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#183511 - 03/04/14 01:35 PM Clarification, please!
ZachBilous Offline
member

Registered: 04/08/13
Posts: 15
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?

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#183512 - 03/04/14 01:40 PM Re: Clarification, please! [Re: ZachBilous]
billstephenson Offline
Moderator

Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
This is probably a variable that differs among both manufacturers and retailers. If in doubt I'd contact them both.
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#183514 - 03/04/14 01:56 PM Re: Clarification, please! [Re: ZachBilous]
aimless Online   content
Moderator

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!)

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#183515 - 03/04/14 02:11 PM Re: Clarification, please! [Re: ZachBilous]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

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. laugh 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 (03/04/14 02:14 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#183519 - 03/04/14 03:21 PM Re: Clarification, please! [Re: aimless]
ZachBilous Offline
member

Registered: 04/08/13
Posts: 15
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!

Cheers

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#183537 - 03/05/14 11:17 AM Re: Clarification, please! [Re: OregonMouse]
BrianLe Offline
member

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.
_________________________
Brian Lewis
http://postholer.com/brianle

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#183544 - 03/05/14 02:18 PM Re: Clarification, please! [Re: BrianLe]
billstephenson Offline
Moderator

Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
Quote:
I think that most folks carry a tent that's heavier than they need.


I've been learning that, though it's taken a long time, so it's good to hear you confirm that knowing you've spent so many nights out.

This autumn I think I'll leave the tent at home more often and just sleep under the stars. I used to do that a lot when I camped in the Sequoia NF.

_________________________
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"You want to go where?"



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