For a hiker, a backpacking tent is a must as they need to hike for a long time and take a rest when it’s time to do so. Have you ever thought before going on a hike or tour about the weight of the backpacking tent? If not, then you need to think about it as you need to bear it on your own. So, how much should a backpacking tent weight?
Backpacking tents are best for the hikers who want to bear all their necessary stuff with them for continuing the hiking or tour. You can carry your camera, water bottle, cloth and many other important things in your bag. Again, you will have the chance for tenting at any place to stay.
In this content, you will get to know about the backpacking tent weight and much more information about backpacking tents. You will also know the difference between packaged weight and trail weight with some FAQs. So, let’s start.
Contents
Why Do You Need a Backpacking Tent?
As a traveler or hiker, there are lots of hiking stuff that should be carried with you. It depends on you how long you will stay outside and how many things you will carry. The importance of a backpacking tent will always be on top if you are a hiker and want to stay under the open sky. Again, certain types of backpacking tents will allow you to carry extra things than regular.
If you don’t have the best Backpacking tent then you won’t have the exact experience of tenting. So, this is a must to have a suitable Backpacking tent with you before going on hiking.
How much does a hiking tent weight?
You may ask how much should my backpacking tent weight and here you will get to know about this. The hiking tent weight depends on the backpack-type for tenting types. There are different types of tent according to weight. According to professional hikers, a perfect tent weight should be 2.2 lbs per person.
However, there is a lot to know about different types of tents according to their weight.
- Hiking tent
- Backpacking tent
- Ultra-lightweight tent
Hiking Tent
If you are a regular hiker and it’s your passion to hike then you should go for this type of hiking tent where it should weigh 2.2 lbs or 1 kg per person. For regular uses, it is a comfortable weight and you should not carry much stuff with you.
If you go for a heavyweight hiking tent then you will feel tired which will ruin your hiking experience. A 1 kg or 2.2 lbs tent weight is perfect for regular hiking.
Backpacking Tent
Are you thinking of starting a long hike or tour? Well, for a long stay hiking you will need to have different stuff with you for daily use. Again, for tough terrain, you will need some equipment with you which will help you to complete your hiking. So, here a backpacking tent can help you by offering you more storage.
A backpacking tent weighs about 4 lbs or 1.8 kg. This is a perfect weight for hiking in tough terrain where you can bear tools and equipment with you.
Ultra Lightweight Tent
Looking for the best quality hiking tent having lightweight and are you confused about weight? The weight of the tent should be around 0.6-1.19 lbs which will allow you in comfort roaming. The ultra-lightweight tent is for day-to-day use where tools and other equipment are not needed.
Backpacking tent weight comparison?
Here you will find the comparison table for 2-person backpacking tents below and will have an idea about the weight.
For 2-Person Backpacking Comparison Table
| Tent Name | Weight | Size | Covering Area | Number of Doors |
| Tarptent Double Rainbow | 2 lbs. 9.8 oz. | 18 x 4 in. | 31.8 sq. ft. | 2 |
| Nemo Hornet Elite 2P | 2 lbs. 1 oz. | 19 x 4.5 in. | 27.3 sq. ft. | 2 |
| Zpacks Duplex Flex | 1 lb. 14.6 oz. | 13 x 7 in. | 28 sq. ft. | 2 |
| Big Agnes Fly Creek HV 2 Platinum | 2 lbs. | 15.5 x 4.5 in. | 28 sq. ft. | 1 |
| Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 | 2 lbs. 8 oz. | 18 x 5.5 in. | 28 sq. ft. | 2 |
| Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum | 2 lbs. 4 oz. | 18 x 5.5 in. | 28 sq. ft. | 2 |
| Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 | 2 lbs. 4 oz. | 19.5 x 6 in. | 28 sq. ft. | 1 |
| Big Agnes Fly Creek HV 2 Carbon | 1 lb. 7 oz. | 18.5 x 5 in. | 28 sq. ft. | 1 |
| Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 mtnGLO | 2 lbs. 9 oz. | 18 x 5.5 in. | 28 sq. ft. | 2 |
| Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Carbon | 1 lb. 11 oz. | 17.5 x 6 in. | 27 sq. ft. | 2 |
| Nemo Hornet 2P | 2 lbs. 6 oz. | 19.5 x 5.5 in. | 27.5 sq. ft. | 2 |
| REI Co-op Flash Air 2 | 2 lbs. 8 oz. | 16 x 7 in. | 28.7 sq. ft. | 2 |
What is the Difference Between Packaged Weight and Trail Weight?
When you are about to buy a tent then you will find the weight of the tent by the packed one. You may find the weight of the tent in kg but in the end, it’s the same and comes with the tent body, repair sleeve, guylines, stakes, poles, rainfly, and tent altogether. This term is known as the packed weight of the tent. This is not the actual weight of a tent which you will carry.
If you are going out on a hike and taking only the tent with you, that’s the actual weight of your tent. This term is known as trail weight. When you are going to buy a new tent you should check the trail weight so that you can make a perfect choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is a hiking tent?
It depends on the type of hiking tent you are choosing. Like if you’re choosing an ultra-lightweight hiking tent then it will weigh up to 1-2 lbs. Where a heavy-weight tent will weigh up to 3-4 lbs.
How much does an ultralight tent weigh?
An ultralight tent weighs up to 1-2 lbs which are perfect for being a comfortable tent weight. You will have the feature of a tent if you are choosing the best one.
Is 7 pounds too heavy for a backpacking tent?
Yes, this will be a heavy backpacking tent if you aren’t able to bear this. According to professionals, a normal backpacking tent should be 2-3 lbs.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have understood how much do backpacking tents weight and you are ready to check the trail weight of your tent. The trail weight will allow you to decide on how many extra things can be carried with you. Again you have got an idea of how much should a backpacking tent weight which will help you to choose the best and suitable tent for you.
Hiking is not an easy task to do. If you are passionate about hiking then you should choose the best equipment for your hiking and it will increase your hiking experience a step further.