Ok, so I'm having some difficulties understanding the so-called advertised weights of tents. Let me be clear, I understand what trail weight and minimum weight are; however, packed weight is what is baffling me.
I'm looking at tents that specifically include the footprint. For example: a tents packed weight is 4lbs, say, but it also comes with a footprint. Is the footprint an additional weight on top of the tents packed weight or is it included in the tents packed weight?
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3292
Loc: Portland, OR
As I have seen "packaged weight" used in the past, it refers to the weight of everything you get, apart from packaging. So, if you get a repair kit and extra stakes, for example, those would show up in the packaged weight. If you get a footprint included with the tent, I would expect that to show up in the "packaged weight".
This has been my experience, but it doesn't mean I am correct in this instance. Asking is the most reliable way to find out. (Unless you ask someone who doesn't know what they are talking about!)
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
I personally think this is a conspiracy on the part of mainstream tent makers to make their tents appear lighter than they are. It seems that every one has a slightly different definition.
Most "cottage" manufacturers, such as Tarptent and ZPacks, are at pains to disclose the actual weight of the tent, not just a total but the components, including stuff sacks, stakes, etc. That's one of the many reasons I prefer to buy from them.
IMHO, a footprint is not necessary; it's just a marketing gimmick. I haven't used one for years, and for the past 9 years my tent had a lightweight silnylon floor. (I never used one with my old 1980's tent, either.) Never any problem, even with a fairly large dog in residence.
Edited by OregonMouse (03/04/1402:14 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Thanks, Aimless. What you're saying parallels what I think, too. I've just been looking at tent w/ footprint combos, so the thought suspiciously crossed thy mind!
Registered: 02/26/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Washington State, King County
I agree with everything OM said.
A tent that has a custom footprint --- not on my list of things I'm interested in. Advertised as having a "fastpack" setup --- ditto. In fact "advertised at all" --- ditto.
I very infrequently go into my local REI and in recent years they've improved in some areas w.r.t. what I'm interested in. They now carry a credible light backpack, for example.
But tents, I still don't see any tents that I'd be interested in. I think that most folks carry a tent that's heavier than they need.
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