So, if you want to calculate this properly, check out the following example for determining how much your backpack should weigh for hiking:<\/p>\n
150lbs x 0.10 = 15 lbs<\/strong><\/p>\n Pretty straightforward. If you weigh 150 lbs, your pack shouldn't exceed 15 lbs for a day hike.<\/p>\n The keywords here are \"day hike\". This means completing a hike in under a day. Trekking and backpacking will, of course, have different requirements.<\/p>\n This will help you keep your backpack weight manageable for your hike and ensure you're not overloaded.<\/p>\n So you've got your answer. But why does this matter? Let's take a look.<\/p>\n Knowing your pack weight for hiking isn't just important for figuring out what you'll need for a trip. It's also helpful in figuring out what you\u00a0don't<\/em> need, too.<\/p>\n Some hikers are willing to take the tradeoff for convenience for comfort, especially if they plan on taking frequent rests to take in the sights.<\/p>\n Most, though, want to travel as efficiently as possible. It all comes down to what your exact goals are for your hike.<\/p>\n So when, exactly, is hiking pack weight an issue, if at all? Let's take a look and see when hiking with a heavy pack is troublesome.<\/p>\n Hiking with a heavy backpack isn't necessarily\u00a0bad<\/em>.<\/p>\n Some people, myself included, love the challenge.<\/p>\n But not everyone is looking for an extreme workout. Most folks just want to have a nice journey through nature. They want to enjoy themselves.<\/p>\n Before you start packing, take a look at the added obstacles when hiking with a heavy backpack:<\/p>\n Alright, so maybe you over-prepped a bit.<\/p>\n No worries.<\/p>\n Let's take a look at some of the ways you can reduce your pack weight for hiking:<\/p>\n When reducing your hiking backpack weight, always look at the optional items\u00a0first<\/em>.<\/p>\n You should never discard important, vital items like food and water over comfort items.<\/p>\n There's no point in putting yourself in danger to reduce weight. It's counter-intuitive and can cause problems.<\/p>\n Now that you know how to calculate your backpack for hiking, here's a chart for what your pack should weigh depending on the type of hike you're taking:<\/p>\n\n *Ultralight is most often defined as being under 10 lbs (~4.5kg). However, some companies have begun marketing packs as \"ultralight\" but they are over 10 lbs.<\/span><\/p>\n Use the above chart as your cheat sheet for figuring out exactly how much your hiking backpack should weigh.<\/p>\n But, when everything is said and done, your pack weight will come down to bare needs and the activity output you seek.<\/p>\n Personally, I pack pretty light for hikes below 5 miles. I know the terrain I'm traversing very well, and I know exactly what to expect. This allows me to shed unnecessary weight.<\/p>\nWhy Backpack Weight For Hiking Matters<\/h2>\n
\n
Is Hiking With A Heavy Pack Bad?<\/h2>\n
\n
How To Reduce Pack Weight<\/h2>\n
![\"hiking](\"https:\/\/hikeauthority.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/hiking-backpack-weight.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh For Hiking?<\/h2>\n
\n\n
\n\t \nWeight Class<\/th> Pack Weight<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t Minimalist<\/td> Under 12 lbs (~5.5kg)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Ultralight<\/td> Around 20 lbs (~9kg)*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Lightweight<\/td> Up to 30 lbs (~13.5kg)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Plush\/Deluxe<\/td> Over 30 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n