Assuming things are otherwise equal I typically choose to use the narrowest webbing that will work in my buckles….to save weight.
A recent weighing of some webbing samples suggests that my assumption needs to be reconsidered.
I measured three samples of nylon webbing and found the following:
3/8" wide = 9 grams per yard
1/2" wide = 8 grams per yard
5/8" wide = 7 grams per yard
Each sample was a bit different from the others but they were all of sufficient thickness to work well in buckles.
At this rate of weight decrease per width I think 1.5" wide webbing might weigh near zero grams. Haven't verified this, however.
Makes my back hurt to think that I might have chosen to carry several yards of the needlessly heavy 3/8" stuff by incorporating it into one of my backpack projects.

