Whether you're heading out on a day hike or a multi-day trek, being well prepared matters. Packing your hiking clothes and organising your kit efficiently are key steps to getting it right. This will save you from wasting time or ending up in an uncomfortable situation. Here's how to get organised:
Packing your clothes in advance
After every hike, it's important to put away your gear and clothing properly. This lets you get ahead for your next outing and saves time when you're getting your kit ready.
First and foremost, it's important to clean your hiking gear after every outing. A quick clean of most equipment, your shoes and any delicate clothing will extend their lifespan. Washing waterproof-breathable or water-repellent garments — such as your hiking jacket — is also recommended once or twice a season.
To store your hiking clothes, we recommend hanging them on coat hangers or folding them into deep drawers so they can breathe. Dedicating separate boxes to your gear by category is also a great idea — it means you can find exactly what you need when packing your bag.
Organising your hiking pack
Organising your hiking pack properly lets you distribute weight evenly and maintain good stability while walking. It also makes certain items far easier to access when everything is packed correctly.
When packing your hiking clothes, the technique is to roll rather than fold. This helps you optimise space in your pack and fill any gaps with your clothing. Be careful not to overload yourself — pack only what you need.
Hiking clothes are generally placed at the front of the pack. They are light and low-density, which helps to stabilise the heavier items carried against your back. While the bottom of the pack is usually reserved for the sleeping bag, you can also tuck in clothing you might need along the way — a down jacket, for example.
Organising your hiking kit
The simplest and most effective way to organise your kit is to follow the three-layer system. This ensures you're wearing breathable, insulating and protective clothing. It's also important to pack certain extra items alongside your main outfit: a change of clothes; rain gear (overtrousers and a rain cape, for example); clothing to protect you from cold or heat; and an evening and night outfit if you plan to bivouac.
Packing and organising your hiking kit — bringing technical clothing and planning ahead for conditions such as bad weather — means you can complete your hike in the best possible conditions.
