Weight
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.Arc thickness
Both the rigidity of the frame and the reliability and durability of the tent itself depend on the thickness of the arcs. Usually, the larger and more capacious the tent, the
thicker the arches are needed for the frame. Arcs made of plastic and fibreglass most often have a thickness of 7 to 13 mm, while steel and aluminium — from 5 to 16 mm. With an increase in the section of the arcs, the weight of the tent in the folded state also increases.
Water resistance of bottom
An indicator that reflects the degree of resistance of the bottom of the tent to moisture. For more information about the features of measuring this indicator, see "Tent waterproofness". Here also note that, for obvious reasons, the bottom, unlike an awning, is practically not subject to rain drops — as a result, the requirements for bottom water resistance are significantly lower. So, fabrics with a water resistance of 3000 mm of water. Art. are considered absolutely waterproof (up to the possibility of putting a tent in a puddle), and higher values usually indicate an increased thickness of the fabric and corresponding strength and wear resistance. Just like with an awning, more waterproof fabrics tend to have a significant amount of weight, so it doesn't always make sense to look for bottoms with maximum water resistance.
