ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities has developed a new standard that establishes requirements for the information that is permanently affixed to backpacking and mountaineering tents and bivy sacks. The requirements included in standard F 2441, Practice for Labeling of Backpacking and Mountaineering Tents and Bivy Sacks, significantly expand on the information now required for tent labels.

"Currently a Canvas Products Association International warning label required in seven states is the only warning notice required in tents. That label says ’Warning: Keep all flame and heat sources away from this tent fabric,’" says Steve Nagode, engineer, research and development, Recreational Equipment Inc. "As a group we felt the consumer would benefit from more information, such as the importance of staking out your tent, and what to look for in a good campsite location. We also wanted this information presented in the same format no matter who manufactured the tent."

More detailed information on being aware of the effects of wind, flooding and other potential hazards associated with camping will be included in a label sewn into tents.

Practice F 2441 is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F08.22 on Camping Softgoods. In addition to its work on Practice F 2441, the subcommittee is currently working on standards that will deal with sleeping bag comfort ratings and dimensions and tent flammability. The subcommittee invites all interested parties to participate in its activities.

ASTM standards are available for purchase from Customer Service (phone: 610/832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact) or www.astm.org/.

For further technical information, contact Steve Nagode, Recreational Equipment Inc., Kent, Wash. (phone: 253/437-7466; snagode@rei.com). Committee F08 meets Aug. 13-14, in Salt Lake City, Utah. For membership or snagode@rei.com meeting details, contact Jim Olshefsky, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9714; jolshefs@astm.org).

Release #7161