Go-Bag Essentials Weight Budget
Enter your body weight and the weight of each category in your go-bag to get a total, check it against the recommended 10–20% body-weight limit, and see where to trim.
Build your weight budget
Enter your weight and the estimated weight for each go-bag category. Leave items at 0 if you're not carrying them.
17.2 lbs total
Within your 10% limit for a 160 lb person.
How to use this calculator
Enter your body weight, then fill in the estimated weight for each category in your go-bag. The tool computes your total and checks it against the standard 10–20% of body weight guideline. The category breakdown shows which items are weighing you down most, useful for deciding where to cut if you're over the limit.
Tips for a lighter bag
- Aim for 10-15% of body weight. Trained hikers can manage 20%, but keep it under that for multi-day carries under stress.
- Water is always the heaviest category. Carry 1-2 liters and plan water sources on your route rather than overloading on carried water.
- Weigh actual gear with a kitchen scale. Estimates are almost always low by 20-30%.
- Heaviest items ride close to your back. Position them near shoulder height to keep your center of gravity forward.
- Audit annually. Gear accumulates. Remove anything you haven't touched in two packing sessions.
The 10-20% rule explained
- 10% of body weight: comfortable for most fitness levels; sustainable over 8+ hours of walking
- 15% of body weight: manageable for average fitness; standard backpacking target
- 20% of body weight: upper limit for fit adults; exhausting for most people beyond 4–6 hours
- Above 25%: risk of injury and rapid exhaustion; only for trained personnel with specific needs
FAQ
Should I include what I'm wearing in the bag weight?
No, the bag weight is what you carry in addition to what you're wearing. Your boots, jacket, and belt carry items are separate from the pack. However, wet clothing dramatically increases carried weight, so factor in weather conditions for your local area.
How much water should I carry?
Plan for 2 liters (4.4 lbs) as your minimum carry, with a filter (like a Sawyer Squeeze at 3 oz) to refill from natural sources. Carrying more than 4 liters is rarely worth the weight unless water sources are genuinely unavailable on your route. Map out water sources before finalizing your water strategy.
What's the lightest way to cover the essentials?
Water filtration instead of carried water, a mylar emergency blanket instead of a sleeping bag, a 1-oz fire kit (lighter + ferro rod + tinder), and a 4 oz meal-replacement bar instead of full MREs. Going ultralight on shelter and sleep system saves the most weight while maintaining core survival capability.
Should kids and elderly family members carry their own bags?
Yes, but adjust weight targets significantly. Children age 8–12 should carry no more than 10–15% of their body weight in a properly fitted child's pack. Elderly adults or those with joint issues should target 7–10%. The goal is that everyone carries something useful without creating a physical liability during evacuation.
How is a go-bag different from a 72-hour kit?
A go-bag is designed for mobility, you grab it and move. A 72-hour kit can be stationary (in a vehicle or closet) and may weigh more because it doesn't need to be carried on foot. A good go-bag should function as your 72-hour kit but remain light enough to carry 5–10 miles if vehicles aren't available.