Base weight
Overview
Base weight is the total weight of a hiker’s pack and gear excluding consumables such as food, water, and fuel that are expected to be used up and replenished.
Key points
- Provides a way to compare gear setups independent of trip length or resupply intervals.
- Usually includes the pack, shelter, sleep system, clothing carried (not worn), and other durable items.
- Does not have a single standard definition for what is included, so individual calculations may vary.
Details
Within backpacking discussions, base weight is a common reference point for how much gear a person carries before adding variable consumables. By removing food, water, and fuel from the calculation, hikers can focus on the relatively fixed portion of their kit. This helps with planning, gear selection, and personal comfort assessments. Some people include or exclude borderline items differently, such as first-day food or worn clothing; as a result, precise comparisons between individuals require understanding how each person defines base weight. The term itself is neutral and does not prescribe an ideal or target number.
Related topics
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Illustrative hiking footage
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