How Heavy Should Your Backpacking Pack Be?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is an incredibly rewarding outdoor activity. It allows for a greater level of exploration, adventure, and self-discovery than many other outdoor activities. With that being said, however, it’s important to make sure you don’t overpack your backpack. An overly heavy pack can lead to back pain, fatigue and even injury. So what is the ideal weight for your backpacking pack?

The general rule of thumb when it comes to backpacking is that your pack should not exceed one-third of your body weight. This means that if you weigh 150 lbs., your backpack should not weigh more than 50 lbs. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you are planning on carrying a lot of water or food over long distances, then it may be necessary to go above the one-third weight ratio. In this case, it’s best to keep the pack weight as low as possible while still having enough supplies for your trip.

Another factor to consider when deciding how heavy your backpack should be is the type of terrain you will be hiking on. If you will be travelling on mostly flat terrain with few inclines or declines, then you can carry a slightly heavier load than if you were travelling on mountainous or rocky terrain where there would be more elevation changes.

It’s also important to remember that the lighter your pack is, the more enjoyable and comfortable your hiking experience will be overall. When packing for your next backpacking trip, make sure to look at each individual item and ask yourself if it is absolutely necessary before putting it in your bag.

Conclusion:

When determining how heavy a backpack should be for a backpacking trip, the general rule of thumb is that it should not exceed one-third of body weight. However, depending on the type of terrain and supplies needed for the trip, this ratio may need to be adjusted accordingly in order to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable experience overall.