Backpack Weight Planning:

What is the right weight for my backpack..? Well of course it depends...?

It depends on your size and strength and the length and nature of your trip.

It also depends on re-supply opportunity, terrain, general climate and expected weather conditions.

Ok so there are a lot of variables what can you tell me?

Well some good guidelines are:

First time and younger backpackers should do only an overnight trip first, target a 25lbs maximum weight

More experienced younger backpackers (<13 years) should max out at ~30lbs for comfort

For a multi-day trip you may find it hard to get by with much less than 35-40lbs each if you have to carry all your food & water. There is benefit to weight reduction in having a crew of 2-3 or more to share the tent/cooking, food/prep & group supplies.

Water weighs a lot - approx 2.2lbs per Liter or  about 2lb per Quart (plus the containers) and you may need to carry as much as 4 Liters/Quarts for a strenuous days backpacking so as much as 8-9lbs in water alone! The only good thing is that this weight goes down a little as you hike! One suggestion - drink well before you set out. Yes you are still carrying the weight but its better balanced than carrying it on your back and being well hydrated is a good start to a tough day. If you are certain you can reliably re-supply en-route - take along water treatment supplies (chemicals/filters/purifiers) and carry less water.

A tent/flysheet/groundsheet for one will likely be at least 3-4lbs (maybe much more) while a 1/3rd share of a 3 person tent may more easily be only 2-3lbs.

A lightweight cooking stove/gas canister & pot set will be approx 3lbs but can be shared by 3 or more.

A sleeping bag/pillow and self-inflating pad will be at least 4lbs - and maybe much more.

Clothing including underwear/base layer/warming layer/waterproof layer will be at least 5lbs and possibly much more, minimize changes (except underwear!) and target multipurpose (e.g. zip-off pants, layers). Check the weather - in Arizona you can get by with 3 layers much of the time.

Toiletries... want to smell nice on the trail? - it may not be worth the weight and you might smell good to bears too! minimize - but take at least hand sanitizer & toothpaste/toothbrush (+ sunscreen, bug spray?)

You should target mostly dehydrated food for weight reduction but food is still likely to be approx 2 lbs or more per day/ person, re-supply where you can on your way. Dehydrated food saves weight through water reduction but also since dry packaging is lighter. If you will have to carry all your water anyway the equation changes - but you are still likely better off with dehydrated

Incidentals that you will also likely carry are a first aid kit, flashlight or headlight, mess kit, walking stick(s), pillow, hat, swimsuit, towel, lightweight seat/stool, a hydration pack, camera, toiletries, latrine shovel, pack cover... etc

Avoid whatever weight you can but remember in backpacking you pay extra for lightweight & small volume and this can get very expensive! In general you are better figuring out what you don't need or what you can share with others to reduce weight.

The Scout patrol camping method encourages this sharing by patrol for many of these items... See The 10 Essentials

The most important step you can take is to pack up early and weigh your pack and adjust the contents until you are comfortable. Hiking with your target weight for training is also beneficial in figuring out how comfortable you will really be out on the trail. 

Some other weight reduction ideas:

Use lithium batteries in headlamps & flashlights - they are long life (~2x) and weigh less than half of an alkaline cell. Shorten or drill holes in handles and non-functional parts of equipment you need to take - toothbrush, cutlery, spatulas, trowels etc. Swap your fiberglass tent poles for lightweight aluminum and your big/steel tent stakes for lightweight alloy or titanium. Get nylon or Tyvek groundsheets instead of heavy PVC/tarps.

Nylon based outer clothing is your friend - its lighter, more windproof and dries faster than other materials (and can be waterproofed). Take separate lightweight waterproofs & warmth layers rather than say a lined jacket. For warming layers look for lightweight micro-fleece rather than the more common bulky heavy fleece. Micro-fleece gloves & beanie hat will make you feel a lot warmer at low additional weights.

Take along biodegradable camp washing soap and a communal collapsible bowl to wash your clothing for reuse rather than taking along more (underwear, socks, shirts, shorts). Use the bowl for dish washing also.

ACM 1/2007

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