Free Tool
Gear Weight Calculator
Add your gear, see your base weight, total carried weight, and where you land on the ultralight scale. Share a link to your exact kit — no account needed.
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Weight Classes (Base Weight)
Base weight = everything except food, water, and fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is base weight in backpacking?
Base weight is the weight of your pack plus all gear inside it, excluding consumables like food, water, and fuel. It is the standard comparison metric used by the backpacking community to measure how light a kit is.
What is considered ultralight backpacking?
A base weight under 10 pounds (4.5 kg) is generally considered ultralight. Sub-5 lb base weight is called 'super ultralight.' Most traditional backpackers carry 20–30 lb base weights.
What is the difference between base weight and total carried weight?
Base weight is all gear except consumables. Total carried weight adds food, water, and fuel. Because consumables are burned off during a trip, the community compares base weight — the part you always carry.
How do I share my gear list with this calculator?
Click 'Copy shareable link' in the summary panel. The entire gear list is encoded into a URL — anyone who opens the link sees your exact kit loaded in the calculator. No account or login is required.
What is a good base weight for a beginner backpacker?
Most beginners start with 25–35 lb total carried weight, which puts base weight around 15–20 lb (traditional range). As you replace heavy items with lighter alternatives, many backpackers work their way into the lightweight category (10–20 lb base) within a season or two.
Should I count my backpack in base weight?
Yes. The backpack itself is part of your base weight. Some ultralight hikers use frameless packs weighing under 1 lb, while a traditional frame pack can weigh 4–6 lb before anything is packed inside.