Backpack Weight Calculator
Our Backpack Weight Calculator helps determine the optimal hiking backpack weight based on your body weight and trip specifications.
How It Works
Formula Basis: Pack Weight = Body Weight × (Base Percentage + Adjustments)
Where:
- Base percentage varies by trip type (8-18% of body weight)
- Adjustments account for experience, season, and terrain
Key Elements
- Body Weight: Your weight determines the baseline for load calculation
- Trip Type: Longer trips require more gear and supplies
- Day Hike: 8% baseline
- Weekend: 12% baseline
- Multi-Day: 15% baseline
- Long-Distance: 18% baseline
- Experience Level: Affects pack weight efficiency
- Beginners typically carry more weight
- Ultralight hikers carry significantly less
- Season: Winter hiking requires additional gear
- Terrain: Difficult terrain may require specialized equipment
Weight Classifications
- Ultralight: Less than 10% of body weight
- Light: 10-15% of body weight
- Moderate: 15-20% of body weight
- Substantial: 20-25% of body weight
- Heavy: More than 25% of body weight
The backpacking weight calculator provides a recommended pack load, percentage of your body weight, weight breakdown across gear categories, and customized hiking gear recommendations based on your inputs.
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