin182]

Not sure if this is in the right place or has already been covered... but I have been reaccumulating outdoors gear lately and in my research of various products i see them referred to 3 seasons, 4 seasons etc. I also hear the term summer weight from people.. I was looking at a black wolf stealth mesh tent, it was good value and will be mainly used for base camping with family etc. I don't see the point to spend money on something that i can't use anytime. The tent is classified as 3 seasons, I am guessing it's because there is a ventilation space between the fly and the inner, however, I tend to run pretty hot. I travelled around eastern europe in the winter and would sleep with window open and a fan on when it was snowing outside. Honestly, I am starting to believe I would be ok in Antarctica in just a pair of shorts.

Anyway my question is... can anyone give me some advice in terms of this specification? Is there a certain structural requirement for camping in snow etc, to enable it to be 4 seasons?

Also, I wanted something lighter for through hikes and was looking at a bivy. how hot does it get in a bivy bag? I won't be able to sleep if it won't provide enough airflow?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Franco]

There is 4 season and there is 4th season.
Sometime the stuff that is meant to work OK in all seasons really only works well in one and maybe is too hot or heavy for the other three.
Occasionally manufacturers make it clear that the intended use is winter or exposed areas (expedition) but of course winter in the Gold Coast is not winter at Feathertop nor winter up Denali.

No there are no standards, just the manufacturers take on their own products.

Since you make it clear you are a warm sleeper, a bivy may not be the best item to use.
Coincidentally the brand I look after , Tarptent, does have several light enough shelters with plenty of air flow if you take advantage of the various possible configurations.
If you use trekking poles there are the Pro Trail and Notch at around 700g, otherwise the Moment or Rainbow at around 1 kg.
not that cheap particularly now with the low AUD, but competitive when it comes to weight/protection for the $.
http://www.tarptent.com/

[Moondog55]

It's an often occurring question
4th season is generally but not always winter with snow so a stronger tent all over with absolutely the minimum amount of mesh
this whole post covers it pretty well

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=17176

also google the difference between various Australian made Institutional tents which offer 2 different versions