A hiking backpack is your best companion for outdoor trips. Its design and volume adapt to the duration and type of route chosen. However, you need to know how to pack it efficiently to hike comfortably, reduce fatigue, and easily access your gear. Here is how to pack your hiking backpack properly.
The importance of knowing how to pack your hiking backpack
If you have just purchased one of our hiking backpacks, you now need to learn how to pack it before heading into the mountains. Proper organisation ensures you can walk comfortably and safely. To achieve this, do not overload yourself. On average, a backpack should not weigh more than 20% of the wearer's body weight.
To reduce fatigue when hiking, it is essential to know how to distribute the weight and properly adjust your hiking backpack. This keeps you well-balanced, especially on steep trails.
Ultimately, good organisation means quick and easy access to your essentials. Packing your hiking backpack properly means giving every compartment a purpose. This allows you to reach your sun cream, protective jacket or first aid kit without having to unpack everything.
Essential checklist
Day hiking
Packing your hiking backpack for a day outdoors requires a few essentials. Adapt them 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 or windproof protective jacket
- Compass
- Hiking map and GPS
- Sun cream
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or torch
- First aid kit
- Survival blanket
- Whistle
- Insect repellent
- Knife
- Picnic
- Hydration bladder and/or water bottle
- Toilet paper and tissues
- Rubbish bag
- Hand sanitiser
- Binoculars and camera
- Walking poles
- Wallet and ID documents
- Mobile phone
Multi-day hut-to-hut hiking
If you are heading out for a few days with nights in a mountain hut, you can add:
- Spare clothes and underwear
- Sleepwear
- 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 self-sufficient hiking
Finally, for multi-day self-sufficient trips, you must also add all your bivvy gear:
- Tent
- Ground mat or inflatable mattress
- Sleeping bag
- Lighter and matches
- Stove and fuel
- Cook set, cutlery, plates, sponge
- Soap
- Multi-day food supplies
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Roll of cord
- Spare headlamp batteries
- Power bank and spare camera battery
Find out how to choose your hiking backpack.
Optimal hiking backpack organisation
When packing your hiking backpack, distribute the weight so that the centre of gravity stays as close to your body as possible. To do this, the bottom of the pack should be filled with lightweight, bulky, non-fragile gear that is rarely needed while walking. You can pack a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, spare clothes or a pair of lightweight shoes here.
The middle of the pack should hold the heaviest items. Place your hydration bladder and cooking equipment along your back. Your tent fabric and extra clothing can also go in this section.
The top of the pack is ideal for lightweight, 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, shoulder straps and hip belt pockets, which are perfect for carrying your phone, camera, water bottle, sunglasses or energy bars.
Finally, the outside of the pack should hold as little gear as possible. This is reserved for items like a foam sleeping mat or walking poles. This setup ensures you pack your hiking backpack optimally so you can hit the trails with peace of mind.
