You've most likely already chosen your destination for your next multi-day hiking trip — now it's nearly time to pack your rucksack. This can often be a source of stress, even frustration. Here are some tips to help you optimise how you load your rucksack and set off with a lighter back!
We'll assume you've already chosen the right rucksack for your itinerary and that you're already familiar with the method for reducing the weight you carry on a hiking trip!
Packing your hiking rucksack
Packing your rucksack properly is important to avoid an unbalanced pack that will shift, tire you out and cause injury.
One of the key principles is to place the heaviest items closest to your back first. To position these items, lay your rucksack flat on the ground and work carefully to avoid lateral imbalances as well.
Another important rule is that items you need to access and remove frequently should be easily reachable and kept near the openings.
Then follow these principles:
- At the bottom of the pack: the lightest items. On trek packs with direct access to the base compartment, you can also place clothes useful for the day or items you need to reach frequently.
- Close to your back and above the base of the pack: the heaviest items.
- In the upper part of the pack and in the side pockets: items useful for the day, making sure each side pocket carries an equivalent weight.
- Below the top pocket: light items that need to be quickly accessible, such as keys or important documents.
- In the top pocket: all fragile items that cannot bear the weight of anything else on top of them.
On the outside of the pack, it is better to attach bulky but lightweight items: a sleeping mat or foam mat can be secured to the dedicated attachment points on your rucksack. Make sure they are firmly attached so they don't move around.
More tips for packing your rucksack
It is advisable to organise your belongings into compartments: you can use a fabric bag to store your clothes or waterproof bags for food. Vacuum bags will be very useful for saving volume and space in your pack.
A pack cover can also protect your rucksack from bad weather, saving you from arriving at camp with a soaking wet pack.
If you're walking in a group, you can also share the load and, above all, make sure you're not duplicating items — this is a great way to save a bit of weight.
Adjusting your rucksack correctly
The guiding principle behind adjusting a rucksack is load distribution. So that the shoulder straps sit snugly on your shoulders without excessive pressure from a lever effect, the load should be carried by the lower back and hips.
To achieve the right fit for your rucksack, follow these steps:
Pack your rucksack with a normal load before making any adjustments.
Adjust the distance between the shoulder straps and the lumbar belt. You generally have two types of adjustment available: a Velcro strap on a graduated panel, or a tube-and-sliding-rail system. The latter allows fine-tuning and better load absorption.
Next, fully loosen all the straps and buckles on your trek pack, then put it on wearing your walking outfit and shoes. Then adjust the hip belt around your hips. It should be snug but not too tight (you should be able to expand your abdomen by a few centimetres without discomfort).
Finally, adjust the length of the shoulder straps so they rest on your shoulders and the pack sits properly on your back. You should be able to slide a finger under the strap without forcing it. Then adjust the load-lifter straps.
Finally, make sure there are no painful pressure points or areas causing discomfort.
