Tell me more ×
The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people who love outdoor activities, excursions, and outdoorsmanship. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 6 down vote favorite

In ultralight or lightweight hiking, "pack weight" is a very common number to discuss. What does pack weight exclude? Is it limited to just what's in your pack, or does it also include clothes, shoes, etc.

share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 6 down vote accepted

There are a few common measures that I've seen:

  • Full Skin Out - we're talking everything you're wearing, everything in your pack, food, water, fuel
  • Base Weight - everything in your pack, minus "consumables" like food, water, fuel
  • Worn Weight - stuff on you, like clothes, shoes, hiking poles, whistle around your neck, etc
share|improve this answer
2  
I wasn't even aware there were different measures! – Russell Steen♦ Feb 15 '12 at 22:55
1  
Ultralighters get very particular about these details and how they are measured. After all, if you're going to be cutting the end off your toothbrush and drying out pieces of toothpaste to store in baggies, you're probably going to need some obsessive traits to help you through... – Greg.Ley Feb 16 '12 at 18:51
up vote 3 down vote

From Hikingwebsite.com:

Base Pack Weight - Weight of pack and gear carried in the pack, but no consumables

Total Base Weight - Base pack weight plus weight of clothes worn and gear not carried in the pack

Total Pack Weight - Base pack weight plus the weight of consumables (food, water, and fuel)

Total Weight - Weight of everything, or total pack weight plus the weight of clothes worn and gear not carried in the pack, or the weight of everything you take with you whether worn or carried

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.