Base weight is the weight of everything in your pack except consumables (food, water, fuel) and items worn on your body. It includes your shelter, sleeping system, cooking gear, clothing carried in your pack, and the pack itself. Base weight is the standard measure for comparing pack weights because it stays constant throughout a trip.

What are the pack weight categories?

Ultralight is under 4.5kg base weight, lightweight is 4.5-9kg, traditional is 9-13.5kg, and heavy is over 13.5kg. These categories refer to base weight only, not total pack weight. Most experienced backpackers aim for the lightweight range as a good balance between comfort and pack weight.

How much should food weigh per day?

A good target is 500-900g of food per day depending on calorie density. Dehydrated meals average around 125 calories per 100g when dry. High-calorie foods like nuts, chocolate and energy bars can provide 500+ calories per 100g. For a 3,000 calorie day, plan for approximately 600-750g of food.

How much does water weigh?

Water weighs exactly 1kg per litre. For day hiking, carry 1-2 litres. For remote backpacking, you may need 3-4 litres between water sources. Water is usually the heaviest consumable, so planning your route around water sources can significantly reduce pack weight.

What is skin-out weight?

Skin-out weight is the total weight of everything you carry, including items worn on your body (boots, clothing, watch, etc.) plus your loaded pack. This is the true total weight your body has to move. Worn items typically add 2-4kg depending on footwear and clothing choices.

CampCalcs

Pack Weight Calculator

Calculate your total pack weight including base weight, consumables and worn items. Categorises your load as ultralight, lightweight, traditional or heavy.

Base Weight

Pack, shelter, sleep system, cooking, etc.

Food Weight

All food for the trip

Water Weight

1 litre = 1kg

Fuel Weight

Gas canisters, alcohol fuel, etc.

Worn Weight

Boots, clothing, watch, etc.

Trip Length

How We Calculate This

This calculator adds up all components of your pack weight and categorises your setup.

Pack weight formula

Total pack weight = Base weight + Food + Water + Fuel

Skin-out weight = Total pack weight + Worn items

Base weight categories

Ultralight: under 4.5kg base weight
Lightweight: 4.5 - 9kg base weight
Traditional: 9 - 13.5kg base weight
Heavy: over 13.5kg base weight

Daily consumable rate

The consumable rate shows how much weight you're burning through per day, helping you plan resupply points for multi-day trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.