When you are setting off on a backpacking adventure, you want to be prepared with the right gear. But if your backpack is too heavy, it can ruin your whole experience. That’s why it’s important to consider how much your backpacking gear should weigh before you set off.
When it comes to the weight of your gear, you want to find a balance between comfort and having the essentials. Generally speaking, your total gear weight should aim for the lower end of 20-30% of your bodyweight.
If you weigh 130 lbs., for instance, your pack should not exceed 39 lbs. If you are carrying more than that, consider leaving some items behind or replacing them with lighter options.
The amount of weight also depends on what kind of trip you are taking and how long you will be out in the wilderness. For example, if you are going on a short weekend trip and plan on staying in established campgrounds with access to amenities like bathrooms and running water, then you can afford to bring a few extra luxury items that might add some extra pounds to your pack weight such as a camping chair or an air mattress.
On the other hand, if you are planning an extended backcountry adventure where there may not be any amenities available like bathrooms or running water then it is best to leave those luxury items behind and stick to only bringing essential items that won’t take up too much space or add too much weight such as freeze-dried food packets or lightweight camping stoves.
Some tips for keeping your gear light:
- Choose multi-use items. Look for items that can serve more than one purpose such as a jacket that doubles as a pillow.
- Go digital. Instead of bringing paper maps and guidebooks opt for digital versions which take up less space.
- Pack light fabrics. Heavier fabrics like cotton absorb more water which makes them bulkier and heavier when wet.
- Leave non-essential items behind. If an item isn’t necessary for survival then it is best left behind.
Conclusion:
The amount of weight your backpacking gear should weigh depends on the type of trip you are taking and how long you will be out in the wilderness.
In general, aim for 20-30% of your bodyweight but if possible try to keep it closer to 20%. To keep your backpack light opt for multi-use items, go digital when possible, choose lightweight fabrics, and leave any non-essential items at home.