Backpacking pack planner

Build your pack list, edit it, and send it to your hiking partner as one link: no account, they edit their own copy. Base, worn and consumable weight total up as you go, from maker or retailer listings, and you can add your own items. Starting from zero? Use the backpacking checklist or get a complete pack from Start Here.

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Tap + to add — each item files into the right section automatically.

Your pack is empty

Search the gear catalog and hit the ＋ to add items. Your base weight and breakdown update as you go.

Tap “Add gear” above to get started.

Base weight, explained

What is base weight?: Base weight is everything in your pack except consumables (food, water and fuel) and the clothes you are wearing. It is the number backpackers compare because it does not change from day to day on a trip.
What counts as ultralight?: Common thresholds are: traditional above 20 lb (9 kg) base weight, lightweight 10–20 lb, ultralight under 10 lb (4.5 kg), and super-ultralight under 5 lb. They are conventions, not rules: the right number depends on the season, terrain and trip.
Can I see my pack weight in grams or kilograms?: Yes. Switch the unit above your list between ounces, grams, pounds and kilograms: every item, the totals and the target follow, and a weight you type for your own item is read in the unit shown.
Where do the gear weights come from?: Each product carries the weight its maker publishes wherever the maker publishes one, otherwise a retailer listing's; the product page shows the source where one is recorded. You can also add your own items with your own measured weights.
Can I bring a gear list I already have?: Yes. Export your list as a CSV from the spreadsheet or gear app you use now and use Import here. Your categories and weights are kept, items are matched to the products we list, and The Shakedown can audit the result.

How does your number compare? How much should a backpacking pack weigh — median published weights for the tents, sleeping bags, pads and packs we track.

Finished your list? Run The Shakedown for an audit of its weight and sleep system, or browse example gear lists.

Backpacking pack planner

Base weight, explained

What is base weight?

Base weight is everything in your pack except consumables (food, water and fuel) and the clothes you are wearing. It is the number backpackers compare because it does not change from day to day on a trip.

What counts as ultralight?

Common thresholds are: traditional above 20 lb (9 kg) base weight, lightweight 10–20 lb, ultralight under 10 lb (4.5 kg), and super-ultralight under 5 lb. They are conventions, not rules: the right number depends on the season, terrain and trip.

Can I see my pack weight in grams or kilograms?

Yes. Switch the unit above your list between ounces, grams, pounds and kilograms: every item, the totals and the target follow, and a weight you type for your own item is read in the unit shown.

Where do the gear weights come from?

Each product carries the weight its maker publishes wherever the maker publishes one, otherwise a retailer listing's; the product page shows the source where one is recorded. You can also add your own items with your own measured weights.

Can I bring a gear list I already have?

Yes. Export your list as a CSV from the spreadsheet or gear app you use now and use Import here. Your categories and weights are kept, items are matched to the products we list, and The Shakedown can audit the result.

How does your number compare? How much should a backpacking pack weigh — median published weights for the tents, sleeping bags, pads and packs we track.

Finished your list? Run The Shakedown for an audit of its weight and sleep system, or browse example gear lists.