Backpack Weight Calculator

Our expert backpack weight calculator is a valuable tool for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts to calculate the optimal weight for their gear.

This calculator allows you to input the weights of various items you might be carrying, such as books, electronic devices, food, water, clothing, and miscellaneous items. By calculating the total weight, users can ensure they are not overloading their backpacks, which can help prevent back strain and improve overall comfort during their journey.

Many experienced hikers follow the principle of “pack light, go far,” emphasizing the importance of minimizing pack weight to maximize enjoyment and performance on the trail. A backpack weight estimator assists in achieving this goal by providing a clear overview of the gear’s weight distribution and helping identify areas where weight can be reduced.

Scenario	Base Weight	Food Weight	Water Weight	Other Consumables	Total Pack Weight
Ultralight Weekend Trip	8 lbs (3.6 kg)	3 lbs (1.4 kg)	2 lbs (0.9 kg)	0.5 lbs (0.2 kg)	13.5 lbs (6.1 kg)
Lightweight Week-long Trip	12 lbs (5.4 kg)	10 lbs (4.5 kg)	4 lbs (1.8 kg)	1 lb (0.5 kg)	27 lbs (12.2 kg)
Traditional Weekend Trip	20 lbs (9.1 kg)	4 lbs (1.8 kg)	3 lbs (1.4 kg)	1 lb (0.5 kg)	28 lbs (12.7 kg)
Winter Multi-day Trip	25 lbs (11.3 kg)	8 lbs (3.6 kg)	3 lbs (1.4 kg)	2 lbs (0.9 kg)	38 lbs (17.2 kg)
Group Leader (carrying extra gear)	18 lbs (8.2 kg)	6 lbs (2.7 kg)	4 lbs (1.8 kg)	3 lbs (1.4 kg)	31 lbs (14.1 kg)

Base Weight includes all non-consumable items (backpack, shelter, sleeping system, clothing, etc.)
Food Weight is calculated based on approximately 1.5-2 lbs (0.7-0.9 kg) per day
Water Weight assumes 1 liter = 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Other Consumables include fuel, toiletries, and miscellaneous items

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Backpacking Weight Calculation Formula

The formula for calculating backpack weight is relatively straightforward, but it requires careful consideration of all items carried.

Here’s a general approach to calculating your backpack weight:

Base weight = Weight of all gear (excluding consumables)
Consumables = Weight of food, water, and fuel
Total pack weight = Base weight + Consumables

To use this formula effectively:

Weigh each item individually using a digital scale
Categorize items into essential gear, clothing, and consumables
Sum up the weights in each category
Add the category totals to get your final pack weight

Ultralight Weekend Trip: This scenario demonstrates how an experienced ultralight backpacker might pack for a short trip. The base weight is kept very low at 8 lbs (3.6 kg), allowing for a comfortable total pack weight even with necessary consumables.
Lightweight Week-long Trip: Here we see how a longer trip duration affects the total weight, primarily due to increased food requirements. Despite a relatively light base weight, the total pack weight increases significantly to accommodate a week’s worth of supplies.
Traditional Weekend Trip: This example shows how a more conventional approach to gear selection can impact the base weight. Even though it’s a short trip, the heavier base weight results in a total pack weight similar to the lightweight week-long trip.
Winter Multi-day Trip: Winter conditions often require more and heavier gear, as reflected in the higher base weight. Combined with extra food and consumables for harsh conditions, this leads to the heaviest pack in our examples.
Group Leader: This scenario illustrates how carrying extra gear for a group can affect pack weight. The base weight is moderate, but additional group gear and consumables increase the total weight.

Is 35 pounds too heavy for a backpack?

For most hikers, 35 pounds (15.9 kg) is considered too heavy for a backpack, especially for extended trips. While some experienced backpackers might manage this weight, it can lead to:

Increased fatigue and reduced hiking distance
Greater risk of injury, particularly to the back, knees, and ankles
Decreased enjoyment of the overall experience

Many outdoor experts recommend keeping your total pack weight below 20% of your body weight. For example, a 150-pound (68 kg) hiker should aim for a pack weight of 30 pounds (13.6 kg) or less.

However, the appropriate weight can vary based on factors such as:

Physical fitness and hiking experience
Terrain and trail conditions
Trip duration and resupply options
Climate and weather expectations

If you find your pack weighing 35 pounds or more, consider:

Reviewing your gear list for unnecessary items
Investing in lighter-weight alternatives for essential gear
Reducing the amount of food or water carried between resupply points
Improving your physical conditioning to better handle heavier loads

Is 17 pounds heavy for a backpack?

A 17-pound (7.7 kg) backpack is generally considered a good target weight for many hikers, especially those aiming for a lightweight or ultralight approach. This weight typically refers to the base weight of the pack, excluding consumables like food and water.

Advantages of a 17-pound base weight include:

Increased comfort and reduced strain on the body
Improved hiking speed and daily mileage
Greater agility on challenging terrain
Enhanced overall enjoyment of the outdoor experience

However, whether 17 pounds is appropriate depends on various factors:

Trip duration: For shorter trips, 17 pounds might include all necessary gear and consumables.
Environmental conditions: Colder climates or challenging terrain might require additional gear.
Personal preferences: Some hikers prioritize comfort items that add weight.
Skill level: Experienced backpackers can often manage with less gear.

For many backpackers, achieving a 17-pound base weight represents a good balance between comfort and efficiency, allowing room for necessary consumables without overburdening the hiker.

What is the average weight of a hiking backpack?

The average weight of a hiking backpack can vary significantly based on the type of trip and the hiker’s experience level. However, we can provide some general guidelines:

Day Hike Backpacks: 5-10 pounds (2.3-4.5 kg)
Weekend Backpacks (2-3 days): 15-30 pounds (6.8-13.6 kg)
Multi-day Backpacks (4+ days): 30-50 pounds (13.6-22.7 kg)

These weights typically include both the base weight and consumables. However, many experienced hikers aim for lower weights to improve their hiking experience.

Factors influencing backpack weight include:

Trip duration and resupply frequency
Season and expected weather conditions
Terrain difficulty and elevation changes
Personal comfort preferences
Gear quality and technology advancements

As hikers gain experience, they often find ways to reduce their pack weight through better gear selection and improved packing techniques. Many aspire to reach the ultralight category, which typically means a base weight of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or less.

How much does a 60L backpack weigh when full?

A 60-liter backpack is a popular size for multi-day backpacking trips, offering ample space for gear and supplies. The weight of a full 60L backpack can vary widely, but we can provide some estimates:

Empty backpack weight: 2-5 pounds (0.9-2.3 kg)
Typical full weight range: 25-45 pounds (11.3-20.4 kg)

The actual weight when full depends on several factors:

Gear selection and quality (ultralight vs. traditional)
Trip duration and resupply plans
Season and required clothing/equipment
Food and water carried
Personal packing style and preferences

To estimate the weight of your fully loaded 60L backpack:

Start with your base weight (all gear excluding consumables)
Add the weight of your food (approximately 1.5-2 pounds or 0.7-0.9 kg per day)
Include water weight (1 liter = 2.2 pounds or 1 kg)
Factor in any additional items specific to your trip

Remember that a properly fitted and packed 60L backpack should distribute weight evenly, making it feel lighter than its actual weight. Many experienced backpackers aim to keep their fully loaded 60L pack under 35 pounds (15.9 kg) for optimal comfort and performance on the trail.

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