The Three Weights
Base Weight
Everything in your pack except consumables (food, water, fuel). The number most ultralight hikers track.
Trail Weight (Skin-out Weight)
Base weight plus what you wear. Includes boots, clothing, and items on your person.
Total Carry Weight
Everything — base weight + consumables + trail weight. What your body actually carries each step.
Weight Categories
- Ultralight: Base weight < 4.5 kg (10 lbs)
- Lightweight: 4.5–7 kg
- Traditional: 7–14 kg
- Heavy: > 14 kg
The Big Three
Shelter, sleep system, and pack account for 60–80% of base weight. Cutting weight here has the biggest impact.
Using PackLite for Weight Planning
- Add all gear to your catalog with accurate weights.
- Create a trip and set a target base weight.
- Add gear and watch the live total update.
- Sort by weight to find your heaviest items.
- Swap or remove items until you hit your target.
Practical Tips
- Weigh everything on a kitchen scale — manufacturer specs are often optimistic.
- Don't obsess over single grams on small items; focus on the Big Three first.
- Comfort and safety always trump weight savings.