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Backpack Weight Calculator
See how your total pack weight, and everything you're carrying, compares to your body weight.
Why pack weight as a percentage matters
A 25 lb pack feels completely different on a 120 lb hiker than on a 220 lb hiker — that's why pack weight is usually expressed as a percentage of body weight rather than a flat number. This calculator adds your base weight and consumables to get the weight actually sitting in your pack, then compares it against your body weight.
Reading the guideline bands
Under about 10% is very light — typical of ultralight setups. 10–15% is a comfortable range for most multi-day trips. 15–20% is still workable but you'll feel it by the end of a long day. Above 20% is where fatigue, joint strain and slower pace become much more noticeable, especially on rough terrain.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as "base weight" vs. "consumables"?
Base weight is your gear that doesn't get used up — tent, sleeping bag, pack itself, stove, cookware, clothing you're not wearing. Consumables are food, water and fuel, which get lighter as the trip goes on, so it's worth weighing them at the start.
Why is worn weight kept separate from pack weight?
Worn weight (boots, clothing, trekking poles) is carried on your body rather than in the pack, so it loads you differently. Most pack-weight guidelines refer specifically to what's in or on the pack, which is why it's broken out here — skin-out weight adds it back in for the full picture.
Is 20% of body weight really a hard limit?
No — it's a widely cited guideline, not a rule. Fitness, trip length, terrain and pack fit all affect how a given load actually feels. Many experienced backpackers stay well under it by trimming base weight; the percentage is a useful sanity check, not a pass/fail test.
How do I lower my pack weight as % of body weight?
The two levers are cutting base weight (lighter tent, quilt instead of bag, smaller pack) or carrying fewer consumables at once (shorter resupply intervals, lighter meals). Gaining strength and fitness raises what feels manageable, but doesn't change the number itself.