The hiking backpack is the ultimate companion for outdoor adventures. Its design and volume adapt to the duration and type of route chosen. However, you need to learn how to organise it properly so you can walk comfortably, reduce fatigue and access your gear easily. Here is how to pack your hiking backpack properly.
Why knowing how to pack your hiking backpack matters
If you have just purchased one of our hiking backpacks, you now need to learn how to pack it before heading into the mountains. Good organisation means walking comfortably and safely. To do this, you must not overload it. On average, a backpack should not weigh more than 20% of the carrier's body weight.
To reduce fatigue on the trail, it is essential to know how to distribute the load and adjust your hiking backpack properly. This helps you stay balanced, especially on steep terrain.
Finally, good organisation means quick and easy access to your essentials. Packing your hiking backpack well means every sleeve has a purpose. You can then reach your sunscreen, protective jacket or first aid kit without having to unpack everything.
Essentials checklist
Day Hiking
Packing a hiking backpack for a day outdoors requires a few essentials. These should be adjusted according to the season, temperatures and weather conditions. We recommend bringing:
- Thermal Base layers
- T-shirt for hiking
- Shorts or hiking trousers
- Hiking Socks
- Neck warmer and gloves
- Cap, hat or beanie
- Hiking Shoes
- Fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof or windproof protective jacket
- Compass
- Hiking map and GPS
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or pocket torch
- First aid kit
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
- Insect repellent
- Knife
- Picnic
- Hydration bladder and/or water bottle
- Toilet paper and tissues
- Waste bag
- Hand sanitiser gel
- Binoculars and camera
- Trekking poles
- Wallet and ID documents
- Mobile phone
Multi-day Hiking — hut to hut
If you are heading out for a few days with nights in a mountain hut, you can add:
- Spare clothing and base layers
- Sleeping clothes
- Sandals or lightweight shoes
- Overtrousers
- Poncho or rain cape
- Sleeping bag liner
- Wash bag
- Microfibre towel
- Meals for several days (if not included)
- Earplugs
- Phone charger
Multi-day Hiking — self-sufficient
Finally, for several days of self-sufficient travel, you also need to add all the bivvy gear:
- Tent
- Ground mat or inflatable sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Lighter and matches
- Stove and fuel
- Cooking pot, cutlery, plates, sponge
- Soap
- Supplies for several days
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Roll of string
- Spare headlamp batteries
- Power bank and spare camera battery
Check out how to choose your hiking backpack.
Optimal hiking backpack organisation
When packing a hiking backpack, it is advisable to distribute the weight so that the centre of gravity sits as close as possible to the body. To do this, the bottom of the pack should be filled with lightweight, bulky, non-fragile items that you won't need during the walk. You can fit in a sleeping bag, a ground mat, spare clothing or a pair of lightweight shoes.
The middle of the pack is where the heaviest items go. You can place a hydration bladder and cooking equipment along your back. The tent and extra clothing can also find their place in this section.
The top of the pack can hold all lightweight and fragile items that need to be easily accessible. This includes your protective jacket, overtrousers, first aid kit or water filter. The same applies to the side pockets, straps or belt pocket, which can carry your phone, camera, water bottle, sunglasses or energy bars.
Finally, the outside of the pack should carry as little gear as possible. This is where the foam ground mat or trekking poles go. This organisation allows you to pack your hiking backpack optimally so you can head out onto the trails with confidence.
