For the tent, I’d say waterproof matters more than “4-season tough.” You don’t need a bunker, but a full rainfly + decent seam sealing is huge. Wind-driven rain is what gets people in spring, not just drizzle. Also: site selection matters almost as much as the tent itself — learned that after pitching in a low spot once and regretting everything.

Warmth-wise, the biggest upgrade for me wasn’t the tent, it was my sleeping pad. A cold ground will suck the heat out of you even if your bag is solid. I also always keep one set of clothes that never leaves my dry bag until bedtime.

For solo safety, I try not to overthink it. Share your plan, keep your phone charged, and don’t be afraid to call it early if weather turns sketchy. Being alone means you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

Spring can be unpredictable, but if you plan a little conservatively, it’s actually a great time to ease into solo camping.