Backpack Weight Calculator
Enter your body weight and describe the trip. You get a target pack weight, what share of your body weight that is, and where it sits on the ultralight to heavy scale.
Someone shared this result with you. Change any value to run your own numbers.
Target pack weight
- Body weight
- Of body weight
- Trip base
- Adjustments
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
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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 calculator gives a target pack weight, the share of your body weight it represents, and where that load sits on the scale above.
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