Base weight is the total weight of your pack and all gear excluding consumables (food, water, fuel). It is the weight you carry before adding daily supplies. Base weight is the standard measure for comparing pack weights between hikers.

What is ultralight backpacking?

Ultralight is generally defined as a base weight under 4.5kg (10lbs). Lightweight is under 7kg (15lbs). Achieving ultralight requires careful gear selection, often using cottage-industry manufacturers and multi-use items. In the UK, shelters like the Trekkertent Stealth 1 and quilts from Cumulus are popular ultralight choices.

Where can I save the most weight?

The Big Three (shelter, sleep system, pack) typically account for 60-70% of base weight. Upgrading these gives the biggest weight savings. After that, look at cooking systems (cold-soaking eliminates stove weight) and multi-use items like a poncho-tarp.

CampCalcs

Base Weight Calculator

Calculate your pack base weight with a lighterpack-style category breakdown.

Shelter

Tent, tarp, poles, pegs, footprint

Sleep System

Sleeping bag/quilt, pad, pillow

Pack

Backpack including hip belt

Cooking Gear

Stove, pot, mug, spork (no fuel)

Clothing

Packed clothing and waterproofs

Electronics

Phone, headtorch, power bank, cables

Misc Gear

First aid, knife, map, compass, wash kit

How We Calculate This

Enter the weight of each gear category in grams. The calculator sums all categories to give your base weight and shows a percentage breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

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