What is base weight?

Base weight is everything you carry excluding consumables (food, water, fuel) and items worn on your body. It is the most useful number for comparing pack setups across trips.

Base vs consumable vs worn

Consumables change during a trek. Worn items (boots, trousers) are not in the pack. Starting carried load = known base + starting consumables.

Why pack weight varies by trek

Hut-to-hut packs skip tents and cooking systems. Wild camping packs do not — those categories will naturally be heavier.

How to lighten a pack without removing essentials

Start with optional extras, spare quantities and duplicated electronics. Weather protection, navigation, shelter and first aid stay protected in this tool.