The hiking rucksack is the best companion for outdoor adventures. Its design and volume adapt to the length and type of route chosen. You do need to learn how to organise it properly so you can walk comfortably, reduce fatigue and access your gear with ease. Here's how to pack your hiking rucksack properly.
Why knowing how to pack your hiking rucksack matters
If you have just got one of our hiking rucksacks, it's time to learn how to pack it before heading into the mountains. Good organisation means walking comfortably and safely. To do that, you must not overload it. On average, a rucksack should weigh no 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 rucksack correctly. This keeps you balanced, especially on steep terrain.
Finally, good organisation means quick and easy access to your essentials. Packing your hiking rucksack well means every compartment 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 your hiking rucksack for a day out requires a few essentials. These will need to be adjusted according to the season, temperatures and weather conditions. We recommend taking:
- Thermal base layers
- Hiking t-shirt
- Hiking shorts or trousers
- Hiking socks
- Neck warmer and gloves
- Cap, hat or beanie
- Hiking boots
- Fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof protective jacket or windbreaker
- Compass
- Hiking map and GPS
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Head torch or pocket torch
- First aid kit
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
- Insect repellent
- Knife
- Picnic
- Hydration bladder and/or water bottle
- Toilet paper and tissues
- Rubbish bag
- Hand sanitiser gel
- Binoculars and camera
- Trekking poles
- Wallet and ID documents
- Mobile phone
Multi-day hiking with mountain hut stays
If you're heading out for a few days with nights in a mountain hut, you can add:
- Spare clothes and underwear
- Sleeping clothes
- Sandals or lightweight shoes
- Overtrousers
- Poncho or rain cape
- Sleeping bag liner
- Toiletry bag
- Microfibre towel
- Meals for several days (if not provided)
- Earplugs
- Phone charger
Multi-day self-supported hiking
Finally, for multi-day self-supported trips, you also need to add all your 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 batteries for head torch
- Power bank and spare camera battery
Check out how to choose your hiking rucksack.
Optimal hiking rucksack organisation
When packing your hiking rucksack, it is advisable to distribute weight so that the centre of gravity sits as close to your body as possible. To do this, the bottom of the pack should be filled with lightweight, bulky, less fragile items that you won't need during the walk. You can fit a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, spare clothes or a pair of lightweight shoes.
The middle of the pack is where the heaviest items go. Place a hydration bladder and cooking equipment along your back. The tent body and extra clothing can also find their place in this section.
The top of the pack can hold all the lightweight and fragile items that need to be easily accessible. This includes the protective jacket, overtrousers, first aid kit or water filter. The same goes for the side pockets, shoulder straps or hip belt pocket, which can carry your phone, camera, water bottle, sunglasses or energy bars.
Finally, the outside of the pack should carry as little as possible. This is the place for a foam sleeping mat or trekking poles. This organisation allows you to pack your hiking rucksack optimally, so you can head out on the trails with complete peace of mind.
