You have almost certainly already chosen your destination for your next multi-day hiking trip — and the moment to pack your backpack is nearly here. It can often be a source of worry or even frustration. Here are some tips to help you optimise how you load your backpack and set off with as light a back as possible!
We will assume you have already chosen the right backpack you need based on your itinerary and that you already know the method for reducing the weight to carry on a hiking trip !
Fill your backpack with a normal load before making any adjustments.
Adjust the distance between the straps and the lumbar belt of the pack. You generally have two types of adjustment available: a Velcro strap that adjusts on a graduated chest plate, or a tube and sliding rail system. The latter allows fine adjustment and better load cushioning.
Next, loosen absolutely all straps and buckles on your trek pack, then load it onto your back 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 straps so they rest on your shoulders and the pack sits firmly on your back. You should be able to slide a finger under a strap without forcing. Then adjust the small load lifter straps.
Make sure you have no painful or uncomfortable pressure points.
Packing your hiking backpack
Packing your backpack correctly is important to avoid an unbalanced load 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 backpack flat on the ground and avoid lateral imbalances as you pack. Another important rule is that items which need to be handled and accessed frequently must be reachable and stay 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 clothing needed during the day or items you need to reach frequently.
- Close to your back and above the base: the heaviest items.
- In the top section and side pockets: items needed during the day, making sure the weight in each side pocket is roughly equal.
- Below the lid pocket: light items that need to be accessed quickly, such as keys or important documents
- In the lid pocket: all fragile items that cannot have weight placed on top of them.
More tips for packing your backpack
It is advisable to organise your gear carefully: use a fabric bag to store your clothes or waterproof bags to keep your food. Vacuum compression bags will be very handy for saving volume and space in your pack. A rain cover can also protect your backpack from any bad weather — this will save you from dealing with a soaking wet bag at the end of the day. If you are walking in a group, you can also share the load and, most importantly, check that you are not carrying duplicate items — this is a straightforward way to save a little weight.Adjusting your backpack correctly
The guiding principle for adjusting a backpack is load distribution. So that the straps of your pack sit on your shoulders without excessive pressure from a rocking effect, the load must be carried on your lower back and hips. To get the right adjustment for your backpack, follow these steps:Fill your backpack with a normal load before making any adjustments.
Adjust the distance between the straps and the lumbar belt of the pack. You generally have two types of adjustment available: a Velcro strap that adjusts on a graduated chest plate, or a tube and sliding rail system. The latter allows fine adjustment and better load cushioning.
Next, loosen absolutely all straps and buckles on your trek pack, then load it onto your back 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 straps so they rest on your shoulders and the pack sits firmly on your back. You should be able to slide a finger under a strap without forcing. Then adjust the small load lifter straps.
Make sure you have no painful or uncomfortable pressure points.
