What Percentage of Your Weight Should You Go Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking is an enjoyable outdoor activity that allows you to explore the wilderness and get closer to nature. It can be a great way to relax, recharge, and see the world in a new light.

However, it is important to remember that backpacking can be physically demanding and requires a certain amount of physical fitness. Knowing how much weight you should carry while backpacking is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

In general, the amount of weight you should carry while backpacking depends on many factors such as your body type, fitness level, gender, and the terrain you will be hiking in. Generally speaking, it is recommended that your total weight load should not exceed one-third of your total body weight.

So for example, if you weigh 150 pounds then your maximum load should not exceed 50 pounds.

However, this does not mean that you should pack everything that weighs up to 50 pounds. It is important to consider what items are necessary for your trip and what items are merely luxuries or unnecessary items.

For instance, although camping gear such as a tent or sleeping bag may be necessary for your trip they also tend to be very heavy and bulky. In this case it might make sense to rent or borrow these items which would help keep your overall weight down.

It is also important to note that even if your total pack weight stays within the recommended limits there are still other factors at play when it comes to how much weight you can safely carry on a backpacking trip.

  • Your Fitness Level: The more fit you are the more weight you can safely carry on your backpacking trips.
  • Terrain: The terrain that you will be trekking through will also influence how much weight you can safely carry as some terrains require more effort than others.

Ultimately when deciding how much weight to go backpacking with it is important to consider all of these factors as well as any medical conditions or disabilities that may limit your ability to do so safely. Additionally it is important to remember that while carrying too much weight may seem like a good idea at first it could lead to injury or exhaustion if done improperly or without proper preparation.

In conclusion, when deciding what percentage of your bodyweight should go backpacking it is important to consider many factors such as fitness level, terrain type, necessary equipment and any medical conditions or disabilities before making a decision.