Hiking - The Camping Air Conditioner

How Heavy Should a Hiking Tent Be? Less than…

When you go out hiking, your hiking gear should be as light as possible. This is when you’re out hiking, you constantly have to bring everything with you no matter where you go. And as a result of that, even just a few lbs extra can be a huge difference in your hiking experience.

On my first hiking trip, I sort of just brought what I thought would be useful, and went with that only to regret the weight of my gear very very early into the trip. My hiking tent was the biggest issue though as it was heavy. I mean it was at least 10 lbs. So, that got me thinking…how heavy should a hiking tent be?

From personal experience and a ton of research, I’ve found that a hiking tent (even if it’s for 2 people) shouldn’t be heavier than 6 lbs. Anything over 6lbs is totally unnecessary and will just add extra weight to your hiking gear.

In this article, I will go over in more detail how heavy your hiking tent should be, explain the different tent weight variations, show you how to pick the right tent for your needs, and near the end, I’ll show you two models that I would personally buy if I needed a brand new hiking tent.

By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

How Heavy Should a Hiking Tent Be?

When deciding which tent to use when hiking, it’s very important to consider the weight. Ideally, the tent should be fairly lightweight (between 4 and 6 lbs) and easy to carry as you don’t want the tent and your backpack to weigh you down on your journey.

And while it might be nice to have a large and spacious tent for the hot summer weather, it’s not a good choice when you’re hiking as you will not only have to carry it everywhere but also take it apart and put it up (which takes time) every time the night falls.

For a single person hiking tent, I personally don’t think you should go for anything over 4 lbs, and for a tent that can accommodate two hikers at once, 6lbs. This gives you enough space in your backpack to add more essentials without weighing you down too much.

Packed, Trail, and Fast Fly Weight – What’s the Difference?

If you’re shopping for tents, it’s important to pay close attention to the weight. However, there are many tents that display their weight in three variations: packed, trail, and fast fly weight.

When you see a tent’s packed weight, this is the entire weight of the tent with all its accessories. Aside from the essentials, this includes extra guylines, repair kits, the user manual, stakes, and more. This is the heaviest iteration of the tent and it’s ideal for longer camping trips that don’t involve much hiking.

While the packed weight of the tent includes everything you need, there are many components that aren’t essential when on the trail. So, the trail weight of the tent only refers to how much it weighs when you pack the tent, the rainfly, the poles and the footprint.

If you’re looking to pack as lightly as possible, there’s trail (minimum) weight. This only refers to the fly, poles, and the footprint. When packing fast fly weight, you won’t be bringing the tent canopy with you. So, while this is the lightest option, it’s also the most incomplete and forgoes a lot of accessories you might need.

Weight	Description	Ranking
Packed	Tent’s weight with all accessories (i.e. repair kits, guy lines, poles, etc.)	Heaviest
Trail	Includes the tent body, rainfly (if existent), and poles	Light
Fast Fly	Tent body, poles, and accessory footprint	Absolute minimum weight

The reason you want to pack light with your tent is because these aren’t the only things you’re bringing on the trip. On top of the tent, there’s a high chance you will have to bring gear like a camping stove, a portable coffee maker, and more, so you don’t want your tent to weigh you down too much.

How to Choose a Good Tent for Hiking

If you’re looking for a good hiking tent, there are tons of options on the market. However, all of these choices makes it hard to choose the right one for your needs.

Even with a definitive list of the best hiking tents, if you don’t know what to look for, you’ll end up having a pretty hard time finding a tent suitable for your needs. So, here are a couple important things to consider that will make it easier for you to choose the right tent for hiking.

#1 – One vs. Two vs. Three-Person Tents

The first decision you have to make is how many people you plan on accommodating in the tent. When hiking, I recommend using a one person tent. This is because these are the lightest tents available and will be much easier to carry when walking the trail.

When you carry a two or three person tent with you, then one person will end up having to carry the heaviest weight, which is going to be the tent. If you’re hiking with a group, it’s best to distribute the load properly to ensure no one gets left behind or has to carry too much weight on their shoulders.

So, even when hiking with multiple people, it’s best to let one person carry a solo tent each as opposed to brining multiple-person tents that can weigh you down.

#2 – Space

The next thing to consider is the actual living space in the tent. While you want to keep things as light as possible, it’s also important that you have ample space inside where you can feel comfortable.

If you want to be able to stand up straight even if you’re a tall person, check out these 5 tents.

#3 – Weight

Lastly, you want a lightweight tent that’s not over 6 lbs in weight. There are quite a few solo camping tents out there that are actually pretty heavy. So, even when shopping for smaller tents, make sure to pay attention to the weight as small tents don’t always mean that they’re going to be lightweight.

The Best Lightweight Tents for Hiking

When I researched the market for the best lightweight tends for hiking, I came across quite a few good options, but these two below really stood out to me.

OneTigris Tangram – Suitable for 2 Hikers

I usually advise against two-person tents for hiking, but if you must bring a two-person tent, this is one of the best options. While it’s a bit larger than other options, it’s still very lightweight and easy to bring on a camping trip.

It’s also made of high-quality, waterproof materials. So, you can rest assured that this tent can keep you safe on your camping trips for a long time coming during the summer, spring, and fall.

Pros

Suitable for up to 2 hikers
Made out of waterproof materials
Lightweight, compact, and easy to carry around
Fast and easy set up

Cons

Not suitable for use during the winter

OneTigris Hiking Tent

Can easily accommodate 2 people at a time
Weighs just under 5lbs
Waterproof
When packages, tent measures ‎4.92 x 4.72 x 8.66 inches

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Winterial Hiking Tent – Suitable for 1 Hiker

When it comes to hiking tents, there aren’t many options that compete with the Winterial hiking tent. This is a lightweight and sleek tent that is very convenient and easy to bring on hiking trips.

It’s really lightweight (weighing at just 4 lbs), so you won’t have to worry about the tent weighing you down. And even if it’s light, it’s really durable, so it will last you years if you take care of it right, otherwise, it the tent can get moldy and unsuitable for use.

Granted, this tent is pretty pricey. But considering all the cool features you get from it, the price is very much worth it.

On top of that, this tent packs really compact, making it a suitable option if you plan on bringing other essential hiking gear such as a mini camping air conditioner.

Pros

It can be used during the summer, spring, or fall
Quick and easy to set up
Weighs just 4 lbs
Very compact and easy to carry

Cons

Not suitable during the winter

Winterial Single Person Hiking Tent

Suitable for one person
It can be used during the spring, fall, and summer
Quick and easy set-up
Weighs just 4lbs

Check Price

Conclusion

Hiking is a whole lot of fun. But if you plan on camping out during your hiking trip, it’s important to bring the right tent.

The best hiking tents are lightweight, easy to setup, and durable. So, make sure to shop for smaller and lightweight tents for your hike to make for the most comfortable experience.

Is Hiking With a Weighted Vest Good? Discover Here!

Hiking

Hiking is one of my and many people’s favorite forms of exercise. Not only does it allow me to strengthens my muscles and get some quality exercise, but it also allows me to take in the wonders of mother nature.

And after a couple of solo trips and hikes with my friends, I decided to take it up a notch. That’s when I learned that there are quite a few people out there using weighted vests on their hikes to increase the difficulty of the hike.

But is hiking with a weighted vest good for you? Both from research and personal experience, I found that hiking with a weighted vest can be very beneficial as it not only strengthens your bones and muscles but also significantly improves your stamina and cardiovascular health.

In this article, I will also go over whether or not you should hike using a weighted vest, how to choose the right one for your needs, the best weighted vests on the market right now, and other helpful information.

By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

What Is a Weighted Vest?

Just like the name suggests, a weighted vest is basically a vest that has weights added to it. The weight is normally sandbags, which have been carefully and evenly distributed throughout the vest.

The sole purpose of weighted vests is to make movement more difficult for the wearer. This artificially added weight to the hikers own body weight will help the individual strengthen key muscles and bones as well as the respiratory and cardiovascular system, so that when the weighted vest comes off, the hiker can hike significantly easier and for longer.

That being said, participating in the hiking sport with a weighted vest isn”t for everyone, and in the next section, I’ll tell you why that is.

Should I Hike with a Weighted Vest?

If you’re new to the hiking world and don’t have that much experience, I advise against a weighted vest. It’s easy for beginners to underestimate how hard it can be to hike up a trail, and you don’t want to have anything that weighs you down and makes the hike harder than it is.

With that said, if you’re an experienced hiker, wearing a weighted vest can offer a whole lot of benefits and make you break a sweat. The biggest of these benefits is probably the fact that these vests can help you build muscle, endurance, and strength, which are all qualities you need if you want to be a successful hiker.

But the benefits don’t end there. Wearing a weighted vest while hiking can also improve your balance and cardiovascular ability. But I’ll get into more detail on that later.

While weighted vests can be beneficial for a lot of hikers, they aren’t for everyone. If you’re an unexperienced hiker thinking about wearing a weighted vest on your next adventure, it might be best to try it out on an easier trail first. That way, you can get used to the feel and also test it out to see if it’s the right option for you.

When I first started hiking, I didn”t wear a weighted vest. The first time I wore a weighted vest was about 12-18 months into my hiking adventures.

How Much Does a Weighted Vest Weigh?

Weighted vests come in various weights. Generally, weighted vests start at around 20 pounds, but you can always opt for heavier options if you’re looking for a bigger challenge.

There are vests on the market that weigh as much as 150 lbs, which a lot of military personnel train with. We won’t pay attention to those as most hikers are more likely to sustain injuries than reap the rewards of wearing a weighted vest.

How to Choose the Ideal Weighted Vest?

When wearing a weighted vest, you need to find the right weight for you. As I mentioned earlier, most weighted vests start at around 20 pounds.

This is the weight I started with when I used this gear when hiking, and I highly recommend that you start out with this weight as well. It will not only help you stay fit but you also won’t need to bring that car camping heater to keep warm if the temperature is on the lower end.

It can be easy to think that you need a heavier weight when hiking, especially if you’re a larger person. But remember, your body isn’t used to hiking with that much extra weight just yet, so it’s best to take it slow and allow your body to fully adjust to the feeling of hiking with a weighted vest before going for the heavier weighted vests.

Benefits of a Weighted Vest

There are a ton of benefits of wearing a weighted vest when hiking. Below, I’ll go over the two biggest benefits of using a weighted vest when hiking your favorite trails.

Build Muscle & Strength

The biggest benefit to wearing a weighted vest is that you will not only start to build more muscle particularly around your legs, but you will also strengthen them. This means that your lower body will not only be shaped more like an athlete but will also be less prone to injuries.

Improves Cardiovascular Ability

Hiking is a cardiovascular exercise. So, when you add the challenge of extra weight to your hike, you force your cardiovascular system to work a bit harder. This is great as it helps build your stamina and overall health while you go out on your regular hikes.

The Best Weighted Vests for Hiking

If you go and browse for weighted vests on the market, you’ll find a ton of different options. Below, I’ll show you two of my favorite ones.

CROSS101 Weighted Vest – My Top Choice

My favorite pick on the market for weighted vests is the CROSS101 weighted vest. Most weighted vests on the market come in a plain black color, which is completely fine, but it isn’t the best fit for my tastes and my camping gear and tent color. This vest comes in a great camo colorway which is a great fit when you’re on the trails hiking.

On top of that, it fits pretty snugly. I mentioned earlier that you don’t need a snug fit when hiking in a weighted vest, but it’s definitely more comfortable. While this costs extra, it’s very worth it if you’re looking for a comfortable weighted vest to wear while hiking.

These vests start at 20 pounds but go up to 80 pounds. So, they’re ideal for those who want to start with a slightly heavier weight than usual while also catering to experienced hikers and runners looking for a stronger challenge.

Pros

Padded shoulders for more comfort
Removable weight
Weight evenly distributed throughout the vest
Hook closure for more stability

Cons

No weighted vests option under 20 lbs

CROSS101 20 LBS Adjustable Weighted Vest

Hook closure
The vest comes with the 20lbs of added weight
Weights can be removed if necessary
Padded shoulders for added comfort

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Zelus Weighted Vest – Best for Beginners

If the Cross101 model doesn’t quite meet your needs, you could also try this Zelus Weighted Vest. This model is significantly cheaper and comes in a sleek black colorway.

It also starts at a lower weight (6lbs), which is great if you want to start as light as possible. However, it’s also available in heavier options up to 30 pounds.

If you go for the lighter options, the vest will feel more like a heavy backpack when you use it on a hike, which could be the extra challenge you’re looking for.

Pros

Made out of durable materials
Weight distributed evenly
Designed for maximum comfort and durability
Adjustable elastic straps

Cons

No weighted vest option over 30 lbs

ZELUS 16 LBS Weighted Vest

Even weight distribution
Made out of durable neoprene rubber fabric
Designed for maximum comfort and mobility
Adjustable elastic straps

Check Price

Tips for Hiking with a Weighted Vest

If you’re hiking with a weighted vest for the first time, it’s important to practice it safely. Going in with the wrong technique or wrong vest can cause injuries and get in the way of your hike. So, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when hiking with a weighted vest:

Start with a lighter weighted vest and easy trails to get your body used to the vest
Stay hydrated on your walk
Keep a slower pace to prevent exhaustion
Don’t hike with a weighted vest all the time to ease the stress on your joints
Pay close attention to your posture when hiking

Conclusion

Hiking is a fun activity, and if you want to make it more fun and challenging, then you can wear a weighted vest on your next adventure.

However, keep in mind that this gear isn’t for everyone and you may want to take it slow when using it for the first time. That way, you get to improve your muscles and strength without the risk of getting an injury.

Is hiking a sport? Discover here…

Hiking

Who doesn’t love going for a good hiking session while camping? We love it, and, to be honest, it is one of our main reasons – being in touch with nature and breathing fresh air.

More recently, I’ve been inquired by a friend – “Is hiking a sport?” and for me, obviously it was. However, some people think differently!

Technically speaking, the classification of hiking as a sport or not will rely on the definition of the term “sport”.

For example, the Cambridge dictionary defines sport as:

“A game, competition, or activity needing physical effort and skill that is played or done according to rules, for enjoyment and/or as a job”

Oxford Dictionary refers to the sport as

“An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or a team competes against another or others for entertainment”

So, is hiking a sport?

Short answer – No, hiking is not a sport! To be classified as a sport, hiking would need to be competitive and with a complete set of rules, which is not the case.

Even though it involves physical activity, hiking is not a game to be played, but a leisure activity to enjoy nature. Therefore, no, hiking is not a sport.

Let’s have a look in detail into the arguments pro and against hiking as a sport below.

The arguments against hiking as a sport

To expand the arguments against hiking as a sport, let’s first review the hiking definition: “the activity of going for long walks in the countryside” (Cambridge dictionary).

Therefore, we can see some gaps to match the sports definition requirements, such as:

Lack of competition
Lack of Rules
Lack of Entertaintment

Argument 1 - Lack of competition

As previously discussed, hiking is more inclined to personal pleasure and recreational activities rather than a competition. It usually involves long walks with no clock timing or pressure.

However, many argument that this is not true, given there are a few hiking competitions around the world.

On the other hand, sports are widely known for its competitive nature and desire for win, which introduces a set of rules and regulations to manage its practice, as detailed below.

Argument 2 - Lack of Rules

There are no real rules or regulations to dictate hiking practice.

You only need proper hiking gear, a pair of comfortable hiking boots, a bunch of friends, and that is it – you are ready to go!

Sports are governed by a well-defined suite of rules, which sometimes even includes tribunals for investigation and judgement of players.

Argument 3 - Lack of Rules

Hiking is not really an entertainment activity – you cannot find live TV broadcasting of an outdoors session.

Even though some TV programs and youtube channels are exclusively made for hiking, they do not draw as much attention as soccer competitions, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and basketball matches, for example.

The arguments in favor of hiking as a sport

Some hiking lovers have different options and strongly believe that hiking must be classified as a sport. Their arguments are based on the following points:

The Need to be skilful
Physical Exertion
Hiking Challenges

Argument 1 - The Need to be skilful

As with all sports, there is no doubt hiking demands skills and abilities, such as:

Ability to plan routes and to read maps
Ability to read different terrain conditions and adapt the hiking approach
First-aid skill (essential in case of an accident)
If required, the ability to cross water flows
Experience to deal with different weather conditions
Leadership
Many others

Argument 2 - Physical Exertion

Hiking requires a lot of physical effort! You need to be fit and prepare your cardiovascular system to attack hilly terrain and handle long walks at high altitudes. Your legs might be broken after a long session, even if you are a gym rat.

From this perspective, I dare to say that there is no real difference between hiking and sports. Both require commitment, discipline, and physical efforts if you want to step up and evolve as a practitioner.

Argument 3 - Hiking Challenges

Even though competitions are rare, there are several hiking challenges worldwide.

Snowandrock.com has prepared a list of the five most challenging hiking trails in the world, which includes:

Pacific Crest Trail (US) – This trail spans more than 4000km from the very southern areas of California (Border with Mexico) up until the Canadian-US border.
Welsh 3000s (Wales) – It comprises a 42 km trail, and on ordinary people, it takes 24 hours to complete. Located in Wales, it includes 15 mountains with heights over 900m.
Overland Track (Australia) – Located down under, the Tasmanian 65 km trail goes through different national parks and have peaks above 5,300 feet.

FAQ

Are there hiking competitions?

We have already seen multiple hiking challenges but no real competitions. If you are after a sport with similarities, we recommend practising trail running.

Bottomline

Regardless of being a sport, hiking is a great and fun alternative to being in touch with nature, keeping fit, and socialising. We love the recreational opportunities provided by hiking, and we will always practice it, independent of its status!