Outdoor Calculators
Pack weight, checked.
Add up base weight, food, fuel and water and see your loaded pack as a share of your body weight, your base weight class, and how many kilograms or pounds to cut to reach your target. Runs in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
Your load
Result
Fill the form and press Calculate.
Worked example
A 70 kg hiker with an 8 kg base weight, 2 kg of food, 0.4 kg of fuel and 1.5 L of water carries 8 + 2 + 0.4 + 1.5 = 11.9 kg, which is 17.0% of body weight. At a 20% target the limit is 14 kg, so there is 2.1 kg of headroom. An 8 kg base weight is 17.6 lb, which is in the lightweight class.
How it works
Pack weight = base weight + food + fuel + water. Percent of body weight = pack weight / body weight x 100. Base weight is everything in the pack except consumables, and worn clothing is usually left out.
The classes follow the common backpacking definitions: ultralight is under 10 lb (4.5 kg), lightweight is 10 to 20 lb (4.5 to 9 kg), and traditional is above 20 lb (9 kg). The 20% figure is a widely repeated rule of thumb for loaded multi-day packs, not a medical limit; trail, distance, fitness, age, injuries and fit of the pack all change what is sensible. Heavy loads strain knees, hips and back, so cut weight before pushing the percentage.
Sources and basis: Base weight class thresholds from the common backpacking definitions (ultralight under 10 lb, lightweight 10 to 20 lb); the 20% of body weight guide is a widely used rule of thumb, not a standard. Checked 2026-10-05. Planning guide only, not medical or safety advice. Conditions, health and equipment change real needs; use your own judgment and local guidance.
FAQ
How heavy should a backpacking pack be?
A common rule of thumb is about 20% of body weight for a loaded multi-day pack, and lower for beginners, children and people with back or joint problems. It is a guideline, not a limit.
What is base weight?
Base weight is the weight of everything in your pack except consumables: pack, shelter, sleeping bag and pad, clothes, stove, cookware, first aid and other gear. Food, fuel and water are added on top.
What counts as an ultralight base weight?
Under 10 lb (4.5 kg) is generally called ultralight, 10 to 20 lb (4.5 to 9 kg) lightweight, and above 20 lb (9 kg) traditional.
Does worn clothing count?
Not in base weight. Clothes and boots you wear and trekking poles you carry in hand are usually excluded, and some hikers report a separate skin-out weight that includes them.
What weighs the most?
Usually the big three: pack, shelter and sleep system. Water is heavy too at 1 kg per litre, so carry only what you need to the next reliable source.