Backpacking is a popular outdoor activity that involves carrying all of your necessary supplies and equipment on your back, usually in a backpack. One important factor to consider when backpacking is the base weight of your pack.
Base weight is the total weight of the items you need to bring, excluding food, water, and fuel. It includes items such as shelter, sleeping bag, clothing, cookware, first aid kit, and any other necessary items.
When it comes to calculating base weight for backpacking, there are two popular methods: traditional and ultralight. Traditional backpacking focuses on bringing everything you might need while out in the wilderness and typically has a higher base weight than ultralight backpacking. Ultralight backpacking focuses on carrying only what is necessary and cutting out any unnecessary items; this typically results in a much lighter base weight.
It’s important to remember that base weight does not include food, water, or fuel; these are typically referred to as consumables. Consumables can add significant additional weight to your pack, so it’s important to plan ahead when packing them. Additionally, you should also consider the terrain you’ll be hiking through; if you’re going through steep terrain or altitudes where air is thinner then you may need additional gear such as trekking poles or an extra layer of clothing.
Conclusion:
In summary, base weight in backpacking refers to the total weight of the items needed for an outdoor excursion excluding food, water and fuel. There are two popular methods for calculating base weight – traditional and ultralight – with each having its own benefits depending on the type of terrain being hiked. It’s important to remember that even though base weights do not include consumables like food and water they can still add significant additional weight to your backpack so it’s important to plan accordingly.