How to Pack a Backpack for Hiking (With Diagrams)

How to Pack a Backpack for Hiking (With Diagrams)

Knowing how to pack a backpack for hiking and camping trips makes expeditions of any length easier and more enjoyable.

I've already written about how to choose a backpack and why it's so important to get it right. However, it should be noted that even the best backpack in the world – poorly packed – can make a hike frustrating at best and disastrous at worst.

Packed efficiently, a backpack can hold an exceptional range of gear and reduce the burden on your back, shoulders and legs. If done right, you can make the most of your time in the wilderness.

It's worth first making a list of what you need and getting all your equipment ready. I'm a little obsessed with it and keep a spreadsheet of what I've brought on previous trips, with the weight of the items included. A bit pedantic and, dare I say it, a bit sad, but it works for me!

How to pack a backpack for hiking

Below I'll take a look at how to pack a backpack for hiking and camping trips.

Pack light

After years of gradually refining my camping and hiking gear, I've finally got it down to a manageable weight. My goal weight is around 12 kg. However, on longer trips or winter trips when I need more food, special equipment and thicker clothing, this can increase to around 15kg (33lb).

It's crucial to stay as light as possible. When I go on summer hikes, I try to be as ruthless as possible when packing. If I'm not sure whether to pack it or not, it won't go in. When it comes down to it, I'm willing to sacrifice my favorite gadgets, food, and personal hygiene to keep my backpack weight to a minimum. Only the ten essentials are safe!

Pack dry

One thing I never leave behind are waterproof dry bags. A wet sleeping bag is as bad as it gets and will make any hike miserable. I usually take three dry bags with me: one for my sleeping bag and inflatable pillow, one for my clothes, and a smaller one for any devices or electronic items I have with me.

The stuff sacks also help you organize the gear in the backpack and keep things in one place. Even if your backpack has a waterproof shell (which mine does), I would still pack my gear in waterproof bags. A rain cover won't protect your gear for long in pouring rain or when you're wading through a river.

Pack well

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Always try to pack the heavier items closer to your back and go lighter as you pack outwards. The following is a good system to use when packing your backpack for hiking.

The system can of course be adapted. For example, on certain trips I sometimes pack my tent in the outside of my bag as I like to be able to set up my tent quickly in bad weather before throwing my gear inside and crawling in - a year-round option in the UK. I spread out the poles, pegs and leaves to balance the weight.

In general, however, the following is a good place to start.

1. Zehn wichtige und persönliche Gegenstände: Füllen Sie den Deckel Ihres Rucksacks mit all den Dingen, die Sie tagsüber oder im Notfall benötigen. Dies kann Ihr Erste-Hilfe-Set, Snacks, Sonnencreme, Stirnlampe und Kamera umfassen.2. Wasserdichte Kleidung: Diese muss schnellstmöglich griffbereit sein und sollte daher ganz oben im Rucksack verstaut werden. Dies sollten immer die letzten Gegenstände sein, die hineingehen.

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1. Essen: Das Essen sollte in der Nähe des oberen Randes Ihres Rucksacks sein, damit Ihr Mittagessen am besten zugänglich ist. Dies kann in einem Packsack oder einem Container/Bärenkanister sein.
2. Kochutensilien: Sie werden Ihre Kochutensilien wahrscheinlich erst brauchen, wenn Sie für den Abend anhalten, damit diese unter Ihr Essen passen. Da es sich im Kernteil der Packung befindet, ist es auch ein guter Platz für andere sperrigere Gegenstände. Ich bewahre auch Dinge wie mein Solarladegerät hier auf.
3. Schlafsack: Dein Schlafsack ist ideal neben deinem Zelt, um das Gewicht auszugleichen. Es sollte immer in einem anderen wasserdichten Beutel sein, um es trocken zu halten.

4. Tent: First, pack your tent in your backpack as it will likely be the largest item you are carrying. Place the tent vertically in your backpack, against the part of the backpack that will rest against your back. This keeps the weight of the tent close to your body. You might even consider breaking down the tent to distribute the weight evenly.

5. Clothing: The bottom of the backpack is ideal for any clothing, of course in another waterproof bag. Smaller items of clothing can be used to unpack the spaces that aren't being filled (although I personally like things in one place with fewer small items in my backpack).

6. Fuel: Unless hiking in extremely hot conditions or in constant direct sunlight, fuel is usually best stored in an outside pocket. It can be held vertically here and will cause less damage if it leaks (consider storing it in a plastic bag). Remember it's there before you throw away your backpack!

7. Water Bottle: This needs to be accessible throughout the day and also helps balance the weight of fuel in the other bag.

8. Loops and External Points: Most backpacks have at least some dedicated tool loops, clasps, or other storage solutions on the outside of the backpack. Objects such as hiking poles, axes, sleeping mats, ropes or crampons can be attached to the outside. However, try to keep it to a minimum as it has the potential to snag on branches or scrape against rocks.

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