Backpack Weight Calculator

A common rule of thumb is up to about 20 percent of your body weight for a multi-day backpacking load and around 10 percent for a daypack. Lighter almost always feels better on the trail, so treat these as ceilings, not targets.

No. They are planning guidelines, not medical or safety rules. Fitness, trail terrain, distance, altitude, pack fit and experience all change what is comfortable, so a fit hiker may carry more and a beginner should carry less.

The total loaded weight you carry: the pack itself plus everything in it, including food, water and fuel. Because consumables get eaten and drunk, your pack is heaviest at the trailhead and lightest as you near a resupply.

Look for heavy or duplicate items to leave behind, swap bulky gear for lighter versions, and carry only the water and food you need between resupply points. The big three of pack, shelter and sleep system usually offer the largest savings.

It matters enormously. A properly adjusted hip belt transfers most of the load to your hips and legs rather than your shoulders, so a well-fitted heavier pack can feel easier than a poorly fitted lighter one.

Yes. Toggle the unit to kilograms and enter both your body weight and pack weight in kg. The recommended maximum and the results are shown in whichever unit you select.

No. Children and teens should generally carry a smaller share of their body weight than adults, since their bodies are still developing. Keep their loads light and check current guidance from a pediatric or hiking source.

Base weight is your pack without food, water and fuel. Hikers use it to compare gear setups because it does not change day to day. This calculator uses total loaded weight, which is what your body actually carries.