Farmer Market Tent Weight Requirements: What Our National Survey Revealed

When designing the Burro Tent Weight, we needed to make sure it could meet the real-world requirements of markets across the country. Tent weight rules vary widely, so we surveyed 77 market organizations across 27 states to understand the national averages and the full range vendors are expected to meet.

We used these insights directly to determine the capacity range of the Burro Tent Weight. We learned a lot from this survey, and figured others might find it helpful too, so we’re sharing the results here.

Farmer Market Tent Weight Requirements: Survey Snapshot

Respondents: 77 market organizations

States represented: 27 

Highlights:

• No Requirements: ~ 20% don’t have any weight requirements

• Most Common: ~36% require 25 lbs, making it the most common response.

• 2nd Most Common: ~14% require 40 lbs per leg. Excluding “no requirement,” this was the second most common response. 

• Heaviest: ~1% require 50 lbs per leg

A Weight That Works Everywhere

Our findings show that farmers market tent weight requirements range widely—from 0 lbs up to 50 lbs per leg depending on location. Markets and vendors don’t all operate under the same conditions, or with the same expectations. Some vendors prioritize mobility and ease of setup. Others regularly deal with stronger winds or stricter local standards. A single fixed-weight solution forces everyone into the same number, whether it fits their needs or not.

The Burro Tent Weight is designed to flex across a wide range of setups. The roll-top closure compresses or expands depending on how much sand is added, staying compact and stable at any fill level. Whether you set up with 25 lbs, need a full 40 lbs, or aim for anything in between, the Burro Tent Weight is built for it.

Originally based on Hudson Valley norms, we planned for a bag that could be filled from 20 to 35 lbs. The survey changed that. To confidently support the majority of markets nationwide, we increased our target range to 25-40 lbs per bag.

The Burro Tent Weight ranges from 25 lbs (left) to 40 lbs (right), accommodating nearly all market requirements.

For the small percentage of markets requiring 50 lbs or more per leg:

A single 50 lb weight becomes unwieldy for most vendors. Instead, Burro Tent Weights are designed to double up on each leg. Two 25 lb weights are far easier to carry and maneuver than one 50 lb block—without compromising safety or compliance.

Built for Market Life

Thank you to every organizer and manager who contributed to this research. Your input directly shaped the Burro Tent Weight—and we hope these findings are equally helpful as you continue to build safe and resilient market communities.

If you want a weight that’s easy to carry, locks on securely, and checks the box for most markets across the country, the Burro Tent Weight might be a great fit. More details here: The Burro Tent Weight.