How Heavy Is Too Heavy for Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, but it’s important to ensure that you don’t take too much weight with you. If you’re carrying too much, it can be uncomfortable and cause unnecessary strain on your body. So how heavy is too heavy for backpacking?

The amount of weight that you can carry will depend largely on your own strength and fitness level. Generally speaking, the recommended maximum weight for backpacking is around 20-30% of your bodyweight. This should include the weight of your backpack itself, plus all the gear and supplies that you’ll be bringing along with you.

So if you weigh 140 pounds (63 kilograms), then your total load should weigh no more than 42 pounds (19 kilograms). It’s also important to ensure that the load is evenly distributed across both sides of your body. Try not to overload one side with more weight than the other as this could lead to an uneven gait or even injury over time.

It’s also important to bear in mind that certain items such as water or food will need to be replenished during your trip, so it’s best not to plan for having a full backpack at all times – this will just add unnecessary strain on your body.

Ideally, before embarking on any backpacking trip, it’s a good idea to practice carrying a similar load at home or in a local park first. This way you can get used to the feeling of being weighed down and develop good posture and technique for carrying the load efficiently while still remaining comfortable.

Conclusion: It’s important to consider how much weight you’ll be carrying when planning a backpacking trip as carrying too much can cause discomfort and injury over time. Generally speaking, it’s best not to carry more than 20-30% of your bodyweight including the backpack itself plus all gear and supplies. Before embarking on any backpacking trip it’s also a good idea to practice carrying a similar load beforehand so that you’re better prepared when out in the wild.