(Base weight is the total weight of your pack, fully loaded, not including anything you wear, hold or consume, ie. trekking poles, food, fuel, sunscreen etc.)
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Base weight is generally considered everything you pack in your backpack except for consumables like food, water, and fuel.
Pack Weight for Backpacking and HikingA loaded backpacking pack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. (If you weigh 150 pounds, your pack should not exceed 30 pounds for backpacking.) A loaded day hiking pack should not weigh more than about 10 percent of your body weight.
Your backpack fully loaded (including food and water) should not weigh more than 20% of your body weight. However, to protect your joints and improve comfort, it's better to carry 10-15% of your body weight. Excluding food and water, that means a good backpacking base weight is between 10 to 20 lbs for most people.
When determining your pack weight, follow these very general guidelines: A loaded backpacking pack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. (If you weigh 150 pounds, your pack should not exceed 30 pounds for backpacking.)
Savings can be achieved both by reducing the size of your pack and also by choosing a pack with lightweight construction (lighter materials, fewer pockets and zippers, etc.). If you're carrying less than 15-20 pounds, consider a frameless backpack, and you'll be able to drop your backpack weight to under two pounds.
Base WeightThe majority of hikers' base weights at the start of their hikes fell between 15 and 30 pounds, with the median at 20 pounds. The averages between section hikers and thru-hikers were almost the same at around 20 pounds.
Pack Weight for Backpacking and HikingA loaded backpacking pack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. (If you weigh 150 pounds, your pack should not exceed 30 pounds for backpacking.) A loaded day hiking pack should not weigh more than about 10 percent of your body weight.
Base weight includes everything not food, water, fuel, and the clothes that you wear all day long (ex tshirt and shorts). Base weight includes the weight of water and fuel storage containers as well.