ASTM F1934-98(2018)

Standard Test Method for Weighing a Backpacking or Mountaineering Tent

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The minimum and packaged weight of a tent are properties used by consumers to evaluate tents. The weight may also be used for specifications, manufacturing standards, and quality control.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers requirements for weighing and marking tents for use in the sports of backpacking and mountaineering.  
1.2 This test method may contain test methods that do not entirely simulate real life situations. The test methods are designed to give reproducible results in a laboratory and, thereby, a means for product comparison.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Inch-pound units appearing in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2018
• ICS: 97.200.30 - Camping equipment and camp-sites
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.22 - Camping Softgoods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1934-98(2011) - Standard Test Method for Weighing a Backpacking or Mountaineering Tent
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E4-14 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM E4-10 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM E4-09a - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM E4-09 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E4-08 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM E4-07 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2007
• Refers: ASTM E4-03 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2003
• Refers: ASTM E4-02 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Refers: ASTM E4-99 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM E4-01 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001

Overview

ASTM F1934-98(2018) is a standardized test method developed by ASTM International for accurately weighing backpacking and mountaineering tents. This method ensures the consistent measurement and marking of tent weights, enabling both consumers and manufacturers to compare products reliably. By establishing clear requirements for the weighing of minimum and packaged tent weights, this standard supports product evaluation, specification compliance, manufacturing quality control, and fair marketing practices within the sporting goods industry.

Key Topics

• Standardized Weighing Procedures: Outlines step-by-step methods for weighing tent components (such as tent body, fly, poles, and accessories) to achieve accurate, reproducible results.
• Minimum and Packaged Tent Weight Definitions: Clarifies terminology so that manufacturers and buyers can distinguish between the essential elements (minimum weight) and the entire tent package as sold (packaged weight).
• Testing Conditions and Calibration: Specifies guidelines for sample selection, equipment calibration, and environmental conditioning, ensuring consistency and reliability in reported weights.
• Reporting Requirements: Details the information to include in test reports, such as tent model, testing personnel, environmental conditions, weight data, and included components.
• Safety and Compliance: Advises users to adhere to applicable safety, health, and regulatory requirements during testing.

Applications

ASTM F1934-98(2018) is essential for a variety of stakeholders in the outdoor equipment and sporting goods sectors:

• Manufacturers: Use this standard to ensure quality control, consistency across production batches, and compliance with market regulations. It supports transparent communication of tent weights in product literature and packaging.
• Quality Assurance and Testing Laboratories: Provides a validated, repeatable method for verifying tent weights, ensuring accurate and impartial product assessment.
• Retailers and Consumers: Facilitates direct product comparison and informed purchasing decisions, particularly important for backpackers and mountaineers seeking to minimize carried weight.
• Product Designers and Specifiers: Enables the clear communication of product specifications to all stakeholders, streamlining the development and procurement process.

Backpacking and mountaineering tents often influence user experience based on their reported weights. By using this standard, brands and buyers can have confidence that tent weight claims reflect standardized criteria, reducing confusion and improving satisfaction for the end user.

Related Standards

To support comprehensive product evaluation and testing, the following standards may also be referenced in conjunction with ASTM F1934-98(2018):

• ASTM E4 – Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines: Ensures weighing equipment is properly calibrated for accurate measurement.
• Other Relevant ASTM Tent and Camping Gear Standards: Provides guidance on additional aspects of tent performance and safety.

Keywords: ASTM F1934-98, tent weight measurement, backpacking tent, mountaineering tent, standard test method, tent minimum weight, packaged weight, outdoor equipment standards, tent quality control, sporting goods testing.

By following ASTM F1934-98(2018), manufacturers, testers, and consumers benefit from transparent, reproducible tent weight data, enhancing product trustworthiness and marketplace fairness.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1934 − 98 (Reapproved 2018) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Weighing a Backpacking or Mountaineering Tent
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1934; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope fly, and poles, as well as any other items that may be included,
such as tent stakes, seam sealers, guy lines, instructions, stuff
1.1 This test method covers requirements for weighing and
sack, etc.
marking tents for use in the sports of backpacking and
3.1.3 tent, n—a portable shelter made primarily of fabric
mountaineering.
2 2
weighing less than 102 g/m (3 oz/yd ), designed to be carried
1.2 This test method may contain test methods that do not
by the occupants while backpacking or mountaineering.
entirely simulate real life situations. The test methods are
designed to give reproducible results in a laboratory and,
4. Summary of Test Method
thereby, a means for product comparison.
4.1 Representative samples of tents are weighed on a
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
calibrated scale. If a prototype tent is used for testing, the
standard. Inch-pound units appearing in parentheses are for
results must state that a prototype was used.
information only.
5. Significance and Use
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1 The minimum and packaged weight of a tent are
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
properties used by consumers to evaluate tents. The weight
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
may also be used for specifications, manufacturing standards,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and quality control.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 6. Apparatus
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6.1 Calibrated Scale, within the weight range of the tent.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
7.1 Tent test specimens shall be new and in unused
condition, selected randomly from a production lot of a given
2. Referenced Documents
model of tent. They shall conform in all respects to the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
manufacturer’s specifications for the model to be tested. A
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
quantity of five tents is required.
3. Terminology
8. Calibration and Standardization
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
8.1 Test equipment is to be in accordance with Practices E4
3.1.1 minimum tent weight, n—the combined weight of the
and other requirements specific to the equipment.
tent body, tent fly (if applicable), and tent poles.
9. Conditioning
3.1.2 packaged tent weight, n—the weight of the tent
package as it is for sale to a customer, including the tent body,
9.1 Tests may be completed under ambient conditions. In
cases of dispute, test samples shall be conditioned in accor-
dance with 9.2.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct
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