Originally Posted By Hermes (Nick G)
Here's the approximate numbers I think of. I think they're fairly similar to what you'll here elsewhere:

Heavy, unpleasant backpacking - 18+ lbs
Lightweight backpacking - 10-18 lbs
Ultralight - 5-10 lbs
SUL - 3-5 lbs
XUL - <3 lbs (not recommended in any way)



My base weight is 15 lbs, and all in I can run up to 25 with water, food and fuel. (and wine, and fishing gear, and the little birthday cake for my buddy...)

I have never failed to have the lightest pack in the group I hike in, and am consistently labeled "ultralight" by those who apparently have a base weight of 28 judging from the total weights they carry. It is indeed completely arbitrary and subjective...

Heavy and unpleasant for me starts with a base weight of 30. A good backpack does a lot of the work.
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