ASTM F1935-01(2018)

Standard Test Method for Measuring the Headroom of a Backpacking or Mountaineering Tent

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method can be used to quantify and compare headroom of backpacking and mountaineering tents. The measured headroom can be used as a manufacturing standard or a measurement that can be used by consumers to compare the interior height of a variety of tents, or both.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers tents for use in the sports of backpacking and mountaineering. It establishes requirements for the testing and marking of tents.  
1.2 This test method may contain test methods that do not entirely simulate real life situations. This test method is designed to give reproducible results in a laboratory and thereby a means for product comparison.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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 F1935-01(2011) - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Headroom of a Backpacking or Mountaineering Tent
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018

Overview

ASTM F1935-01(2018), Standard Test Method for Measuring the Headroom of a Backpacking or Mountaineering Tent, establishes a laboratory test method for quantifying and comparing the internal headroom of tents designed for backpacking and mountaineering. Developed by ASTM International, this standard offers a reproducible procedure for measuring interior tent height, ensuring consistency for tent manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. By defining clear headroom measurement practices, the standard supports product development, accurate marketing, and enhanced consumer decision-making for backpacking tents and mountaineering shelters.

Key Topics

• Test Methodology: Specifies a repeatable laboratory procedure for measuring tent headroom using a dedicated fixture, ensuring objective results suitable for product comparison.
• Terminology: Defines key terms, such as "tent" and "usable headroom," clarifying measurement criteria for testing and reporting.
• Sampling & Conditioning:
  • Tests are performed on new, randomly selected tent specimens from a production lot.
  • Tents are conditioned to specified humidity and temperature before testing to ensure impartiality.
• Reporting and Marking:
  • Results must include manufacturer, model, date, and peak height.
  • Proper referencing to the ASTM F1935-01(2018) standard in marketing and literature is recommended for transparency.
• Precision and Bias: The method offers high measurement precision for headroom, supporting trust and reliability in published data.
• Safety and Compliance: Users are responsible for ensuring all relevant safety, regulatory, and environmental practices during application.

Applications

ASTM F1935-01(2018) is widely applicable across the backpacking and mountaineering equipment industry:

• Manufacturers: Use the standard to establish and verify headroom specifications during tent design, quality control, and production. This promotes product consistency and supports claims made in marketing materials.
• Retailers and Distributors: Provide objective headroom measurements to customers, enabling informed side-by-side tent comparisons and reducing returns due to unmet expectations.
• Consumers: Rely on standardized measurements to select tents that best suit their comfort and usability needs, such as sufficient space to sit upright or change clothing.
• Product Testing Laboratories: Adopt the method for conducting impartial tent evaluations as part of product certification or benchmarking exercises.

By enabling reliable comparisons of tent peak height and interior space, the standard aids in aligning manufacturer claims with real-world performance and fosters transparency in the outdoor gear market.

Related Standards

Organizations and professionals referencing ASTM F1935-01(2018) may also consider:

• ASTM F2546 - Standard Terminology Relating to Camping Softgoods, for consistent definitions in tent testing and reporting.
• ISO 5912 - Camping tents - Requirements and test methods, providing international requirements for tent safety and performance.
• ASTM F3497 - Standard Specification for Backpacking and Mountaineering Tent Fabrics, supporting material selection and durability.
• EN 15619 - European tent performance standard, relevant for manufacturers distributing products internationally.

Keywords: backpacking tent standard, mountaineering tent headroom, tent height measurement, ASTM F1935-01(2018), tent interior space, outdoor equipment testing, standardized tent comparison, camping gear standards.

By following ASTM F1935-01(2018), stakeholders ensure that tent headroom data is accurate, traceable, and beneficial to the global outdoor community.

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: F1935 − 01 (Reapproved 2018) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Headroom of a Backpacking or
Mountaineering Tent
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1935; 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 3.2 The fixture shall be placed inside the tent. The ball is
raised until it comes into contact with the ceiling, wall, poles,
1.1 This test method covers tents for use in the sports of
or any other obstructions inside the tent.
backpacking and mountaineering. It establishes requirements
3.3 The tape measure will now be hanging directly below
for the testing and marking of tents.
the ball. The headroom measurement will be where the
1.2 This test method may contain test methods that do not
measuring tape hits the tent floor. If the tent does not have a
entirely simulate real life situations. This test method is
floor, record the measurement to the surface the tent has been
designed to give reproducible results in a laboratory and
set up on.
thereby a means for product comparison.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 This test method can be used to quantify and compare
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
headroom of backpacking and mountaineering tents. The
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
measured headroom can be used as a manufacturing standard
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
or a measurement that can be used by consumers to compare
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
the interior height of a variety of tents, or both.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Apparatus
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 Specifications for Headroom Measurement Fixture (see
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Fig. 1):
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1.1 Styrofoam ball 6 inches in diameter (mean width of
male head = 6.1 in.).
2. Terminology
5.1.2 Tape Measure, ⁄4 in. Graduations—The tape is
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: mounted into the bottom of the Styrofoam ball, and the first 6
inches are removed from the tape. In this way, the reading will
2.1.1 tent—a portable shelter made primarily of fabric
be simple and accurate.
weighing less than 3 oz/yd , designed to be carried by the
occupants for while backpacking or mountaineering.
6. Conditioning
2.1.2 usable headroom—the interior vertical measurement
6.1 Tests may be completed under ambient conditions. In
of a tent measured from the tent floor to the high point on the
cases of dispute, test samples shall be conditioned in accor-
ceiling using a simple fixture that simulates an average user’s
dance with 6.2.
head.
6.2 The tent samples are first erected and dried in an
3. Summary of Test Method
atmosphere with a relativ
...