How Light Should a Backpacking Tent Be?

By Robert Palmer

When it comes to backpacking, the number one goal for most of us is to keep the weight of our gear as low as possible. The lighter the better.

That being said, your tent is a crucial piece of gear, and you want to make sure that you’re getting a tent that won’t weigh you down on your journey. So, how light should a backpacking tent be?

The answer to this question depends on a few different factors. First, consider the conditions in which you’ll be camping.

If you’re heading out in an area with mild weather and little chance of rain or wind, then you don’t need something as heavy-duty as you would if you were camping in an area with more extreme conditions. If your area has more extreme weather conditions, then you may need something that is more durable and can stand up better against those elements.

Another factor to consider when deciding how light your tent should be is the type of camping that you plan on doing. If you plan on using your tent for car camping or even family camping trips, then a heavier tent might be fine since it won’t need to be carried very far. However, if your goal is light and fast backpacking trips then you’ll want to look for something lighter so that it won’t weigh down your pack too much.

Finally, another factor to consider when choosing how light your backpacking tent should be is the size of the tent itself. Generally speaking, larger tents tend to be heavier than smaller tents due to their increased surface area and number of poles and stakes needed for set up. So if weight saving is a priority then opting for a smaller size tent may be best for keeping things light on the trail.

Conclusion

Ultimately, how light a backpacking tent should be depends largely on where and how it will be used as well as its size. It’s important to carefully consider all factors before making this decision so that your backpacking experience isn’t hindered by an overly heavy or inadequate shelter.