What is the difference between packed weight and trail weight

This method allowed the companies to take the guesswork out of determining tent weights. In line with this standard, packaged weight includes the total weight of the packaged contents off the shelf.

M inimum weight , by comparison, refers to the combined weight of the tent body, rainfly if applicable and tent poles, but not any of the other items that may appear in the package, such as tent stakes, guy cords, stuff sack, etc.

Sometimes it happens: you shop for a tent, compare features and specs, and buy the right one for you.

The truth is, the exact minimum or packaged weight of your tent might not align with the advertised specs, as tent reviews like this one attest. This weight discrepancy has a lot to do with the nature of the product and the manufacturing process. Although manufacturers try to be as up front and honest about weight, all must make educated guesses as to what the final weight will be. At MSR, we try to be as accurate as possible with our published weights, but variations in coatings and fabrics can lead to modest weight differences.

Here are a few reasons you might see your tent weighing in a few ounces above or below the advertised weight:. Of course, this can vary from tent to tent, depending on how it is constructed, but that is the essential definition. The packed weight of a tent is the total packaged weight of all the parts it is shipped with. This includes absolutely everything. From poles, rain fly and tent body to stakes, footprint and guy ropes. On top of this, it also includes the bags that are provided and any extras you get.

So, you might then ask yourself — why should I compare the trail weight vs the packed weight of a tent? It all comes down to total trail weight. After all, you have to carry all this gear with you if you go hiking or backpacking with a tent. Packaged weight is the trail weight, plus those all those added components. The difference between the two is usually about ounces for a two-person double-wall backpacking tent, depending on the size of your tent.

The reason retailers list trail weights in addition to packed weights is because most backpackers:. Adding a footprint will also increase the weight of your tent, often quite substantially.

The average hiker will definitely use the stuff sack the tent came packaged in and also the supplied stakes. Not everybody is an ultralighter. I think some of the greatest feats in engineering are manifested in how the manufacturer gets the product in the bag, box, or package in the first place.

Although weight is a consideration for anything to be strapped onto this old back, practicality rules the day for me. Tent minus stakes plus bag minus guy-lines plus floor minus inner plus trekking pole blah blah blah.