How

to

Pack

your

Backpack

for

Hiking:

Tips

&

Tricks

Why is it so important to pack your backpack correctly?

If you’ve ever moved around for an extended period of time with a fully packed backpack , you’ll know how uncomfortable and exhausting it can get after a while. However, with the right packing technique you can ease the strain on your body, and make your overall experience a lot more comfortable and efficient. If your backpack isn’t packed correctly, the weight may not be evenly distributed, which in turn makes carrying everything a lot more strenuous, often even leading to health issues like back pain, soreness, stiffness or injuries. Moreover, a strategically packed backpack is compact in size and firmly balanced, giving you added freedom of movement, as well as reducing the risk of getting stuck in tight passages or on challenging terrain. Plus, all your important stuff is right at hand when you need it – no rummaging around – or emptying everything! – required. Which, let’s face it, also saves a lot of time and hassle if you ever happen to get stuck in a situation that requires quick actions – which could be anything from unexpectedly changing weather conditions to an actual emergency. Plus, with the right packing technique you’ll make sure your belongings are safe and protected against damage while you’re on the go – whether it's your high-end outdoor equipment, expensive electronics, or simply your lovingly prepared snack.

In short: A correctly packed backpack will go a long way in making your outdoor adventure more comfortable – and safer.

How can I distribute the weight evenly inside my backpack?

To make sure everything ends up in the right place, simply follow these golden rules when getting your backpack ready:

• light items at the bottom

Large items with little dead weight, for example sleeping bags or thick jackets, should be placed at the very bottom. That way, you can make sure they’re safely out of the way, and you’ll find it much easier to take care of the next important rule, too:

• heavy items close to your back

Your heaviest equipment, e.g. tent, drinking bottle, food and more, should be stowed in the mid-section of your backpack, close to your back. This is important to ensure the overall load is fairly evenly distributed across your back, which goes a long way in taking some of the strain of your shoulders, as well as preventing the extra weight from throwing you off balance.

Important: If you’re getting ready for a hike on even terrain, the biggest portion of your backpack’s overall weight should be centered on your upper back and shoulders. This complements the slight forward bend when walking, without the weight pulling you down or backward. If you’re planning on climbing, your climbing backpack’s  center of mass should be located toward your mid-back – which will give you full freedom to move your arms and shoulders in any direction you want.

• moderately heavy items in the middle

Fill up the remaining middle section of your backpack with moderately heavy items – including, for example, clothing, shoes, cosmetics or larger electronic devices like laptops. This will give your backpack added stability, and prevent it from getting too heavy – important if you want to avoid being dragged up or down by the extra weight.

• small items/clutter at the very top

Small items that you need to be able to access quickly (e.g. cell, first aid kit, wallet) should be stored at the very top, ideally within the flap compartment. Everything else can be spread out across the side pockets of your backpack.

• avoid uneven weight distribution

Always make sure your backpack is evenly balanced. If the weight is concentrated on one side, it will put an unnatural strain on your muscles, which subsequently increases the likelihood of soreness, even injuries. Moreover, a backpack where the weight is unevenly distributed can quickly throw you off balance, and pull you to one side – a no-no when you’re navigating a downhill slope.

• put everything inside your backpack

Everything you want to take on your outdoor adventure should fit into your backpack. In exceptional circumstances, it can sometimes make sense to attach clunky items like backpacks or tent poles on the outside, but this should never be the rule.

• think compact and well-balanced

Once you’ve put everything in your backpack, use the straps on the outside to compress the load, and to hold everything firmly in place. This is important for making sure that nothing can move around and throw you off balance mid-hike, or make carrying your backpack super uncomfortable. Also: A compact, well-balanced backpack will feel a lot lighter on your back.

• keep an eye on the overall weight

Take the time to weigh your backpack before heading out for your next adventure. Under no circumstances should it weigh more than a quarter of your own body weight – max. This will prevent excessive strain on your back muscles, which usually causes tiredness and can also increase the risk of injury.

How to pack light

So now you know where in your backpack you should place heavy, light and small items. But what should you actually take with you, and what can safely be left at home? Here’s a number of handy tips and tricks that will help you stick to the essentials:

• your equipment has priority

Think long and hard about what you really need for your adventure, and ditch everything you’d normally pack for those classic “just in case” situations. The best way to go about it: Make a list, go through it again, and cross everything off that you really won’t need.

• opt for multifunctional equipment

Try to focus on items that can be used in a number of different ways – neck gaiters , for example, make for a great scarf, headband or even an emergency bandage, while a light, foldable daypack  can double as a cushion. This is a great way to further cut down the numbers.

• choose lightweight materials

Invest in lightweight, yet high-quality outdoor equipment . Modern materials like titanium, aluminium or ultra-lightweight plastic will go a long way in seriously reducing the overall load.

• be smart with your outfit choices

Pick versatile and quick-drying performance wear , and always keep the principle of dressing in layers in mind: Pieces of clothing that allow for quick and easy layering will give you all the flexibility you need when faced with changing weather conditions, while also helping you reduce the number of pieces you actually need to carry around. Plus, check whether there might be places to wash your clothes somewhere along the way – meaning you’ll have to pack even less!

• packsacks are your friend

Packsacks and compression bags are very useful companions for both outdoor sports and travelling. They’ll help you keep your things organized, as well as make it easy to fit a lot into very limited space. Waterproof models will also protect your belongings from getting wet – whether because of a downpour, wet clothing, or a leaking water bottle.

• ration your food and snacks

While food is a necessity, supplies often take up the most space, and add a lot of extra weight to the overall load – especially tinned food, snacks in clunky packaging or those with a high percentage of water. So before you hit the great outdoors, opt for light, nutritious and high-energy consumables like nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars.

• streamline your water supply

Find out whether you’ll be able to refill your water bottle along your chosen route to save you the hassle of having to drag around copious amounts of water. Even water filters and disinfectant tablets are much lighter than several full bottles, and will do the job as well if called upon. Foldable water bottles and hydration bladders are also a great alternative, as they take up barely any space when they’re empty.

• only take electronic devices you absolutely can’t do without

Consider which devices you’ll actually need when you’re out and about – your smartphone can double as a watch, camera or notebook, for example. Powerbanks and charging cables should also be as small and lightweight as possible.

By the way: If you’ve got a longer hike planned, make sure to check out our handy checklist for backpacking essentials. Plus, we’ve also got a full guide on how much your backpack should weigh so you’re fully prepared for your next adventure.

The lowdown: How to pack your backpack

Packing your backpack the right way always takes thought and preparation. Nonetheless: It’s always worth investing the extra time because it’ll make your trip all the more comfortable – and safer, too! By evenly distributing the weight, storing all your important items in easily accessible places, and limiting your equipment to the absolute essentials, carrying your backpack will require a lot less effort, while also reducing the risk of injury. Smart packing strategies, as well as choosing multifunctional equipment and lightweight materials, will go a long way in reducing the overall load – making future outdoor adventures even better than before. Allez!