How Do You Determine Your Base Weight for Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

When it comes to backpacking, the base weight of your pack is an important factor in determining how much gear you will be able to carry and how comfortable your trip will be. Knowing how to calculate your base weight can help you plan for your next backpacking adventure.

The first step in determining your base weight is to make a list of all the items that you will be bringing on the trip. This should include everything from clothing and camping gear to food and cooking supplies. It’s important to be as detailed as possible when making this list so that you can accurately determine the total weight of all the items on the list.

Once you have made your list, it’s time to start weighing all of your items. You’ll need a reliable digital scale for this part of the process, as it is important that each item is weighed exactly. Be sure to weigh each item individually, rather than adding together multiple items at once, as this could lead to inaccurate results.

After weighing each item, add up the total weight and this will be your base weight. This number includes everything that you plan on bringing with you on the trip, so it is important that nothing gets left out or forgotten about. It also includes any food or water that you plan on carrying with you.

Once you have determined your base weight, it’s time to start looking at ways to reduce it where possible. This can involve investing in lighter-weight camping gear or opting for freeze-dried meals instead of canned goods for food. If possible, try not to go over 10-12 pounds for your base weight as this will make carrying your pack more comfortable.

Conclusion:

Determining your base weight for a backpacking trip is an important part of planning for a successful journey. By carefully listing out all of your items and weighing them individually with a digital scale, you can accurately calculate what your base weight will be before heading out into nature.