Pack weight calculator
Total pack weight and body-weight ratio against day, hut and tent benchmarks.
0.0kg
How much of your body weight
The usual guideline is 10–15% of body weight for a day hike, 15–20% for a hut stay, and 20–25% for tent camping. At 60 kg that is 6–9 kg for a day and 12–15 kg with a tent. Beyond that your pace falls and your knees take the strain on descents. Even experienced hikers treat 30% as the ceiling.
Where the weight is
On a day hike the heaviest single item is water (1.5–2 L is 1.5–2 kg), then the empty pack and insulation. To go lighter, first size your water to the actual hours (see the water calculator), then look at the pack itself: a day pack around 1 kg is standard, and anything over 2 kg is heavy.
Cut this, never that
| Can cut | Never cut |
|---|---|
| Spare clothing beyond one layer | Rain jacket and pants |
| Heavy bottles (use PET or soft flasks) | Headlamp |
| Books, large cameras | Insulation, even in summer |
| Excess food (what you need plus one spare meal) | Map, compass, first aid |
| Fancy cookware on tent trips | Water for the hours planned |
Packing basics
- Heavy items against your back at shoulder-blade height. At the bottom they pull you backwards
- Rain gear, snacks and map on top or in side pockets
- Anything that must stay dry goes in a dry bag. A pack cover alone leaks
Japanese mountain huts have no lockers, and tent sites are often small and steep, so a compact pack is worth the effort.
Recommended gear
キャラバン｜C1_02S
¥15,840 Rakuten price (2026-11-02)★ 4.71 (77)
Japan’s best-selling first hiking boot for 30 years: a wide last that fits most feet, mid-cut ankle support, Gore-Tex, and a sole stiff enough for the Alps in summer.
Best for: First boot; day hikes up to 2,000 m peaks
Weight about 590 g (one boot, 26 cm) Cut Mid Waterproof Gore-Tex Sizes 22.5–30 cm, 3E width 
グレゴリー｜Zulu 30
¥23,100 Rakuten price (2026-11-02)★ 4.85 (27)
A ventilated back panel and a harness that fits most people out of the box. 30 L covers day hikes and a hut night, which makes it the most versatile first pack.
Best for: Day hikes to hut stays; comfort first
Capacity 30 L Weight about 1,200 g Back Suspended mesh, adjustable torso Rain cover Included 
サーマレスト｜Z ライト ソル
¥11,550 Rakuten price (2026-11-02)★ 4.65 (230)
パンクしない折りたたみ式で、休憩時に広げて座れる。断熱の数値（R 値 2.0）は春〜秋のテント泊に十分で、410 g。壊れる心配がないので、最初のマットとしてこれを選んで失敗した話を聞かない。
Best for: 初めてのテント泊。マットの扱いに慣れていない人
R 値 2.0 重さ 410 g（R） 厚さ 2 cm 収納 51 × 13 × 14 cm（外付け前提）
Prices are 2026 guides.