Free backpacking pack planner

Build your gear list, see where the weight adds up and keep your equipment with your hiking plan. HikeLoad brings your route, gear and food together for a multi-day trip.

Calculate your base weight — get a quick estimate without signing in.

Open your gear planner — sign in to manage your gear.

From a quick estimate to an item-by-item list

1. Add the weights of your pack, shelter, sleep system and other equipment in the base weight calculator.
2. Use your own measurements where possible. Look up missing weights in the gear weight database, checking the model and size.
3. Organise the gear you own and choose what comes along on your hike.
4. Plan food separately, so you can see how consumables affect the load you carry.

Keep base weight and consumables separate

Base weight counts the equipment in your pack, excluding food, water and fuel. It also excludes the clothes and shoes you wear. Add the consumables you actually carry to calculate your loaded pack weight for that stage.

For a first food-weight estimate, use the backpacking food weight calculator. Check the labels on the food you choose and weigh the packed menu before leaving.

Plan around your trip

Your equipment choices depend on the route, weather, overnight stops and resupply opportunities. Use your trip plan to keep daily stages, gear and food together.

Read Ray's Sörmlandsleden trip report for a real example of a multi-day hike, including a link to the shared day-by-day plan.

Which tool should I use?

I only want to add up my pack weight

Use the base weight calculator for a quick total by equipment group.

I want to organise my gear for future trips

Use the gear planner to manage individual items and choose the equipment for your hike.

Can I view a plan before creating an account?

The trip report above links to a public, read-only plan. The calculators are also available without signing in.