You've almost certainly already chosen your destination for your next multi-day hiking trip — now the time has come to pack your backpack. It can often be a source of stress, even frustration. Here are a few tips to help you optimise how you load your backpack and set off with as light a pack as possible!
We'll assume you have already chosen the right backpack for your needs based on your itinerary, and that you already know the method for reducing the weight you carry on a hiking trip!
Packing your hiking backpack
Packing your backpack properly is important to avoid an unbalanced load that will shift, tire you out and cause injury.
One of the key principles is to put the heaviest items closest to your back first. To position these items, lay your backpack flat on the ground and proceed carefully to avoid lateral imbalances as well.
Another important rule is that items which need to be handled and accessed frequently should be easy to reach and kept near the openings.
Then follow these principles:
- At the bottom of the pack: the lightest items. For trek packs with a direct-access bottom compartment, also place items of clothing useful for the day or things you need to access frequently.
- Close to the back and above the bottom of the pack: the heaviest items.
- In the upper section 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 requiring quick access, such as keys or important documents.
- In the top pocket: all fragile items that cannot be compressed by other weight.
On the outside of the pack, place bulky but light items: a sleeping mat or a foam pad can easily be attached to the dedicated attachment points on your backpack. Make sure they are secure and properly fastened, though.
More tips for packing your backpack
It is advisable to compartmentalise your gear thoroughly: you can use a fabric bag to store your clothing or waterproof bags for food. Vacuum compression bags are very useful for saving volume and space in your pack.
A rain cover can also protect your backpack from bad weather — this will save you from arriving with a soaking wet pack at the end of the day.
If you are hiking in a group, you can also distribute the load and, above all, check that you are not duplicating items — this is a good way to shed a bit of weight.
Adjusting your backpack properly
The guiding principle behind adjusting a backpack is load distribution. For the shoulder straps to sit on your shoulders without excessive pressure from a see-saw effect, the load must be carried by the lower back and hips.
To achieve a proper fit for your backpack, follow these steps:
Load your backpack with a normal load before making any adjustments.
Adjust the distance between the shoulder straps and the lumbar belt of the pack. You generally have two types of adjustment for this: a Velcro strap that adjusts on a graduated sternum plate, or a tube-and-sliding-rail system. The latter allows for fine-tuning and better load cushioning.
Next, loosen absolutely all the straps and buckles on your trek pack, then put your pack on your back wearing your walking outfit and footwear. At this point, 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. Then adjust the small load-lifter straps.
Finally, make sure there are no pressure points causing pain or discomfort.
