Backpacking is an excellent way to explore the outdoors, but it’s important not to overburden yourself with too much weight. The amount of weight you can comfortably carry on your back for any given trek can vary depending on a number of factors, including your strength and fitness level, the terrain, and the length of your trip. While there’s no hard and fast rule for how much weight a backpacker should carry, there are some general guidelines that can help you decide how to pack for your next adventure.
The first step in determining how heavy a pack should be is to get an estimate of the total weight of all the items you plan to bring with you. This should include everything from clothes and food to camping gear and water.
Once you have an approximate total, subtract about 10-15% of that figure from the total weight; this will give you an idea of what kind of load you can realistically carry. It’s important to remember that this number is only a guideline – if you find yourself particularly strong or fit, you may be able to handle more.
When packing your backpack, it’s also important to ensure that it is properly balanced. You should always evenly distribute the heavier items between both sides of your pack so that they are balanced when carrying it on your back.
If one side is heavier than the other, it will cause strain on one side of your body and make carrying it more difficult. Additionally, make sure that all items are securely packed within the compartmentalized sections or pockets inside the backpack.
Additional Considerations
For longer multi-day treks in mountainous terrain or with lots of elevation gain/loss, some hikers opt for a lightweight internal frame backpack instead of an external frame one as these tend to be more comfortable due to their closer fit against the body. Additionally, if possible try out any potential packs before fully committing; not only do different backpacks have different load capacities but they also come in varying sizes which may affect comfort levels – especially if too small or too large for your body type.
Conclusion:
It’s impossible to give an exact answer as to how heavy a pack should be for backpacking – as this depends on many factors such as fitness levels and terrain – however using these guidelines should help ensure a safe and comfortable journey while out on the trail!