What does pack weight exclude?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ever been halfway up a steep incline wondering if those extra socks were really necesary? Yep, same. Let’s talk about pack weight—specifically what the heck it doesn’t include. Understanding this is clutch if you’re trying to go ultralight or just not feel like a turtle hauling its home uphill.
Base Weight vs Total Weight
This is the classic showdown. “What is base weight?” gets tossed around so often it should have its own trail name. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Base Weight: Everything in your pack except consumables (think food, water, fuel).
- Total Weight: Base weight + consumables at the start of your hike.
The key? Base weight stays the same. Total weight fluctuates like your mood when it starts raining at mile 3.
What Pack Weight Excludes
So, what does pack weight exclude exactly? It's all the stuff you're wearing or carrying in your hands, plus consumables. Here’s what doesn't count in your “pack weight” tally:
- Water: Heavier than your guilty conscience after skipping leg day.
- Food: Unless you’re snacking nonstop (guilty), this is always excluded.
- Fuel: Stove fuel or alcohol—burns off, not counted.
- Clothes on Your Body: Your “hiking fit” doesn’t get weighed—bonus!
- Trekking Poles: In hand? Doesn’t count.
If it’s in your stomach, on your back, or in your hand, it usually doesn’t show up in base weight.
Calculating Your Pack Weight
Alright weight weenies, here’s how to do it like a pro. Use these tips to master ultralight pack weight math:
- Weigh Individual Items: Use a kitchen scale. Yes, even your toothbrush nub.
- Track in a Spreadsheet: Nerdy? Absolutely. Effective? You bet.
- Separate Consumables: Log your food, water, and fuel in a separate column.
Want to test your lightweight backpacking weight skills? Try dropping your base weight under 10 lbs. Welcome to the ultralight elite.
Conclusion
So now you know what pack weight excludes and why your Snickers stash isn’t part of the base weight game. Don’t overpack, and don’t be that person weighing socks on a micro-scale mid-trail (okay maybe once, we’ve all been there...).
Want to level up? Grab the Born to Hike Forced to Work T-Shirt and hit the trail like you mean it. It’s comfy, durable, and cooler than whatever I wore last trip.
