Pack Weight Calculator
Add your gear and instantly see your total pack weight — plus whether you're hiking ultralight, lightweight, or carrying too much.
Enter every item you’re carrying — gear, food, and water. The calculator totals it live and tells you where you land on the ultright-to-heavy scale.
Quick answer: Under 20 lbs total is lightweight, under 10 lbs base weight is ultralight, and most beginners carry 30–40 lbs. The fastest way to cut weight: upgrade the Big 4 (pack, tent, sleeping bag, pad) before nickel-and-diming small items.
Related guides
- How to Pack a Backpack — distribute the weight you just totaled
- Daypack Torso Fit Database — the right pack for your load
- 3-Day Backpacking Packing List for Beginners — trim weight before you total it
Includes everything you enter — food and water included. For base weight, leave those out.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good pack weight for backpacking?
Under 20 lbs total (with food and water) is lightweight; under 10 lbs base weight is ultralight. Most beginners carry 30–40 lbs — cutting to 25 lbs transforms the experience. Use the calculator above to find where you land.
What is base weight vs total pack weight?
Base weight is everything except consumables — gear, clothing, shelter, but not food, water, or fuel. Total pack weight adds consumables. Base weight is the number ultralight hikers compare because it doesn’t change as you eat and drink.
How much should my pack weigh for a 3-day trip?
Aim for under 30 lbs total including 4.5–6 lbs of food and 4–6 lbs of water. If you’re over 35 lbs, the biggest savings usually come from the Big 4: pack, tent, sleeping bag, and pad.
Keep planning with our guides
These tools pair with our nano-specific guides — problem-first answers for real bodies, real problems, and real budgets.