What Is a Good Backpacking Base Weight?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking is an incredible way to explore the great outdoors, but it requires a lot of preparation and the right gear. One of the most important considerations for successful backpacking is the base weight of your pack.

Base weight is the amount of weight you’ll be carrying in your pack without food, water, and fuel. A good base weight will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of terrain you’ll be covering, how long you plan to be out, and what level of comfort you’re looking for.

The first step in determining your ideal base weight should be considering how long your trip will last. Shorter trips will require less gear and thus a lighter base weight than longer ones. For trips lasting more than three days, it’s important to consider bringing a shelter such as a tent or tarp, as well as additional clothing layers for colder weather.

Next, take into account the type of terrain you’ll be backpacking on. If you plan on trekking through rugged mountain ranges or deserts, it may be necessary to bring additional gear such as ropes or an ice axe. On the other hand if you plan on hiking through gently rolling hills or woodlands then you can likely cut down on some heavier items like camping stoves or extra layers of clothing.

Finally, consider what level of comfort and convenience you want while backpacking. Will you need a sleeping pad?

What kind of cooking equipment do you want? Do you need items like headphones or binoculars? These items are all personal preferences that can impact your base weight either positively or negatively depending on how much gear they add to your pack.

In general, experienced backpackers recommend aiming for a base weight that is no more than 20-30% of your bodyweight; lighter if possible! This may seem like an intimidating goal at first but with careful gear selection and thoughtful packing it is totally achievable! Plus once you get out there with a light load on your back it makes for an incredibly rewarding experience!

Conclusion:

What is a good backpacking base weight? It depends on the length of your trip, type of terrain, and level of comfort desired; however in general experienced backpackers recommend aiming for a base weight that is no more than 20-30%of your bodyweight – lighter if possible! With careful selection and thoughtful packing this goal can easily become reality!