Backpack Weight Calculator | Find Your Perfect Pack

Backpack weight calculator.

Packing right isn’t just about weight. It’s about efficiency, comfort, and choosing a pack that works with you, not against you. Whether you are heading out for a quick ascent, a weekend in the wild, or an extended expedition, the right pack makes all the difference.

Use this backpack calculator to:

  • Understand your base weight and how it affects movement.

  • Get a personalized pack recommendation based on your trip.

  • Learn how to optimize your load for greater comfort and endurance.

Step 1: Define Your Trip

Trip Duration
Activity Type

Why pack weight matters.

We design our packs for mountain people, those who move fast, push limits and rely on their kit in remote, rugged terrain. A well-balanced pack can mean the difference between a strong summit push and an energy-sapping grind.

Every gram matters. As accomplished fastpacker Abelone Lyng shares,"You might think that 100g here or there doesn't matter that much, but the extra 10, 20, or 50 grams all add up."

Her experience highlights the impact of careful pack weight management:

  • For seven days of hut-to-hut running, she keeps her pack to just 4kg.

  • For two days of fastpacking with a tent, she carries as little as 6kg.

  • The lighter your gear, the easier it is to pack, and move efficiently.

Our guide to fastpacking explores these principles in more detail, helping you refine your pack weight strategy for fast, efficient travel.

Find the right pack for your adventure.

Your pack is more than just storage. It is the foundation of your movement. The right size means more efficiency, less strain, and better endurance, whether you're covering ground quickly, carrying a full kit for days, or moving through technical terrain.

Choosing the right pack means balancing volume and weight to match your needs. Whether you need a stripped-back fastpacking pack, a stable trekking pack, or a high-capacity expedition pack, we build packs that move with you.

Fast and light.

Pack volume: 3 to 30L

Best for: Trail running, fastpacking, ultralight missions

For short, high-output efforts, a 3 to 12L pack carries only the essentials like hydration, fuel, and a lightweight shell. If you are pushing further, covering long distances at speed, or planning a multi-day fastpacking trip, an 18 to 30L pack provides enough storage for ultralight overnight missions. These packs work best with loads under 16kg, keeping you agile yet prepared.

Two people trekking up a mountain wearing day hiking packs.
Hiking and trekking.

Pack volume: 18 to 60L

Best for: Day hikes, multi-day trips, remote trekking

For day hikes, an 18 to 40L pack offers space for layers, food, and safety gear. For multi-day trekking, a 35 to 60L pack provides enough volume for a sleeping system, extra layers, and food while keeping weight manageable. If you are heading into remote, unsupported terrain, a 60L+ pack gives you the capacity needed for self-sufficient travel. These packs carry 7 to 19kg comfortably, keeping your load balanced on long trails.

Two climbers on a mountains wearing Rab gear and climbing packs.
Technical and alpine.

Pack volume: 20 to 50L

Best for: Climbing, ski touring, mountaineering

Technical missions require specialized packs. If you are climbing or mountaineering, a 20 to 50L pack provides the right balance of volume and stability, with space for a rope, harness, and technical gear without restricting movement.

For ski touring, a 20 to 30L pack fits avalanche gear, layers, and backcountry essentials, while multi-day touring requires a 30 to 45L pack to accommodate extra kit. These packs are built for moderate weight loads between 7 and 19kg, ensuring efficient movement in technical environments.

A man walking through jungle terrain wearing a Rab trekking pack.
Expedition and long-haul.

Pack volume: 50 to 120L

Best for: Multi-week expeditions, remote travel, heavy loads

For extended backcountry travel or multi-week expeditions, a 60 to 120L pack provides the storage and support needed for carrying a full load over long distances. These high-capacity packs are designed for long-haul comfort, durability, and gear organization, helping you move efficiently even with heavier loads. Designed for 12 to 28kg, they provide the structure and stability required for demanding environments.