How Heavy Should Your Daypack Be? | Gear For Older Hikers, by Hiking Over 60 with Yolanda on YouTube. 17 min 53 s.
- Video length
- 17 min 53 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Empty the pack and lay every item on the floor. Weigh the whole load on a bathroom scale, then compare it with your own body weight.
Count your water as part of that weight. One litre weighs about one kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, so carry only what you will drink before you can refill.
Keep the safety items in the pack no matter what: first aid kit, whistle, emergency blanket, rain poncho and a headlamp.
Check the forecast and swap gear to match. For wet weather add a rain poncho, a dry bag for your phone and spare socks.
If the pack is still too heavy, take out duplicates, extra clothing layers and any gadget you would not use on a short walk.
Pack the heavy items, like water and food, against your back and around the middle of the pack so the weight sits on your hips.
Put light bulky items such as a spare fleece at the bottom, and keep rain gear, snacks and your map in the top pocket or lid.
Lift the pack with bent knees, then fasten and tighten the hip belt first, followed by the shoulder straps and the sternum strap.
Tips and common mistakes
A common starting point for a daypack is about 10 percent of your body weight, so a 70 kg hiker carries roughly 7 kg.
Water is usually the heaviest thing you carry, so plan refill points and bring a filter instead of hauling a full day's supply.
Never cut the whistle, emergency blanket or first aid kit to save weight.
Loosen the shoulder straps before you lift the pack, then tighten the hip belt first so the load rests on your hips, not your shoulders.
Questions
How heavy should a daypack be for a day hike?
Most hikers do well at around 10 percent of their body weight, including water. Older or less experienced hikers often feel better closer to 5 to 7 kg.
What should I add for wet weather?
Pack a rain poncho or jacket, a dry bag or zip bag for your phone and electronics, and a spare pair of socks. Keep the rain gear in the top pocket so you can reach it without unpacking.
Should I pack water at the bottom of the pack?
No. Water is heavy, so keep it close to your back and near the middle of the pack. That keeps the load balanced and stops the pack pulling you backwards.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
