I had just returned from a day trip and was reviewing my day pack and what I had used. My son asked why I had the scale out and was weighing my pack after the trip. Since he is getting older and will start traveling with me more, I felt it was a good time to explain how much weight you should carry while backpacking.
How much should your backpack weigh?
There are a lot of things that go in to determining what a pack should weigh. This makes it hard to give and exact weight for each hiker. When I worked as an outfitter, we determined pack weight using these general guidelines:
- Day Hiking Packs: should not weight more than 10 percent of your body weight.
- Backpacking Packs: should not weight more than 20 percent of your body weight.
What this looks like for my 150-pound son:
- Day packs should not exceed 15 pounds for hiking.
- Backpacks should not exceed 30 pounds for backpacking.
Other factors in the overall pack weight
Using the percent of body weight help keep pack weight manageable. However, a smaller person will carry more than 20 percent of the body weight. You can only get your pack weight down so much. There are other things to keep in mind when calculating pack weight.
- Weather/season: Clothing and gear needs are different for warm summer weather that going out in the fall and winter. Warmer and heavier items are needed in cold temperatures.
- Trip duration: Longer trips mean more food, water and fuel that will need to be carried. This adds weight to your pack, including the heavier gear for cold weather adventures. On a multiple day trip, still pack roughly 20 percent of your bodyweight. Make sure you compensate for any extra gear including clothing and luxury items for camp.
- Personal preference: There is essential weight that comes with camp comforts. Having luxury items like a thick sleeping pad, a comfy sleeping bag, hammock and even extra clothes add weight. It is a matter of what you are willing to work with. Some packers are comfortable in the same clothes for days and lighter weight gear others require more amenities in camp.
How to size a day pack and backpack
There are several volume sizes available for your packing needs. It is important to determine what your needs are and how long you will be out. Here are my recommendations for volume and advice when you are shopping for the appropriate size backpack.
Daypack: They usually run 20 to 35 liters. A smaller backpack is usually appropriate for a half day hike. A larger pack is in order for a longer all-day hike. This allows you to carry extra food, water, clothing and first aid kit/survival kit. These packs usually include a hydration pack, I strongly recommend having hydration pack, and still allow sufficient room for additional gear.
Twin Oaks Northern Outdoors Pro Tip: When snowshoeing, I recommended upsizing bags to a 40- liter or 45-liter pack that is able to carry snowshoes, micro spikes, and bulkier insulated clothing. A heavier pack is needed to carry the snowshoes when they are required.
Multi-day Backpacks: (1-5 Nights)
The difference between 1-3 night (Weekend Packs) and 3-5 night (Multi-day backpacks) is the amount of gear they can haul. For longer trips, you will need to carry additional food, more technical gear and bulkier clothing depending on the type of climate and activities you will be hiking in. This stuff requires more space.
Weekend Backpacks (1-3 nights)
- 40- to 50-Liters backpacks
- Space for a sleeping bag/quilt, sleeping pad, tent/shelter/hammock, stove, cooking pot and utensils.
- Additional space for water and food.
Multi-day Backpacks (3-5 nights)
- 50- to 70-liter backpacks
- More space for food, luxury items, or technical gear
- Compressible or ultralight gear uses less space and has less weight.
Remember: packs are usually measured based on the amount of internal storage. There are usually attachment points on the outside of the pack for larger bulkier items. Sleeping bags/pads, tents, water bottles, rain gear, and even snowshoes can be stuffed into exterior pockets or attached to the sides, back or bottom of the pack with compression straps or webbing.
How to reduce pack weight
Backpackers and hikers understand the value of carrying less weight. It helps you travel farther, faster, and remain comfortable. It is important to not compromise your welfare by skimping on things like your first aid and survival kits (see previous blogs linked below). There are usually a light weight alternative, so do not leave them out completely.
Twin Oaks Northern Outdoors Pro Tip: Do not be a freeloader when out with your friends. Don’t go so light that you have to rely on others in your party for food and warmth.
Six things to remember when reducing pack weight
- Base weight is your pack load less the consumables; food, water and fuel. These items are not included because their amounts will vary based on your trip. This will also be reduced as you travel based on cooking, meals and how much you drink. Everything else is your based weight.
**Knowing what your weight base weight gives you a number to work towards or reduce.
- Gear weight is every from the camp stove to the extra pair of Moreno wool underwear. Using a scale – I weigh all of my current gear. Record weights in a spreadsheet because it is helpful to determine what items to bring.
**Keeping track of these items and their weights helps when planning your next trip and help maximize your base weight and what you haul.
- Time to upgrade when you can afford it. Lighter more affordable gear is released yearly and is a good opportunity to replace your older heavier gear. This allows you to reduce your base weight and not compromise your base weight. The core four I look at are pack, sleeping bag, tent and sleeping pad. Ideally, I like to find a pack and tent that are about 3 pounds each. I try to keep my sleeping bag and pad in a combined weight up to 3 pounds as well.
- Unnecessary items can be eliminated. After a trip, I empty my pack and spread it out on the floor. I use a three-pile method: Used a lot, Used a little and Never used. Pay close attention to the Used a little and Never used piles because there might be items you do not need to take with the next time. I use a check list to remember what I took on my last trip and what got used and what was not. This makes packing easier for me and allows me to keep notes – did not eat the granola bars this time. Did not need extra insulated pants, stayed in sleeping bag while having breakfast.
Twin Oaks Northern Outdoors Pro Tip: Your utility, first aid and survival kits may not get used but should always go with you.
- Meal planning helps reduce the change of over loading a pack. Take time to plan a menu for each meal. This reduces the chance of a crazy amount of chocolate or trail mix in your pack. My goal is between 2500 to 4000 calories per day depending on hiking conditions and activity levels. This works out to 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of food per day. This will need to be per person and can be dispersed across your group.
- Repackage to help save weight. I do not need to carry the box for my mac and cheese – I write the directions on the bag. Do I need to take the regular sized toothpaste or can I get by with a travel tube? There are reusable containers that can be used as well for tooth paste, shampoo – helps with itchy head after a couple days in the field. Review your gear and clothing the same way. Stuff sacks are great for organization but do you need the sack or can those things go directly into your pack.
**Do not repackage freeze dried meals because they are meant to travel as is. Your snacks and other goodies can go in simple zip lock bags. This reduces bulk and makes it easier to pack out your trash as needed.
- Gear lists make it easier. They keep unnecessary items out of your pack. They can be adapted as needed for each trip. If you are using a guide service, they will usually have a recommended gear list. On fly in trips, you may be limited to a max weight for the flight in. This also help save weight with single use items. Use your jacket for a pillow rather than bringing one with you. Luxury items may add weight or bulk to your pack.
**Some hikers and backpackers define themselves based on their pack base weight. An example of this is, you’re considered an ultralight backpacker with a base weight under 10 pounds. A lightweight backpacker with a base weight under 20 pounds. A traditional backpacker usually has a base weight under 30 pounds.
Recapping your backpack needs
It is important to know your base weight when planning a trip. Pack the right amount of gear based on your trip duration and conditions. Be sure to carry enough food, fuel and water for your time in the field. Make it an enjoyable trip and time in the outdoors, do not for get your binoculars or camera to capture the memorable moments to share when you return.
You are ready to start planning for a day trip or multiday adventure without worry. Talk to the outfitters when you shop for gear and ask questions. If we can do it, you can too. Be sure to follow us on social media and share your gear lists and comments below.
