How should group gear be split fairly?

The fairest method is proportional to body weight — a 90kg person can comfortably carry more than a 60kg person. Each person should carry approximately the same percentage of their body weight. This means heavier group members take a larger share of shared items like the tent, stove, and group food.

What counts as shared group gear?

Shared gear typically includes: tent (or tarp), cooking system (stove, fuel, pot, utensils), group first aid kit, water filter, shared food, map/guide, group shelter (emergency), and rope. Personal gear includes: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothes, personal toiletries, personal food/snacks, and individual water.

What percentage of body weight should you carry?

For day hikes, 10-15% of body weight is comfortable. For multi-day backpacking, aim for 15-25% maximum. Above 30% of body weight, injury risk increases significantly. An 80kg person should ideally carry no more than 16-20kg for a multi-day trip.

How do you split gear with different fitness levels?

If fitness levels differ significantly, the fitter or more experienced members should volunteer to carry extra. Alternatively, rotate heavy items (like the tent) between group members each day. The key principle is that everyone should feel equally tired at the end of the day.

Group Gear Splitter

Split shared group gear fairly based on individual pack weights and fitness.

Shared Gear Weight

Tent, stove, group food etc.

Person 1 Body Weight

Weight measurement

Person 1 Personal Gear

Enter the person 1 personal gear

Person 2 Body Weight

Weight measurement

Person 2 Personal Gear

Enter the person 2 personal gear

Person 3 Body Weight

Leave 0 if not applicable

Person 3 Personal Gear

Enter the person 3 personal gear

Person 4 Body Weight

Leave 0 if not applicable

Person 4 Personal Gear

Enter the person 4 personal gear

How We Calculate This

Proportional Split

Person's share = Shared gear x (Person's body weight / Total group weight)

Total carry = Shared gear share + Personal gear weight

This ensures each person carries the same percentage of their body weight in shared gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

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