Backpack Weight Calculator

How This Tool Works

This calculator estimates ideal backpack weight based on your body weight and trip duration. It uses a base guideline of 20% of body weight for day trips, with adjustments for longer multi-day trips. The calculation considers that longer trips require additional food, fuel, and supplies, but experienced backpackers can minimize weight through careful gear selection and lightweight equipment choices.

Carrying the right pack weight is crucial for comfort, safety, and enjoyment on the trail. An overloaded pack can lead to fatigue, injury, and a miserable experience, while an under-packed bag might leave you unprepared. This tool provides a starting point, but individual fitness, experience, and trip conditions should also be considered.

Pack Weight Guidelines

• Day Hikes: 10-15% of body weight - minimal gear, just essentials for the day
• Weekend Trips (1-2 nights): 15-20% of body weight - includes shelter, sleeping gear, food
• Multi-day Trips (3-5 nights): 20-25% of body weight - more food and supplies needed
• Extended Trips (6+ nights): 25-30% of body weight - maximum recommended, requires careful planning
• Ultralight Backpacking: Can reduce to 10-15% even for multi-day trips with specialized gear
• Note: These are general guidelines - adjust based on your fitness, experience, and trip difficulty

Tips for Reducing Pack Weight

• Choose Lightweight Gear: Invest in ultralight tent, sleeping bag, and pack - they're worth the cost
• Multi-purpose Items: Use items that serve multiple functions (e.g., trekking poles as tent poles)
• Repackage Food: Remove food from original packaging and use lightweight containers
• Share Group Gear: Split tent, stove, and other shared items among group members
• Eliminate Redundancies: Don't pack "just in case" items you likely won't need
• Wear Heavier Items: Heavy clothing and boots worn on your body don't count as pack weight
• Plan Meals Carefully: Calculate exact food needs - overpacking food adds significant weight
• Test Your Pack: Do a practice hike with your loaded pack before your trip

FAQ

• What is a good backpack weight?
  A general guideline is to carry no more than 20% of your body weight for day trips, and 20-30% for multi-day trips. However, this varies by experience level - beginners should aim for the lower end (15-20%), while experienced backpackers with ultralight gear can comfortably carry 10-15% even on longer trips. The key is finding a weight that allows you to hike comfortably without excessive fatigue or risk of injury.
• Does trip length affect pack weight?
  Yes, longer trips require more food, fuel, and supplies, which increases pack weight. A 1-night trip might need 5-7kg of gear, while a 5-night trip could require 12-18kg. However, experienced backpackers can minimize this increase through careful gear selection, lightweight equipment, and efficient meal planning. The weight increase isn't linear - you don't need 5x the gear for a 5-night trip versus a 1-night trip.
• What if my pack weight exceeds the recommendation?
  If your pack is heavier than recommended, first identify the heaviest items and look for lighter alternatives. Common heavy items include: tent (consider ultralight options), sleeping bag (down is lighter than synthetic), pack itself (lighter packs exist), and food (repackage and plan carefully). Also evaluate if you're packing unnecessary items. If you must carry more weight, ensure you're physically prepared and consider shorter daily distances.
• How do I weigh my backpack?
  Use a bathroom scale: weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself holding your fully loaded pack, and subtract the difference. Alternatively, use a luggage scale or hang your pack from a scale. Make sure to include all items you'll carry: water, food, fuel, and all gear. Weigh your pack after final packing, not during planning, as actual weight often exceeds estimates.
• Does pack weight include water?
  Yes, pack weight should include everything you'll carry, including water. Water weighs approximately 1kg per liter, so 2-3 liters adds 2-3kg to your pack. Plan your water needs based on trip length, availability of water sources, and your consumption rate. If water sources are frequent, you can carry less and refill along the way.
• What's the difference between base weight and total weight?
  Base weight is your pack weight excluding consumables (food, water, fuel). Total weight includes everything. Base weight is useful for comparing gear setups, while total weight is what you actually carry. A typical base weight might be 7-12kg, while total weight with 3-5 days of food and 2-3L of water could be 12-20kg. Focus on reducing base weight first, as consumables are necessary.