Trail running gear weight calculator
Tick what you carry, adjust the real grams and we show what percentage of your body weight you carry and where to cut.
Your result
Fill in the fields and your result will appear here instantly.
Total weight you carry
– kg
Cut grams without losing safety
Lightweight gear with weight verified on its product page. Check it on Amazon.
- Our pick
LekiLeki Ultratrail FX.One SuperliteThe lightest version of the Ultratrail FX.One: 100% carbon foldable pole, fixed length, with a short Aerogon grip (no extension) and a Shark mesh strap. Around 130 g per pole, one of the lightest race poles on the market. Built for vertical kilometre races and short mountain races.See Leki Ultratrail FX.One Superlite on Amazon(opens in a new tab) - Our pick
Black DiamondBlack Diamond Distance Carbon ZUltralight carbon Z-pole foldable trekking poles. 137 g per pole in 110 cm length, 33 cm folded. EVA grip and adjustable strap. The trail running reference.See Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z on Amazon(opens in a new tab) - Our pick
NNormalNNormal Race VestNNormal's race vest (Kilian Jornet's brand): around 5 litres, a mono-stretch fabric that wraps the torso like a second skin with no chest straps: it fits through the fabric's own stretch. Two soft flasks included. Minimalist philosophy for vertical kilometre races, short races and runners who want to feel nothing on their back. Available in several chest sizes, with a women's-adapted cut option.See NNormal Race Vest on Amazon(opens in a new tab) - Our pick
SalomonSalomon ADV Skin 5The 5-litre version of trail running's most used vest: the same bounce-free SensiFit fit and front pockets as the ADV Skin 12, with two 500 ml soft flasks included. Just enough capacity for 10-30 km races, vertical kilometres and racing where you only carry water, gels and a windbreaker.See Salomon ADV Skin 5 on Amazon(opens in a new tab) - Our pick
INOXTOINOXTO Mochila de Hidratación 5LVery cheap, light 5-litre trail vest with front pockets for soft flasks or bottles and a rear compartment for a reservoir. The cheapest way to start running with a vest instead of a belt, and a direct Amazon alternative to entry-level store-brand packs.See INOXTO Mochila de Hidratación 5L on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
See the vest and pack comparison
Affiliate links: if you buy on Amazon through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never show prices: check them on Amazon.
How it is calculated
- We add up each ticked item; replace the typical values with the real ones from your scale.
- We add water (1 L = 1000 g) and food per unit.
- We compare it to your body weight: under 5 % is light, over 10 % is very heavy.
Thresholds are indicative: in the mountains mandatory gear comes before weight.
Pack weight FAQ
How much should my trail vest weigh?
As a guide, under 8 % of your body weight including water and food; with mountain mandatory gear you may reach 10 %.
Where can I cut the most weight safely?
In poles, vest and spare clothing: they are the big items. Never cut mandatory gear.
Does water count toward total weight?
Yes: a litre is 1 kg. Filling only what you need between aid stations is the easiest way to lighten up.