Comparison Time Eco Minilite 2 vs Time Eco Minipack 2

The total weight of the tent is including the frame and other accessories.

This parameter depends primarily on the purpose (see above), and after that — on seasonality, capacity, and additional functions. For example, in trekking and expedition models, the weight usually does not exceed 5 – 7.5 kg, and the lightest of these products can weigh 2 – 3 kg or even less, while being full-fledged tents for 2 people or even more. However, for a trekking tent, such a small weight with a capacity of more than 2 people usually means that this model is designed exclusively for the summer. For most camping tents, the weight starts at 6 kg, although among them there are also quite light products — by 4 – 5 kg, 3 – 4 kg, or even less (in such cases, light weight can also mean a purely summer specialization). And the most capacious and/or multifunctional models can have a weight of 10 – 15 kg, 15 – 20 kg and even more; in this weight category, you can mainly find tents, camping tents for many people and fishing tents for carp fishing (see "Destination").

When choosing a tent according to this indicator, it is worth considering that it does not always make sense to chase the maximum weight reduction. Yes, the...light tent is the most convenient to carry; on the other hand, weight reduction inevitably affects one or several other characteristics at once. So, most often, lighter models are either more expensive or smaller in size and less roomy and functional than their heavier counterparts. And sometimes weight reduction also negatively affects the security (including moisture resistance) and the overall reliability of the product. Therefore, it makes sense to specifically look for the lightest tent possible in cases where weight reduction is of key importance; a typical example is long trips, in which all the equipment has to be carried “on oneself” for a long time. And even in such cases, it is worth remembering other important characteristics. For example, for use in late autumn, when frosts are likely, it is better to choose a heavier tent with winter seasonality than a light model that is not designed for winter conditions.

The volume of a tent when folded helps understand how convenient it is to transport it in a trunk, store it at home, or take it on a hiking trip, cycling tour, or backpacking adventure. The smaller the volume in liters, the more compact the tent is when packed.

For example, a trekking model with a volume of about 6 – 10 L easily fits into a 40 – 50 L hiking backpack without taking up too much valuable space. A 10 – 15 L tent can also fit in a backpack, but usually requires tighter packing and is generally better suited for backpacks of 50 – 65 L. If the volume is 15 – 20 L or more, such a tent is often more conveniently attached outside, especially when space inside needs to be reserved for a sleeping bag, clothes, and other items. Camping tents, although they may not have a large volume, primarily find their place in a car trunk where volume matters less.