## How Much Weight Should You Carry When Hiking?
Hiking is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and see some amazing scenery. But if you’re not careful, you can easily end up carrying too much weight on your hike. This can lead to fatigue, discomfort, and even injuries.
So how much weight should you carry when hiking? The answer depends on a number of factors, including:
* **Your fitness level:** If you’re not in good shape, you’ll need to carry less weight than someone who is.
* **The length of your hike:** If you’re going on a short hike, you can get away with carrying more weight than if you’re going on a long hike.
* **The terrain:** If you’re hiking on flat trails, you can carry more weight than if you’re hiking on steep trails.
* **The weather:** If you’re hiking in hot weather, you’ll need to carry more water than if you’re hiking in cold weather.
As a general rule of thumb, you should try to keep your pack weight below 20% of your body weight. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should aim to carry no more than 30 pounds on your hike.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you’re going on a short hike on flat trails, you may be able to carry more weight. And if you’re going on a long hike in hot weather, you’ll need to carry more water.
Here are some tips for packing your backpack:
* **Start by packing the essentials:** This includes food, water, a first-aid kit, and a map.
* **Add items you’ll need for your specific hike:** This may include things like rain gear, extra clothing, or a camera.
* **Pack heavy items at the bottom of your pack:** This will help to keep your center of gravity low and make your pack more comfortable to carry.
* **Use compression straps to keep your pack contents from shifting:** This will help to prevent discomfort and injuries.
If you’re not sure how much weight you should carry on your hike, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. It’s better to carry too little weight than too much weight.
## What to Pack
The following is a list of essential items that you should pack for every hike:
* Food
* Water
* A first-aid kit
* A map
* A compass
* A flashlight
* A whistle
* Toilet paper
* Hand sanitizer
* Sunscreen
* Sunglasses
* A hat
* Rain gear
* Extra clothing
* A camera
## What Not to Pack
The following is a list of items that you should not pack for a hike:
* Anything heavy or bulky
* Anything fragile
* Anything valuable
* Anything that you don’t need
## How to Carry Your Pack
The best way to carry your pack is on your back, with the straps adjusted so that the pack fits snugly and comfortably. You should also use the hip belt to help distribute the weight of the pack.
If you’re carrying a heavy pack, you may want to use a trekking pole to help you balance. Trekking poles can also help to reduce the strain on your knees and ankles.
## Conclusion
Hiking is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and see some amazing scenery. But if you’re not careful, you can easily end up carrying too much weight on your hike. This can lead to fatigue, discomfort, and even injuries.
By following the tips in this article, you can help to ensure that you carry the right amount of weight on your next hike.