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"It doesn't even feel like I'm wearing a pack!"
Backpack weight is one of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a backpack for hiking. Carrying an overly heavy pack can make your hike miserable and lead to injuries.
Several factors will help you decide how heavy your pack should be and how much weight you can carry. Your choice of pack, especially between an Aarn Pack and a traditional pack, will also make a difference.
Hiking backpacks range from 0.5kg to 3kg (1lb to 6lbs) depending on their volume and their fabrication. While technologies are constantly improving and manufacturers are making lighter and more durable fabrics, it is still (mostly) true that a heavier backpack will be more durable!
Heavier backpacks are made with heavier frames and fabrics, which are more resistant. They will also handle larger loads, so they come in handy if you need to carry heavy loads. These packs also tend to come with more features.
On the other hand, lightweight packs are made with lighter materials and often have fewer features. The features, like gear straps, can often be purchased separately so you can customise your pack with only the attachments and accessories you need.
The Mountain Magic 50 PRO (910g/2lbs + pockets) is our favourite lightweight pack - it is super comfy, balances the weight around your hips and is made of Nylon Gridstop with UHMWPE. If you're after a more durable pack, the Peak aspiration (1.5kg/3.3lbs) or the Featherlite Freedom (1.3kg/2.8lbs + pockets) could easily become your forever packs.
As a rule of thumb, you should carry up to 10% of your bodyweight for day hikes, and up to 20% of your bodyweight for multi-day hikes. For example, if you're 70kg (154lbs), you should be able to comfortably carry up to 7kg (15lbs) for a day hike, and up to 14kg (30lbs) for multiday hikes.
However, these numbers vary depending on your hiking experience, your fitness and any injury you may have. It also varies depending on your pack! Aarn Packs are designed differently to help you carry more weight while reducing the amount of pressure put on your body.
Traditional backpacks tend to feel heavier than they are. The changes in your natural posture (forward lean and shift of the centre of pressure) when you're carrying them will greatly increase the forces put on your body. For example, if your backpack is 10kg (22lbs), the actual weight put on your spine is 116kg (255lbs)!
On the other hand, Aarn Packs and Balance Pockets help spread the load evenly around your body. Some people even say that it doesn't feel like they are carrying a pack!
If you want more details about the science behind this, check out the studies carried out by Tim Grigg from the University of Canterbury and Ray Lloyds from the University of Leeds. (add links here)
There are a few things you can do if you want to reduce the base weight of your pack, ie the weight of the pack without the food and the water.
Unpack all your gear and ask yourself if you've ever used all of the items in front of you. If not, remove it.
When starting hiking, it is very easy at first to pack extra clothing, just in case, but these often take a lot of space and weight. And let's be honest, no one will mind on the trail if you're wearing this T-shirt for the 5th day in a row!
One golden rule though: if it is for your safety (first aid kit, PLB...), keep it, even if you've never used it!
The largest part of your base weight lies in the "Big Three", aka your pack, your tent and your sleep system. While your trusty 4kg (8.8lbs) backpack inherited from your dad has been with you on all your adventures for the past 20 years, technologies have evolved, and some lighter alternatives exist.
While it may be costly at first, it may be worth it in the long run so you can have a more enjoyable time on the trail! And you don't have to update your gear all at once.
We all tend to pack too much when going hiking - no one wants to starve when out in the wilderness! However, extra food will add up to the overall weight of your pack.Carefully plan your meals depending on the number of days you're going out for. How many breakfasts, lunches and dinners? Don't forget the snack breaks!
Keep track of the quantities you're using (yes, spreadsheets can become very handy here!). When back home, you can adjust the quantities depending on how you've felt during the hike. Keep on adjusting until you find your sweet spot.
Remember though, to always pack an extra dehy meal just in case you get stuck and cannot come out of your hike as planned.
To optimise the weight distribution of your backpack, you need to pack the heavy gear close to your body, in the middle of the pack. Lighter gear can go at the bottom and at the top of the pack.
If you're wearing front pockets as well, you can pack the small and heavy items, and all the things you may need while tramping. Water, snacks, first aid kit, headlamp, sunnies, etc, can go in there. 
You can check out Julz's advice here to master the art of packing a pack!