Whether you're heading out on a day hike or a multi-day trek, being well prepared is essential. Storing your hiking clothes and organising your kit effectively are key factors to get right. It will save you from wasting time or finding yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Here's how to get organised:
Preparing your clothing in advance
After every hike, it's important to put your gear and clothing away properly. This lets you get ahead of your next outing and saves time when you're packing your kit.
First and foremost, it's important to clean your hiking gear after every outing. A quick clean of most kit, your footwear and your more delicate clothing will extend its lifespan. Washing your 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 spreading them across deep drawers so they can breathe. Dedicating several boxes to your kit, sorted by use, is also a good idea. That way you can find exactly what you need when it's time to pack your bag.
Organising your hiking pack
Organising your hiking pack properly lets you distribute the weight evenly and maintain good stability while walking. It also means certain items are more easily accessible when everything is well packed.
When packing your hiking clothes into your bag, the key technique is to roll rather than fold. This helps you make the most of the space in your pack and fill any gaps with your clothing. Try not to overload yourself — take only what you need.
Hiking clothes are usually placed at the front of the pack. They're light and low-density, which helps to cushion heavier items kept against the back. While the bottom of the pack is typically reserved for your sleeping bag, you can also tuck in clothing you might need along the way — a down jacket, for example.
Organising your hiking outfit
The simplest and most effective way to organise your outfit is to follow the three-layer system. This ensures you're wearing clothes that breathe, insulate and protect. It's also important to pack additional items to complement your main outfit: a change of clothes; rain gear (overtrousers and a rain cape, for example); clothing to protect against cold or heat; and an evening/night outfit if you're planning to bivouac.
Packing and organising your hiking outfit — including technical clothing — and planning ahead for conditions such as bad weather will let you complete your hike in the best possible conditions.
