You've chosen your destination for your next trek, you're ready in mind and body… and then, a few days before departure, comes the moment when you have to pack your trekking pack. We can all agree that it can sometimes be a little stressful and frustrating. So here are a few tips to help you pack your trekking pack in the most effective way possible.
We assume you are going on a trek with a full pack, but even if the bag you're carrying is a day pack, these tips will always be useful.
Adjusting your trekking pack correctly
The key principle is load distribution. So that the straps of your trekking pack sit on your shoulders without exerting excessive pressure through a lever effect, the load should be carried primarily on the lower back and hips.
Here is how to achieve a proper fit
• Fill the pack before making any adjustments.
• Adjust the distance between the shoulder straps and the lumbar belt of the pack. To do this, you have two types of adjustment (depending on the brand or type of pack):
o Velcro strap system: a Velcro strap adjusts on a graduated back panel and allows the back height to be set. This strap effectively wraps around the shoulder straps.
o Tube and sliding rail system. The shoulder straps slide along rails and lock at the desired height. This system allows fine adjustment and better cushioning of the pack's load.
• Loosen absolutely all the straps and buckles on your trekking pack.
• Put the pack on your back in your walking configuration — that is, wearing your appropriate clothing and, most importantly, your walking shoes.
• Adjust the hip belt around your hips. This section should take the bulk of the load: the strap should be snug but not too tight (you still need to be able to expand your abdomen by a few centimetres without discomfort).
• Then adjust the length of the shoulder straps. They should rest on your shoulders so that the pack sits properly on your back, without the pressure felt at shoulder level being too great. Ideally, you should be able to slide a finger under the strap without too much effort.
• On any good trekking pack you will find "load lifters": these small straps are located at the top of the shoulder straps or sometimes at the bottom. Adjust them to pull the pack closer to your back. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this will put too much strain on your shoulders.
• Finally, adjust the chest strap, which provides greater stability to the load.
Adjusting your pack can sometimes be tricky: it is advisable to get help from another person and to test the fit on a short hike, then adjust based on how it feels. By the end of the adjustment process, you should have no painful pressure points or anything causing discomfort.
Packing your trekking pack
Packing your trekking pack correctly is essential for good weight distribution. The first rule to remember: lay your pack flat on the ground to fill it and place the heaviest items closest to your back. Also avoid lateral imbalances by making sure you don't place too much weight on one side. Finally, think about how you'll use each item: things that need to be taken out frequently should remain easily accessible.
• At the bottom of the pack: the lightest items. On trekking packs that allow direct access to the bottom compartment, you can also place clothing you'll need during the day, or items you want to have to hand quickly.
• Close to your back and above the bottom of the pack: the heaviest items.
• In the upper section of the pack and in the side pockets: items you'll need during the day, distributing the weight evenly between each side pocket.
• Under the top pocket: keys, documents… light items that need to be quickly accessible.
• In the top pocket: fragile items that cannot bear weight.
Finally, there are always items that are better attached to the outside of the pack: these will generally be bulky but lightweight items such as a sleeping mat or foam pad. Make sure they are secured firmly so they don't swing around while walking.
Of course, it is up to you to limit your load as much as possible: you can find our advice on the matter here, but as a general rule, keep in mind that the ideal limit not to exceed is a quarter of your body weight.
A few final tips and tricks for packing your trekking pack:
• Make sure you compartmentalise your belongings: a fabric bag for your clothes, waterproof bags for food…
• Use vacuum compression bags — very practical and they will save you volume.
• Use a rain cover to protect your pack from the elements, even if it is rated waterproof: handling a wet pack at the end of the day's stage is always unpleasant.
• Finally, when travelling in a group, share out certain communal items and make sure above all that you are not carrying duplicates.
As you can see, packing a rucksack is not complicated. But it is very useful to know the basic principles and, above all, to avoid making mistakes. We still see too many people carrying their rucksack exactly as they bought it, without ever considering an optimal fit — risking painful aches and injuries as a result. These tips are of course general guidelines: it is up to you to adapt your trekking pack to how it feels, and to make fine adjustments as you go out more. That is how you will achieve a comfortable carry — and above all, one free of unnecessary pain!
