Weight Classifications
You don’t need to be an expert hiker to be a lightweight hiker and it actually makes more sense to carry less when you are just getting into hiking
Base weight is the weight of your gear not including food, water or consumables like fuel. My base weight in summer is 4.2kg and in winter it can be up to 9kg or more. I try to aim for 700g per day for food however initially you may be over 1.5kg per day.
Four reasons to avoid a heavy pack
Each trip will require slight variations to the packing list, for example if camp fires are not allowed a fuel stove will need to be carried and in colder areas heavier clothing and sleeping bags will be required. Additionally on extended trips I take larger battery banks to keep my IPhone charged.
The table outlines the weight classifications and approximate weights associated with each.
You don’t need to be an expert hiker to be a lightweight hiker and it actually makes more sense to carry less when you are just getting into hiking
Base weight is the weight of your gear not including food, water or consumables like fuel. My base weight in summer is 4.2kg and in winter it can be up to 9kg or more. I try to aim for 700g per day for food however initially you may be over 1.5kg per day.
Four reasons to avoid a heavy pack
- Your hiking pace will be slower, making days longer and leaving less time to relax and enjoy nature
- You may become tired and exhausted, which can lead to poor decision making and a lack of concentration
- There is a higher chance of injuries to your back, ankles, knees or increased chance of bruises and blisters
- There is a higher risk of falls
Each trip will require slight variations to the packing list, for example if camp fires are not allowed a fuel stove will need to be carried and in colder areas heavier clothing and sleeping bags will be required. Additionally on extended trips I take larger battery banks to keep my IPhone charged.
The table outlines the weight classifications and approximate weights associated with each.
|
Traditional |
Lightweight |
Ultralight |
Equipment |
11.5 - 23.5kg |
5.5 - 9kg |
3.1 - 5.5kg |
Food 3 Days |
4.5kg |
3kg |
2.1kg |
Water 2 L |
2kg |
2kg |
2kg |
Other consumables (e.g gas) |
2kg |
1kg |
0.5kg |
Total Pack Weight |
20 - 32kg |
11.5 - 15kg |
7.7 - 10.1kg |