Packing your hiking backpack properly is crucial before heading out. Make sure you bring all essential gear without overloading yourself. An excessively heavy pack quickly turns into a burden and can compromise your safety and endurance. Learn how to optimise your hiking backpack's weight.
Key takeaways:
- A hiking backpack's weight should not exceed 15% to 20% of the carrier's body weight.
- Sorting gear by weight and importance ensures you carry only essentials and keep your pack light.
- The heaviest items should be positioned close to your back in the pack's central zone.
- Refining your gear list after every outing helps optimise backpack weight for future treks.
Maximum weight for a hiking backpack
The ideal weight of a hiking backpack depends on several factors: the type of hike, trip duration, weather conditions, elevation gain, and your fitness level. You will not carry the same pack or load for a simple day hike as you would for a multi-day self-sufficient trek.
As a rule of thumb, do not exceed 20% of your body weight. If you are just starting out, aim for 15%. An 80 kg hiker can comfortably carry a hiking backpack weighing between 12 and 16 kg. A 50 kg hiker should keep pack weight under 10 kg. Note that while this percentage is a reliable guide, it varies based on height, build, and physical conditioning.
Our tips for lightening your backpack
If you are new to hiking, you will quickly notice how fast a hiking backpack's weight adds up. To avoid fatigue, poor balance, or injury, keep your load as light as possible.
First, check what size hiking backpack you need. Capacity depends on the type and duration of your trip. A smaller pack naturally forces a minimalist approach. Next, sort your gear into three categories: essentials, useful items, and optional extras. Prioritise the essentials, add useful gear, and only pack extras if space and weight allow.
Another method is to list your gear and its weight in a spreadsheet. This reveals your heaviest items and helps you make an initial cut. Weigh your pack afterwards and trim further if needed. Remember not to overpack your bag to keep packing and unpacking effortless on the trail.
Finally, review your gear after your trip to debrief what was useful and what was not. Over time and with experience, you will dial in the lightest possible hiking pack.
Find out how to wash a hiking backpack.
Weight distribution in a hiking backpack
Once you have selected your essential gear, you need to distribute the load properly inside your hiking backpack. Organising your pack by zones makes packing straightforward and balanced.
The bottom compartment of the backpack holds soft, bulky items. These are things you will not need during the day, but rather at camp or overnight.
The middle zone holds your heaviest gear, primarily bivvy and camp cooking equipment. We recommend packing heavy items close to your back. This maintains a stable centre of gravity and pulls the load downwards rather than backwards.
The top section is dedicated to gear that must be easily accessible during the hike. This includes rain jackets, first-aid kits, water, and trail snacks.
Finally, external pockets and attachment loops keep your essentials within easy reach. Stash your GPS, sunglasses, or water bottle there so you do not have to unpack your entire bag during short breaks. You can also strap lightweight but bulky gear, like a sleeping pad or sleeping bag, to the outside of the pack.
By following these tips, you can optimise your hiking backpack's weight. You will travel light, carry everything you need for the trail, and maintain balanced weight distribution. Enjoy the hike!
