Backpacking Weight Calculator
Base weight and pack weight from gear list.
Inputs
Results
Base weight (lb)
17
Big Three (lb)9.5
Big Three %55.9%
Consumables (lb)9.36
Total pack weight (lb)26.36
Weight class3
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the weight in pounds of each gear category: shelter, sleep system, backpack, clothing, cook kit, electronics, and miscellaneous.
- Enter your trip duration in days and the maximum water you'll carry at once, in liters — food and fuel are estimated automatically from trip days.
- Read your base weight (all gear excluding consumables) and the Big Three weight (shelter + sleep system + pack), plus what percentage of base weight the Big Three make up.
- Check total pack weight — base weight plus the estimated food, water, and fuel for the trip.
- Use the weight class to see where you land: ultralight (under 10 lb base weight), lightweight (10–15 lb), traditional (15–25 lb), or heavy (over 25 lb).
How the result changes with Backpack (lb)
| Backpack (lb) | Base weight (lb) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 14.5 |
| 3.5 | 17 |
| 6.5 | 20 |
| 9 | 22.5 |
What each input means
- Shelter weight (lb)
- Tent, tarp, or hammock system weight in pounds.
- Sleep system (lb)
- Sleeping bag/quilt plus pad weight.
- Backpack (lb)
- Empty backpack weight.
- Clothing (lb)
- All packed clothing (worn clothes excluded).
- Cook kit (lb)
- Stove, pot, utensils, fuel canister (empty).
- Electronics (lb)
- Phone, battery bank, headlamp, etc.
- Miscellaneous (lb)
- First aid, hygiene, repair kit, etc.
- Trip duration (days)
- Number of days on trail between resupplies.
- Water carry (liters)
- Maximum water carried at one time.
What each result means
- Base weight (lb)
- Total non-consumable gear weight. Under 10 lb = ultralight.
- Big Three (lb)
- Shelter + sleep system + pack weight.
- Big Three %
- Percentage of base weight from the Big Three.
- Consumables (lb)
- Food, water, and fuel weight.
- Total pack weight (lb)
- Base weight plus consumables — what you actually carry.
- Weight class
- 1 = Ultralight (<10 lb), 2 = Lightweight (10–15), 3 = Traditional (15–25), 4 = Heavy (25+).
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersShelter weight (lb) = 3, Sleep system (lb) = 3, Backpack (lb) = 3.5, Clothing (lb) = 3 = 9 input(s) provided
- Calculate Base weightBase weight = bigThree + clothingLb + cookingLb + electronicsLb + miscLb17 = 17
- Calculate Big ThreeBig Three = shelterLb + sleepSystemLb + packLb9.5 = 9.5
- Calculate Big Three %55.9 = 55.9
Engine last updated . Checked against 4 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.
Related Calculators
The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.
Adventure Racing
Race Weight Calculator
Pack weight optimization for competitive race performance.
Outdoor AdventureHiking Calorie Needs Calculator
Daily calories from distance, elevation, and pack weight.
Outdoor AdventureCamping Food Planner Calculator
Meal planning and food weight from trip duration and calories.
Outdoor AdventureTrail Navigation Calculator
Hiking time (Naismith's Rule) and lightning safety distance.
More in Sports, Outdoors & Recreation.