When browsing for tents, it's common to see both the trail weight and packed weight listed in the product description. More often than not, brands and retailers place greater emphasis on the trail weight, sometimes even prioritising it over the full packed weight.
This raises a fair question: is this simply a marketing tactic to make the tent seem lighter, or is there a more practical reason behind highlighting trail weight instead of just stating the total packed weight and leaving it at that?
It’s a great question and one that many hikers and campers ask, especially when comparing gear for the first time.
Trail weight is often the figure that brands and retailers choose to highlight. At first glance, it might seem like a marketing tactic to make a product appear lighter than it really is. However, there is actually a logical and practical reason behind this approach, beyond simply catering to ultralight enthusiasts.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why trail weight receives so much attention and whether it is just clever marketing or genuinely useful information when choosing your gear.
THE TYPE OF TRIP
The relevance of trail weight versus packed weight largely depends on the type of trip a person is planning, as different styles of travel and camping place different demands on your gear.
For example, backpackers, thru-hikers, and anyone on a multi-day trekking route often aim to keep their pack weight as low as possible. Every gram counts when you’re carrying everything on your back for days or even weeks at a time. In this case, trail weight, which typically includes only the essential components needed to pitch and use the tent, is the more relevant figure. It gives a more realistic picture of what will actually go into your pack and be carried on the trail. Often the trail weight doesn’t include stakes. For those looking to lighten their load, it’s worth noting that stakes are usually not included in the trail weight. Choosing lighter stakes than those supplied with the tent can make managing your overall gear weight a bit easier.
On the other hand, packed weight includes everything that comes with the tent, such as stuff sacks, extra pegs, guy lines, pole bags, and even instruction manuals. This figure is more relevant for car campers, weekend hikers, or casual users who are less concerned about pack weight and more focused on convenience and having a complete kit.
For cold-weather trips or expeditions, the distinction can become a bit more nuanced. While weight still matters, the focus often shifts to durability, redundancy, and insulation. In these scenarios, users may choose to carry the full kit, or even additional accessories, regardless of weight. However, even then, knowing the trail weight helps in estimating your minimum load and planning what extras you can afford to bring.
In short, trail weight is more useful when lightweight mobility is key, while packed weight matters more when logistics, storage, or completeness of kit are the priority. Understanding the difference helps ensure you’re selecting the right gear for the kind of adventure you have in mind.
TRAIL WEIGHT
1. It Reflects Real-World Usage
Trail weight typically includes only the essential components needed to pitch and use the tent, usually the tent body, rainfly, and poles. It excludes items like stuff sacks, pegs, manuals, and repair kits.
Why this matters:
When you’re actually out on the trail, especially on longer or more remote trips, you’re likely to leave behind non-essentials to save space and weight. Trail weight gives a more realistic picture of what you’ll be carrying on your back, not just what comes in the box.
2. Useful for Weight-Conscious Users
Backpackers, ultralight hikers, and thru-hikers or someone planning a cold weather expedition often count every gram. These users want to know the lightest functional version of their gear. Trail weight helps them compare tents based on what they’ll actually carry, making it easier to build an efficient, lightweight kit list.
3. But Yes, It’s Also a Marketing Advantage
There’s no denying that a lower trail weight looks more attractive on paper. Brands can use this to compete in the lightweight gear market, even if the full packed weight is significantly higher.
That said, most reputable outdoor brands provide both figures to ensure transparency. When only the trail weight is highlighted and the packed weight is hidden or omitted, it often leans more towards a marketing tactic. We recognise the importance of both and clearly display both weights in our tent listings for your convenience.
PACKED WEIGHT
Packed weight refers to the total weight of the tent along with all its components and accessories. This typically includes the tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, guy lines, stuff sacks, and sometimes repair kits or manuals.
Why this matters:
Packed weight gives you the complete picture of what you’ll be carrying or transporting. This is especially important for car campers, casual users, or anyone who wants to know the full load they’ll be handling, whether hiking shorter distances or loading gear into a vehicle.
Why Packed Weight Isn’t Always Highlighted
Brands sometimes choose not to prominently display packed weight because it is usually heavier and less appealing to weight-conscious buyers. Since trail weight is often significantly lower, focusing on it can make a product seem lighter and more attractive, especially in the ultralight gear market.
However, omitting or downplaying packed weight can be misleading for consumers who need to understand the full burden they will be carrying or storing. That’s why here at Valley and Peak, we believe it is important to display both weights clearly, side by side.
FREE CONSULTATION SERVICE
Feel free to check out our Free Consultation service for a personalised chat about your upcoming hiking adventures, cold weather expeditions, or simply to get advice on choosing the right gear for your next purchase. We’re here to help you plan and prepare for your next adventure, with confidence.
