You've chosen your destination for your next trek, you're ready in body and mind… And then, a few days before departure, comes the moment when you need to pack your
trekking pack. We all know that sometimes it's a little stressful and frustrating. So here are some tips to help you pack your trekking bag in the most efficient way possible.
We'll assume you're doing a trek with a loaded pack — but even if you're just carrying a day pack, these tips will still come in handy.
How to adjust your trekking pack correctly
The key principle is weight distribution. For the shoulder straps to sit against your shoulders without creating excessive pressure through a see-saw effect, the load must be carried mainly on the lower back and hips.
Here's how to get the right fit:
• Pack the rucksack before making any adjustments.
• Adjust the distance between the shoulder straps and the hip belt. Depending on the brand or pack type, you have two adjustment options:
o Velcro strap system: a Velcro strap slides along a graduated chest plate to set the back height. 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 for fine-tuning and better load absorption.
• Loosen all the straps and buckles on your trekking pack completely.
• Put the pack on as you would for hiking — wearing the right clothing and, above all, your walking shoes.
• Fasten the hip belt around your hips. This section should carry most of the load: the belt should be snug but not too tight (you should still be able to expand your abdomen a few centimetres without discomfort).
• Then adjust the length of the shoulder straps. They should rest on your shoulders to keep the pack in place on your back, without putting too much pressure on your shoulders. Ideally, you should be able to slide a finger under the strap without too much effort.
• On any good trekking pack you'll find "load lifters": these small straps sit at the top of the shoulder straps, sometimes at the bottom. Adjust them to pull the pack closer to your back — but don't over-tighten, or your shoulders will take too much strain.
• Finally, adjust the sternum strap, which gives the load greater stability.
Getting the fit right can be tricky: it helps to have someone assist you, and to test the adjustment on a short hike before fine-tuning based on how it feels. Once properly adjusted, you should have no painful or uncomfortable pressure points.
Packing your trekking bag
Packing your trekking pack correctly is essential for good weight distribution. The first rule to remember: lay your rucksack on the ground to pack it, and place the heaviest items closest to your back. Avoid lateral imbalances by making sure no heavy loads are concentrated on one side. Finally, think about how you'll use each item — things you'll need frequently should stay accessible.
• At the bottom of the pack: the lightest items. On trekking packs with direct bottom access, you can also store clothes you'll need during the day or things you want to reach quickly.
• Close to your back and above the bottom section: the heaviest items.
• In the top section and side pockets: items you'll need during the day, distributing weight evenly between each side pocket.
• Under the lid pocket: keys, documents… Light items you need to access quickly.
• In the lid pocket: fragile items that can't bear weight.
Finally, some things are better attached to the outside of the pack — generally bulky but light items such as a sleeping mat or ground sheet. Make sure they are secured properly so they don't swing around while you walk.
Of course, it's up to you to keep your load as light 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 for packing your trekking bag:
• Compartmentalise your gear: a fabric bag for your clothes, waterproof bags for food…
• Use vacuum compression bags — they're highly practical and save significant volume.
• Always bring a pack cover to protect your bag from the elements, even if it's supposedly waterproof: dealing with a wet pack at the end of the day is never pleasant.
• Finally, when in a group, share common loads and check that you're not carrying duplicates.
As you can see, packing a rucksack isn't complicated. But knowing the basics and avoiding mistakes makes a real difference. Too many people still carry their pack exactly as it came out of the box, without ever thinking about proper adjustment — setting themselves up for unnecessary pain and injury. These tips are general guidelines: adapt your trekking pack to how it feels, fine-tune the fit as you go. That's how you'll achieve a comfortable carry with no needless aches.
