Consumable weight
Overview
Consumable weight is the portion of pack weight made up of items that are gradually used up over time, such as food, water, and fuel. It contrasts with base weight, which excludes these items.
Key points
- Consumable weight typically includes food, water, stove fuel, and some hygiene supplies.
- It can represent a large share of total pack weight at the start of long carries.
- As consumables are used, total pack weight decreases, affecting daily effort.
- Estimating consumable needs requires considering distance, climate, and resupply intervals.
- Balancing safety margins with weight savings is part of consumable planning.
- Tracking both base and consumable weight provides a fuller picture of carried load.
Details
In long-distance hiking, total pack weight is often discussed in terms of base weight plus consumables. Consumable weight refers to anything that is gradually depleted and replaced over the course of a trip, most notably food, water, and stove fuel. Certain other items, such as some hygiene products or batteries, may also be treated as consumables depending on context.
At the beginning of a long stretch between resupply points or water sources, consumable weight can be significant. For example, carrying several days of food and multiple liters of water may add many kilograms or pounds to the pack. As these resources are used, pack weight decreases, making later days of a carry feel lighter.
Accurately estimating consumable needs involves considering daily caloric requirements, water availability, climate, terrain, and the spacing of towns or other resupply options. Underestimating can lead to discomfort or logistical challenges, while overestimating may mean carrying more weight than necessary.
Some hikers track consumable weight separately to understand how changes in route, season, or resupply strategy affect total load. This can inform decisions about gear, pace, and planning, especially on routes with very long dry or remote sections.
Consumable weight is dynamic, and managing it is a central part of long-distance trip logistics.
Related topics
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