How Much Should My Backpacking Gear Weight?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is not just an adventure, it’s a lifestyle! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time packer, the key to success is having the right gear. But how much should your backpacking gear weigh?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the type of terrain you’ll be exploring and the number of days you’ll be on the trail. Generally speaking, your total backpacking load should be around 30% of your body weight for multi-day trips and even less for day hikes. This means that if you weigh 150 pounds, your ideal gear weight would be 45 pounds or less.

Of course, this is just a general guideline and there are many ways to customize the weight of your pack. For instance, if you’re only planning short day trips, then you don’t need to carry as much gear as someone embarking on an extended thru-hike. Additionally, ultralight gear can help reduce the overall weight of your pack without sacrificing comfort or safety.

When packing for a backpacking trip, it’s important to prioritize what items are essential and what items can stay at home. Think about which items will give you the most bang for your buck – like a lightweight tent or sleeping bag – and make sure they make their way into your pack first. Once these essentials are taken care of, then you can consider bringing some extra luxury items like books or games if they fit in your budget and pack size.

No matter what kind of backpacking adventure you’re embarking on, it’s essential to take into account how much weight you will be carrying in order to ensure that your journey is safe and enjoyable. A good rule of thumb is that your total gear load should be around 30% of your bodyweight for multi-day trips and even less for shorter hikes. With careful planning and mindful packing decisions, finding the perfect balance between comfort and convenience should no longer feel like an impossible task!

In conclusion, when choosing how much backpacking gear to bring along with you on any given trip it’s important to consider factors like terrain type and duration as well as prioritize which items are most essential. By following these guidelines and using ultralight gear when possible, backpackers can ensure that their gear load will remain within a safe range while still allowing them to enjoy all that nature has to offer.