How Heavy Should Your Backpack Be for Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

When it comes to backpacking, the weight of your backpack is one of the most important factors. It can make or break your trip, and it’s essential to get the weight just right.

The general rule of thumb is that your pack should weigh no more than 20% of your body weight. This means that if you weigh 150lbs, then your pack should weigh no more than 30lbs.

You should also take into account the type of terrain you’ll be tackling. If you’re hiking in mountainous terrain, then you will need to carry more gear and supplies, which will increase the weight of your pack significantly. On the other hand, if you’re travelling through flat terrain, then you can get away with carrying a lighter load.

It’s also important to consider how long your trip is going to be when deciding how heavy your backpack should be. If you’re only going on a short weekend trip, then you won’t need as much gear and supplies as someone who is planning on going on a multi-day trek. This means that if you’re only going away for a couple days, then it’s ok to carry a slightly heavier pack.

Finally, make sure that your backpack is comfortable and fits properly. A poorly fitting backpack can cause discomfort and even injury if it’s too heavy or doesn’t fit correctly. Make sure that you have adjustable straps so that you can adjust the fit as needed throughout your journey.

Conclusion

How heavy should your backpack be for backpacking? The answer depends on many factors such as the terrain, length of trip and weight of the individual carrying it.

Generally speaking though, a good rule of thumb is that your pack should weigh no more than 20% of your body weight. Additionally, make sure that it fits properly and comfortably so that you can enjoy an enjoyable journey without any discomfort or injury caused by an ill-fitting pack!