The weight of a medieval armor varied depending on the type of armor and the materials used. A full plate armor, made entirely of steel, could weigh up to 60 pounds (27 kilograms). A brigandine armor, made of small metal plates sewn onto a fabric or leather backing, could weigh around 30 pounds (14 kilograms). A chain mail armor, made of interlocking metal rings, could weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms).
The weight of the armor was a significant factor in the combat effectiveness of a knight. A knight who was too heavily armored would be slow and cumbersome, and would tire easily. On the other hand, a knight who was too lightly armored would be vulnerable to injury.
Factors that affected the weight of armor
The following factors affected the weight of a medieval armor:
* The type of armor. A full plate armor was the heaviest type of armor, followed by a brigandine armor and then a chain mail armor.
* The materials used. Steel was the most common material used for medieval armor, but other metals such as iron and bronze were also used. Steel was stronger than iron, but it was also heavier.
* The construction of the armor. The way the armor was constructed could also affect its weight. A well-made armor would be lighter and more comfortable to wear than a poorly-made armor.
* The size of the wearer. A larger person would need a larger armor, which would be heavier.
The weight of chain mail
Chain mail was a type of armor made of interlocking metal rings. It was a popular form of armor in the medieval period, and it could be used on its own or in combination with other types of armor.
The weight of a chain mail armor depended on the size of the rings and the thickness of the wire used to make the rings. A chain mail armor made with small rings and thick wire would be heavier than an armor made with large rings and thin wire.
On average, a chain mail armor weighed between 10 and 20 pounds (4.5 and 9 kilograms). This made it lighter than a full plate armor, but heavier than a brigandine armor.
Chain mail armor was flexible and comfortable to wear, but it was not as protective as plate armor. It could be penetrated by arrows and swords, and it did not provide as much protection against blunt force trauma.