Even a good backpack can become uncomfortable to carry if it’s packed incorrectly. In this guide, we’ll give you some simple tips and advice on how to pack your backpack, whether you’re heading out on a short day hike or a longer trekking trip.
If you’d like to read more about choosing the right backpack, we’ve also created a separate guide to help you find the best backpack for your needs.
Planning a trip? We’ve also put together a range of packing lists for many different types of adventures.
Take a look at this 30L waterproof backpak here!
Pack What You Need — No More, No Less
Whether you’re packing for your first trip or your hundredth, it’s always smart to have a simple packing list of what you need to bring.
Having a list makes it easier to visualise how much space you’ll need, which in turn helps you choose the right backpack size — or adjust your gear list to fit the pack you already have.
Don’t Pack Too Heavy
There’s a big difference between a backpack you can barely lift and one you can comfortably carry for hours on the trail.
Try not to pack more weight than necessary, and make sure your backpack is designed to handle the load and stress you’re putting on it.
It’s impossible to completely avoid forgetting something now and then, but with a bit of experience, the things you forget tend to become less and less important.
Try to pack as much as possible inside the backpack, rather than letting items dangle from the outside. A simple example is skipping the rain cover if no rain is forecast.
A simple packing list is always a smart place to start.
Pack in the Right Order
Sometimes it can feel like no matter what you need, it always ends up at the bottom of your backpack.
In addition to knowing where your gear is stored — and which pocket it’s in — it’s smart to pack items according to when you’re likely to need them during the day.
Stuff sacks or packing cubes make it much easier to stay organised, and it can be helpful to label them if they’re not transparent.
For example, most people only need their sleeping bag once during the day — when camp is set up and everything is ready for the night — so it can easily be packed at the bottom of the backpack.
On the other hand, your water bottle, pocket knife, toilet paper, and an insulated jacket may be things you reach for several times throughout the day, so these should be packed somewhere easy to access.
Think through how your day is likely to unfold and pack accordingly. Take your lunch out of the main food bag and place it somewhere more accessible than your breakfast supplies for the next few days.
The better you prepare your packing, the easier it will be to find what you need on the go.
Keep the Heaviest Items Close to Your Back
For a well-balanced backpack, the heaviest items should be packed as close to your body as possible.
This helps the backpack feel more like an extension of you, rather than something pulling you backwards, and it keeps your centre of gravity closer to its natural position.
Also make sure the backpack isn’t significantly heavier on one side than the other, as that can force you to compensate with an uneven posture while walking.
The heaviest items should always be packed as close to your back as possible.
Heavy items packed too high in the backpack can make it feel unstable. If your backpack has adjustable load lifters or upper strap adjustments, you can usually fine-tune how close the top of the pack sits to your shoulders.
There should be a little space to allow your back to breathe, but be aware that if the pack sits too loosely, it may sway as you walk and potentially throw off your balance.
This is especially important on steep terrain, where it’s often a good idea to tighten the backpack slightly so it stays closer to your body.
Adjust and Fit Your Backpack Properly
Before every trip, it’s a good idea to adjust your backpack so it fits as well as possible.
Changes in clothing layers and season can affect how the backpack should sit, so it’s worth checking the fit each time you head out.
Make sure the buckles are in good condition and that all zippers, compartments, and straps are intact.
For faster-paced activities, it’s often best to wear the backpack closer to the body for increased stability. For slower hiking, you can usually allow for a bit more airflow and let the pack rest more on the hips.
Choose a backpack that suits both your body and the type of use you have in mind. No single backpack is perfect for every activity, which is why many people choose to own different packs for the activities they do most often.
A Few Quick Tips to Finish
- A rain cover protects both your backpack and its contents from rain, and can also help prevent the pack from snagging on branches and bushes
- Avoid letting gear hang loosely from the outside of the backpack, as it can throw off your balance
- Use stuff sacks or packing cubes, and label them if they’re not transparent
- Keep your headlamp or flashlight easily accessible, ideally in the top lid pocket
- Adjust the backpack properly and make sure you’re using one that fits your back well
- Front or bottom access makes it much easier to reach your gear without unpacking everything
At the end of the day, the most important thing is simply to pack your backpack and get outside.
Check out out backpacks here!