Backpack Base Weight Calculator
Add each gear item and its weight to calculate your "base weight" (everything except food, water, and fuel), then add consumables to see your total pack weight and what percentage of your body weight it represents. A commonly cited guideline is keeping total pack weight under about 20% of body weight — adjust for your own fitness and trip length.
Base weight, total weight and the percentage
Gear rows are entered in ounces and consumables in pounds, so the tool converts before adding:
base weight (lb) = sum of gear ounces / 16
total pack weight = base weight + consumables
% of body weight = total pack weight / body weight × 100The four items it loads - tent 48 oz, sleeping bag 32, pad 15, empty pack 48 - come to 143 oz, or 8.94 lb of base weight. Add the 8 lb of consumables and the pack is 16.94 lb, which is 10.6 percent of a 160 lb hiker. The badge turns amber above 20 percent and red above 25.
Which weight are you quoting?
Hikers compare base weight: everything in and on the pack except food, water and fuel. It is the honest measure of your kit, because it does not change with trip length. Total pack weight is what your knees feel on day one, and it falls each day as you eat and drink. Both are shown, so quote the right one.
- Under 10 lb base is ultralight, 10-20 lb lightweight, over 20 lb traditional.
- Consumables run about 1.5-2 lb of food per day, 2.2 lb per litre of water, and half a pound of stove fuel for a weekend.
- Worn clothing, boots and trekking poles are not in the pack, so leave them out unless you also want a skin-out figure.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good backpacking base weight?
Under 20 lb is comfortable for most people and under 10 lb counts as ultralight. The big three - pack, shelter, sleep system - decide it; here they are 128 of the 143 ounces.
How much should a backpack weigh compared to body weight?
Roughly 20 percent of body weight loaded, so 32 lb for a 160 lb hiker. Fit, experienced walkers carry 25 percent or more; beginners should aim lower.
Does food and water count in base weight?
No. Food, water and fuel are consumables and are entered separately, which is what lets you compare your kit with someone else's regardless of how long each of you is out.