What is too heavy for a school backpack?

How much is too much? A 50-pound child should carry a maximum of 7.5 pounds. A 100-pound child should carry a maximum of 15 pounds. A 150-pound child should carry a maximum of 22.5 pounds.



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As a general rule, to prevent injury, a full backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of your child's body weight. How a student wears a backpack is often just as important as its overall weight.

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Most beginners will carry around 30 to 35 pounds for their first few trips (including the pack itself). As you gain more experience and upgrade gear, your weight will likely decrease to around 30 to 32 pounds. Some backpackers stay around the 30 pound mark while others strive to get their weight as low as possible.

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Doctors recommend that backpack weight should be between 10-15 percent of a person's total body weight. If a 90-pound sixth grader carried 15 percent of their weight, the backpack should be no more than 13 pounds. An average for a 135-pound adult would be about 20 pounds.

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For instance, you're generally considered an ultralight backpacker if your base weight is under 10 pounds and a lightweight backpacker if your base weight is under 20 pounds.

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Regular backpackers have packs that weigh about 30 lbs. They're generally newcomers to the hiking hobby, and they have a tendency to overpack. If you're a newcomer going backpacking for the first time, it's a good idea to never exceed 40 lbs and go with an experienced friend or a group of hikers.

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Pack Weight for Backpacking and Hiking 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.) A loaded day hiking pack should not weigh more than about 10 percent of your body weight.

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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.) A loaded day hiking pack should not weigh more than about 10 percent of your body weight.

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By putting a heavy weight on your shoulders in the wrong way, the weight's force can pull you backward. So people who carry heavy backpacks sometimes lean forward. Because of the heavy weight and this unnatural position, they can develop shoulder, neck, and back pain.

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Seven Tips to Lighten the Strain
  1. Buy a backpack with wide, padded straps to minimize pressure on the shoulders and collarbone.
  2. Carry the pack on both shoulders to spread the weight evenly.
  3. Tighten straps so the bag rests about two inches above the waist.
  4. Bend both knees instead of leaning over when hoisting a heavy bag.


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For instance, you're generally considered an ultralight backpacker if your base weight is under 10 pounds and a lightweight backpacker if your base weight is under 20 pounds. Most traditional backpackers will have a base weight under 30 pounds.

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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.) A loaded day hiking pack should not weigh more than about 10 percent of your body weight.

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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.)

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The rule of thumb, as cited in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science study, says your purse should never exceed 10% of your body weight. (That means a 140-pound woman should never lug around more than 14 pounds in her bag.) Strickland recommends an even lighter threshold.

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Tighten the straps so the pack sits tightly against the back. If the backpack seems too big or heavy, take two books out and carry them under your arm. This will help counterbalance the weight. If you are walking long distances take breaks and put the pack down.

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