Pack Weight
Overview
Pack weight refers to the total weight of a hiker’s backpack including base weight, consumables, water, and food at any given time.
Key points
- Varies widely depending on season, gear system, and resupply length.
- Includes ‘base weight’ plus fluctuating consumables.
- Influences pace, fatigue, and joint strain.
- Common target weights vary from ultralight (<10 lbs) to traditional setups (>20 lbs base weight).
Details
Pack weight significantly affects hiker comfort and endurance. Reducing pack weight is often achieved through gear refinement, careful food planning, and selecting lightweight materials. While lighter packs improve efficiency, safety and durability must remain priorities when balancing gear choices. Pack weight fluctuates throughout a trip, often heaviest immediately after resupply.
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.