Average Tent Weight: How Much Do Tents Weigh?

While preparing to go camping, there are several factors that you need to take care of. Among them, one of the major factors in maintaining a reasonable weight of your backpack or luggage. This might not be an issue for people who are planning for car camping.

 Yet, too heavy luggage or backpacks always puts an extra burden on the traveler even if it’s just casual car camping. One of the elements that largely contribute to the weight of the camping baggage is the tent. 

Thus, those who are planning to get a new tent for their next camping program should definitely have an adequate idea about how much do tents weigh. Check out this article to get a proper and precise idea and comparison of the weight of different tents.

 

Average Weight of a Tent

The average weight of a tent varies with a huge range starting from 2 to even 60 pounds depending on several factors. But the ideal weight of a tent should be 2.5 pounds per person. However, the minimum weight of a tent is 2.08 pounds. Whereas, the maximum weight can be over 55 pounds.

If you want to know the weight of a particularly preferred tent, then you need to calculate all the elements influencing its overall mass to figure out its weight specifically.

 

Factors on Which the Weight of Tents Depend

As we were saying, the weight of the tent depends on a number of factors. Let’s have a look at the main factors that contribute to the tent’s weight below.

• Tent Capacity
• Tent Type
• Tent Construction
• Tent Seasonality
• Tent Set-up

 

 

Weight Comparison Between Different Capacities of Tent

Let’s dig deeper starting by comparing the weight between different sizes of the tent since it is one of the largest influencing factors. No doubt, with the increasing size, the weight of the tents will also increase. After all, for more capacity more space, more materials, and larger sizes are required.

 

One Person vs. Two Person Tent

If you’re planning to go camping alone, why have a more than one person tent? Moreover, in the case of camping with more than one person also, each person can have a one-person tent for themselves unless they want to sleep together within one tent. 

But many people prefer a two-person tent over one person because of the promising quality two-person tents offer. Let’s have a look at the comparison of their weight.

 

 Weight of One Person Tent

One-person tents are usually the lightest tent since they’re built for bearing just a person. The average weight of a one-person tent is 3 pounds. However, there are several one-person tents that are quite lighter such as Marmot Eos 1 Tent weighing just 2.08 pounds. Again, many are much heavier as well depending on the build and quality.

 

Weight of Two Person Tent

Two-person tents are usually better in quality and durability than one-person tents. The average weight of two-person tents is 4.5 pounds. But the weight range for two-person tents varies from 3.3 pounds such as Nemo Dagger 2P Tent to even more than 7 pounds such as Coleman Sundome 2 Person Tent.

 

Comparison Table

For a better idea, let’s compare the weight of one person and two-person tents of some companies.

 

Model Name	One Person Tent Weight (Pounds)	Two Person Tent Weight (Pounds)
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx	3.5	5.2
ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr	3.63	4.69
REI Co-op Passage	3.39	4.81
MSR Hubba NX	2.44	3.44
Kelty	3.88	4.5

 

Three Person vs. Four Person

Three-person or four-person tents are the most common and available tent capacities. They are more demanding than most other capacities of tents. This is because these tents are perfect for family camping. Hence, most families that are fond of camping, keep such tents in their houses. Also, they perfectly and comfortably cover 1 to 4 persons.

 

Weight of Three Person Tent

The average weight of three-person tents is 6 pounds. But while there are many three-person tents as light as two-person tents such as REI Quarter Dome 3 Tent weighing 4.06 pounds, many are too heavy like ALPS Mountaineering Meramac 3-Person Tent that weighs about 9 pounds.

 

Weight of Four Person Tent

The average weight of four-person tents is 8.5 pounds. Most of the four-person tents are just spacious enough to bear 4 people clumsily at a time. But many four-person tents such as REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent are more spacious and comfortable but with a heavier weight of about 14.4 pounds.

 

Comparison Table

Below we have compared the weight of three-person and four-person tents of a few tent models.

 

Model Name	Three Person Tent Weight (Pounds)	Four Person Tent Weight (Pounds)
Coleman Sundome	8.7	10.2
Big Agnes	3.44	5.06
ALPS Mountaineering	5.31	7.94
Marmot Lime	6.03	10.61
Kelty	6.13	9.06

 

Six Person vs. Eight Person Tent

Now if you have a large family to fit in a single tent, definitely the previous tent capacities won’t be enough for you. You’ll need a tent that is larger and heavier. Six- and eight-person tents should be a good option for you.

 

Weight of Six Person Tent

The weight of a 6-person tent ranges from 15 pounds to 25 pounds. Hence, clearly, the average weight of six-person tents is 20 pounds. The good news is you need not carry the weight of the whole six-person tent on one shoulder. The weight of six-person tents can be divided upon the members of the trip by splitting up the parts of the tent.

 

Weight of Eight Person Tent

Surprisingly, eight-person tents are not much heavier than six-person tents. The average weight of an eight-person tent is 23 pounds. However, there are eight-person tents even lighter in weight than six-person tents such as the EXIO 8-Person Compact Backcountry Tent with a weight of 15.9 pounds only. Though such tents are quite tight. But a few tents like NEMO Wagontop 8P Tent weigh over 30 pounds.

 

Comparison Table

Let’s have a quick comparison of weight between the common models of six-person and eight-person tents.

 

Model Name	Six Person Tent Weight (Pounds)	Eight Person Tent Weight (Pounds)
REI Co-op	20.8	22.2
Timber Ridge	16.5	19.36
Coleman	24.91	26.4
Big Agnes Flying Diamond	20.4	23.8
Kelty	15.3	17.7

 

Other Large Capacity Tents

The tent sizes mentioned above are the most prevalent, usual, and affordable. But apart from these sizes, there are many other sizes of tents with much larger capacities. And they are quite heavy and not eligible for carrying in a backpack or baggage. Such as nine-person and ten-person tents weigh from 30 pounds to 45 pounds.

Again, nine to sixteen-person tents are also available which weigh from 30 pounds to even about 60 pounds. You can easily check the weight of the particular tent size and model you’re planning to get from the details and description of the product if it’s available on Amazon.

 

 

Weight of Different Types of Tents

Along with categorizing tents with their size, they can be divided into different types and styles as well. The weight of the tents also varies with their types and styles. You’ll get a clear idea about it from the types below.

 

General Tents

These are the most common and casual tents. These tents indicate what we usually vision as a tent. They have a super basic and simple setup with poles, ropes, guy lines, pegs, and strong fabric. Each of the elements of a general tent separately contributes to its overall weight. They are comparatively heavier than other types. The ideal weight of a general tent would be 9 to 10 pounds. Example: Eureka! Tetragon 4 Person Tent.

 

Lightweight Tents

The lightweight tents are just a bit lighter version of the general tents. Usually, they have thinner single fabric walls and poles. These tents are exclusively manufactured to reduce weight. Though some lightweight tents are cheap causing their weight and capacity to be less, some lightweight tents are expensive and built in a specialized way. The weight of lightweight tents generally ranges from 7 to 8 pounds. Example: TRIWONDER Waterproof Backpacking Tent.

 

Ultralight Tents

Ultralight tents are specially built for backpackers. They are generally light, flexible, and comparatively durable. The materials ultralight tents are prepared with contain less weight but more durability. Moreover, they are mostly single-walled to exclude the extra weight of the double fabric. Ultralight tents don’t weigh more than 7 pounds usually. Example: Kelty Gunnison Backpacking Tent.

 

Mountaineering Tents

Mountaineering tents aren’t similar to the usual backpacking ultralight tents. They are particularly produced to survive rough terrain and harsh weather in mountains. They are usually heavier than ultralight backpacking tents because of having double walls for more protection in rough areas and seasons. But their average weight is 8 pounds. Example: Black Diamond Bomb Shelter Tent.

 

Weight of Tents Depending on Their Built

The built and structure of the tent include the wall, fabric, pole, floor, doors, ropes, and footprints. In other words, every external and internal visual element of the tent. Hence, it is obvious that all of these elements contribute to the overall weight of the tent.

 

Single-wall vs. Double-wall Construction

The wall construction of the tent is a very crucial factor in terms of weight. The material and fabric used for the making of the wall along with whether it is single or double play the main role in the weight of the tents.

 

Single-wall Construction

Single-wall constructed tents have one layer of fabric or material in the walls. They usually provide limited protection and are vulnerable to harsh weather or multiple seasons. However, they can fairly protect from minor rainfall and sunlight. 

However, some cheap single-walled tents aren’t waterproof as well. These tents provide more insulation than double-walled and hence better for winter. Their weight is comparatively less.

 

Double-wall Construction

Tents containing double walls are generally more durable and long-lasting. They have more ventilation and less insulation. And almost all double-walled tents are waterproof and weatherproof. Setting up the double-walled tents is generally quicker and easier. 

However, they are heavier than single-walled tents due to the existence of an extra layer of fabric or material.

 

Fabric and Pole Material

As said before, the fabric and the pole material play an important role in the tent’s weight. Moreover, they are the fundamental elements on which the durability and performance of the tent depend. The most common types of fabrics used in manufacturing tents are nylon and polyester.

Among them, nylon is stronger yet lighter in weight. Though polyester is heavier than nylon, it is more durable. However, the nylon and polyester material is mixed with different other components to increase the quality. 

In the case of poles, generally most top-notch tent companies use high-grade aluminum. However, many cheap tents have steel or fiberglass poles which are heavy and bulky.

 

Tent Volume

The tent volume undoubtedly is important to consider while measuring the weight of the tent. After all, this is required to understand how large the tent is. Surely, the larger the tent, the more the volume of materials and hence, more weight. The tent volume includes the floor area and the peak height.

 

Floor Area

The floor area denotes the area of the ground the tent is covering. The floor area is measured in square feet. The average floor area of a tent per person is 25”x80”. However, it differs from one type and capacity to another.

 

Peak Height

The peak height is the distance from the floor to the highest point at the top of the tent. Some tents are very short and have a smaller peak height where you need to bow rather than standing. Again, some have higher peaks for you to stand comfortably. Higher the peak, the more the weight.

 

 

Weight Comparison Between Tents of Different Seasonality

Seasonality refers to the ability of the tents to combat different seasons. Based on the number of seasons the tents can tolerate, there are four types of tents. They are compared below.

 

One and Two Season Tents

These are the least quality and lightest weight tents. They are capable of combating not more than two seasons. This is mainly because of the cheap materials used in manufacturing these tents. These tents might satisfy you with their lightweight. But they’ll really disappoint you with their durability and weather resistance.

 

Three Season vs. Four Season Tents

The real sport of tent seasonality is between three-season and four-season tents. These are the most popular kinds of tents in terms of seasonality. Unless you plan to use your tent one time, it’s better to use three-season or four-season tents. However, the weight of the three- or four-season tents is usually more than that of one or two-season tents. Though some expensive ultralight three- or four-season tents are as light in weight as one or two-season tents.

 

Three Season Tents

Three-season tents are designed to deal with three seasons that include summer, spring, and fall. These tents are even capable of tolerating heavy rainfall and wind. These tents are usually heavy due to being double-layered for extra protection. But not all of them are heavy; some are even lighter than many one-season tents, especially backpacking three-season tents. Example: Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent.

 

Four Season Tents

Four-season tents are generally costlier than tents. This is because they are available in a wide range of designs and models as well as weights. Though most four-season tents are comparatively heavier than all other tent types, some mountaineering four-season tents are much lighter compared to the quality. They are appropriate for both summer and winter. Example: CAMPPAL Professional 3-4 Person 4 Season Mountain Tent.

 

Weight of the Tents as Per the Way They’re Set-up

This might sound surprising but the weight of the tents also depends on the way they are set up. Now you might ask how. Well, do all tents need poles, footprints, and guy lines? They are also good contributors to the overall weight of the tent.

 

Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding Tent

On the basis of the way to set up, tents can be divided into two categories, one of which is freestanding and the other non-freestanding.

 

Freestanding Tent

Freestanding tents are usually heavier as they depend completely on poles rather than stakes. They are easier and quicker to assemble. They are generally double-walled and more spacious with good ventilation. Most dome tents and instant tents are freestanding tents.

 

Non-Freestanding Tent

Non-freestanding tents include ultralight and lightweight tents. Hence, undoubtedly, they are lighter in weight than freestanding tents. They usually have a single wall. And requires trekking poles to set up which is comparatively time-consuming. They are easier to carry in backpacks.

 

Packed Weight and Trail Weight

There are two types of weight of the tent. One that includes everything in the package of the tent when you buy it including the tent, extra guy lines, repair kits, user manual, and stuff sacks. This is called the packed weight. Again, the type of weight is the trail weight which refers to the weight of the things you’ll have to carry for camping. This includes the tent, rainfly, and poles usually.

Make sure to get the right tent considering the trail weight, not the packed weight. The packed weight doesn’t have anything to do with the actual weight you’ll be carrying on the camping trip.

 

One Person Tent Weight Summary and Example Table

For your better understanding, below we’re showing some examples of one-person tents along with their features and weight. Have a look!

 

Tent Seasonality	Tent Built	Tent Set-up	Example	Weight (Pounds)
One Season	Single Wall	Freestanding	ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent	4.0
		Non-Freestanding	Gossamer Gear The One	1.11
	Double Wall	Freestanding	Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1	2.0
		Non-Freestanding	Dan Durston X-Mid 1	3.13
Two Season	Single Wall	Freestanding	Clostnature 1-Person Tent for Backpacking	3.7
		Non-Freestanding	River Country Products Trekker Tent 2.2	3.0
	Double Wall	Freestanding	URPRO Instant Automatic pop up Camping Tent	2.02
		Non-Freestanding	KAZOO Waterproof Backpacking Tent Ultralight 1 Person	3.3
Three Season	Single Wall	Freestanding	Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent – 3 Season	5.4
		Non-Freestanding	MIER Ultralight Tent 3-Season Backpacking Tent for 1-Person	2.2
	Double Wall	Freestanding	MC Camping Tent 1-3 Person Waterproof Lightweight Tent	4.9
		Non-Freestanding	FLYTOP 3-4 Season 1-2-person Double Layer Backpacking Tent	5.9
Four Season	Single Wall	Freestanding	Hyke & Byke Zion 1 and 2 Person Backpacking Tents	5.93
		Non-Freestanding	camppal 1 Person Tent Backpacking Camping Hiking Mountain Hunting Tent	3.4
	Double Wall	Freestanding	Azarxis 1 2 3 4 Person 3 4 Season Backpacking Tents	5.48
		Non-Freestanding	DESERT WALKER 1.7LB Camping Tent 1 Person Backpacking Tent 4 Seasons

 

Final Words

Hopefully, now you know well how much do tents weigh. Don’t just go for less weight compromising the quality. If you want your tent to survive a long time, choose and consider both lightweight and quality. Break a leg!