Backpack Weight Calculator
Backpack Weight Calculator
A Backpack Weight Calculator is handy tool designed to help hikers, backpackers, students, and travelers determine the optimal weight distribution for their backpacks.
The primary goal of this calculator is to prevent injuries and fatigue that can result from carrying an overly heavy pack. It's based on the principle that your backpack weight should be a certain percentage of your body weight, typically ranging from 10% to 20%, depending on various factors.Consider a hiker who weighs 150 pounds (68 kg) and is planning a weekend backpacking trip:
The calculator might start with a base recommendation of 15% of body weight.
15% of 150 pounds is 22.5 pounds (10.2 kg).
The calculator might then adjust this based on the hiker’s experience level and trip duration.
For a beginner on a weekend trip, it might suggest staying closer to 20 pounds (9 kg).
For an experienced hiker, it might suggest that up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) would be acceptable.
Backpack Weight Calculation Chart
| Body Weight (lbs) | Day Hike (lbs) | Weekend Trip (lbs) | Week-long Trip (lbs) | Extended Trip (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 10-15 | 15-20 | 20-25 | 25-30 |
| 125 | 12-18 | 18-25 | 25-31 | 31-37 |
| 150 | 15-22 | 22-30 | 30-37 | 37-45 |
| 175 | 17-26 | 26-35 | 35-43 | 43-52 |
| 200 | 20-30 | 30-40 | 40-50 | 50-60 |
| 225 | 22-33 | 33-45 | 45-56 | 56-67 |
| 250 | 25-37 | 37-50 | 50-62 | 62-75 |
Backpacking Weight Calculation Formula
Recommended Pack Weight = Body Weight × Percentage Factor × Trip Duration FactorWhere:
- Percentage Factor ranges from 0.10 to 0.20 (10% to 20% of body weight)
- Trip Duration Factor adjusts based on the length of the trip (e.g., 1.0 for day hikes, 1.2 for weekend trips, 1.4 for week-long trips)
You weigh 160 pounds and are planning a weekend backpacking trip. You’re in good shape and have some experience.
Body Weight: 160 pounds
Percentage Factor: Let’s use 0.15 (15% of body weight)
Trip Duration Factor: 1.2 for a weekend trip
Applying the formula: Recommended Pack Weight = 160 × 0.15 × 1.2 = 28.8 poundsThis calculation suggests that a pack weight of about 29 pounds would be appropriate for your weekend trip.
How Do You Measure the Weight of a Backpack?
Gather all your gear: Collect everything you plan to carry, including the backpack itself, clothing, food, water, and equipment.
- Use a reliable scale: A digital bathroom scale or luggage scale works well for this purpose.
- Weigh the empty backpack: Place the empty backpack on the scale and note its weight.
- Weigh your gear: You can do this in two ways:
- Weigh each item individually and sum up the total.
- Place all items in the backpack and weigh the full pack, then subtract the empty pack weight.
Don’t forget consumables: Account for food, water, and fuel, as these can add significant weight.
Consider wearing some items: Remember that some things like boots or a jacket might be worn rather than packed.
Imagine you’re preparing for a weekend backpacking trip. Here’s how you might measure your pack weight:
- Empty backpack weight: 3 lbs
- Sleeping bag: 2 lbs
- Tent: 4 lbs
- Clothing: 3 lbs
- Cooking gear: 2 lbs
- Food (2 days): 4 lbs
- Water (2 liters): 4.4 lbs
- Miscellaneous items: 2.6 lbs
Total weight: 25 lbsMore Public Tools