Packing a hiking backpack is an art form, and it is more than just stuffing everything into the backpack. The right way to pack can ensure that you stay comfortable, balanced, and safe during your trip. A good packing strategy can help you maximize the fun of hiking and reduce unnecessary fatigue and risks. I will provide you with packing tips and strategies based on experience to help you become a professional backpacker.
1.Hiking Backpack Packing Principles
1.1 Balance the weight for comfort
The center of gravity principle is the core of packing. Heavy objects should be kept as close to the body as possible, especially the hips. This not only reduces the pressure on the shoulders, but also keeps the backpack balanced. Imagine that if the heavy objects are placed on the top of the backpack, you may fall easily due to the unstable center of gravity. Therefore, it is very important to keep the center of gravity close to the body.
1.2 Left-to-right balance is equally important
Left-to-right balance is essential to prevent the body from tilting. Leaning can cause discomfort in the back and legs, and even cause long-term injuries. To achieve left-to-right balance, you can pair items of similar weight before packing. For example, placing water bottles on both sides not only maintains balance, but also encourages you to drink water evenly.
2.Layered Packing
- The bottom area is suitable for placing bulky, infrequently used items such as sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and camp shoes. These items not only take up space, but also provide a certain cushioning effect at the bottom of the backpack to protect other items.
- The core area is the concentration of heavy items, suitable for placing food (staple food), cooking utensils, stoves, water bags, and bear cans. These items are heavy and dense, which helps to keep the center of gravity of the backpack stable. In particular, liquid fuels should be tightened with bottle caps and isolated from other items to prevent accidental leakage.
- The top area is suitable for placing commonly used items such as warm clothing, rain gear, first aid kits, water purifiers, and toilet supplies. These items need to be easily accessible and can be quickly taken at the top. If necessary, you can also put the tent on the top to quickly set up the camp.
3. Use accessory pockets and external attachment points
Accessory pockets are suitable for placing small, frequently used or emergency items such as maps, compasses, GPS, sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamps, snacks, water bottles, rain covers, keys, ID cards and cash. These pockets allow you to quickly find the items you need.
External attachment points are suitable for placing extra-long or oversized items such as trekking poles, tent poles, sleeping mats, camp chairs, ice axes and climbing ropes. Although external attachments can increase the number of items you can carry, you should try to minimize the external attachments to prevent them from being scratched or damaged while traveling.
4. Waterproof measures
Using trash compression bags as the inner lining of your backpack is an economical and effective way to waterproof it. You can also choose to use a waterproof travel backpack or apply a waterproof coating on your Hiking Backpack. These measures can protect your gear in rainy days or when wading.
5.Packing Tips
5.1 Use packing bags
Packing bags can help you keep your items neat and organized, and make them easy to find and access. Although they add weight to your backpack, an organized backpack can bring more convenience on long trips.
5.2 Save space
Use compression bags to compress items such as clothes and sleeping bags to save space in your backpack. At the same time, filling the gaps in the backpack with clothes can prevent items from moving while traveling and keep the backpack balanced.
5.3 Plan food
Divide food into meals and snacks. Meals can be placed deep in the backpack, while snacks should be placed in easy-to-access pockets. To prevent wild animals from approaching food, it is recommended to use animal-proof bags to hang food.
Hiking Backpacking tips
Reduce the number of times you pick up and put down your backpack
Keep frequently used items in easy-to-access locations to reduce the number of times you pick up and put down your backpack. The goal is to try to only pick up and put down your backpack twice a day – once at lunch and once at camp. This not only saves time, but also reduces wear and tear on your backpack.
Correct Carrying
To properly carry a backpack, follow these steps:
- Slightly loosen all shoulder straps.
- Hold the backpack upright.
- Stand next to the back panel of the backpack with your legs apart and knees bent.
- Grab the top handle.
- Lift the backpack to your thighs and hold it still.
- Thread one arm through the shoulder straps.
- Lean forward and swing the backpack onto your back.
- Thread the other arm through the shoulder straps.
- Fasten the waist and chest straps to adjust.
Practicing carrying techniques at home can help you get better at these movements.
Adjusting and Securing
The waist belt is key to transferring the weight of the backpack to your hips. The shoulder straps should fit snugly against your shoulders, while the chest strap prevents them from slipping off. The cinch straps secure the items and prevent them from swaying while you move.
How heavy should your Backpack be?
The weight of your Hiking backpack depends on your physical condition, your trip goals, and your budget. For beginners, it is recommended to keep it within 25-30 pounds (about 11-14 kg) to avoid excessive fatigue.
How to prepare for rainy days?
To prepare for rainy days, you can use trash compression bags as backpack linings or use waterproof covers to protect your backpack. At the same time, it is also very important to choose waterproof clothing and equipment.
Write at last
We encourage you to adjust your packing strategy according to your needs and experience, and practice these techniques to become a professional backpacker. Through continuous practice and adjustment, you will be able to better enjoy the fun of hiking and reduce unnecessary risks and fatigue.
