5 Tips for Packing a Hiking Backpack

Need help packing your hiking backpack? We’re here to help, these basic tips for packing a hiking backpack can come in handy. If you’re planning a multi-day hike with all your gear, you’ll need a good hiking backpack that’s big enough to pack it all.

Here are five tips for packing a hiking backpack.

1. Center of Gravity
   Make sure your center of gravity is as close to your lower back as possible. If you pack too much weight, the pack will be unstable. If you pack too little, it will pull on your shoulders unnecessarily. And if the weight is too far away, again the pack will be unstable, uncomfortable, and will pull you backwards.
2. Smart Packing
   There are few things more frustrating than emptying your pack in the middle of a downpour to search and find your waterproof jacket. Pack things you need quick access to in places you can get to quickly. This goes for snacks and gadgets like headlamps and cameras, too.
3. Use compression straps
   These are often overlooked, but if you tighten the pack’s compression straps after you load them, they will keep everything in place and improve stability while you’re on the move.
4. Contamination
   If you’re packing liquid fuel for your stove, there’s always a risk that it could leak and contaminate the rest of your pack, so pack it somewhere that a spill will cause as little damage as possible, such as a hiking stick pocket. Also, carry a stuff sack (or even a plastic bag) to separate smelly or wet clothes from clean clothes.
5. Rain cover
   While backpacks can be water-resistant to a point, the worst-case scenario is that your kit gets wet. It’s best to use a rain cover for the outside of the pack (most backpacks will come with one as standard) and a dry bag for the inside to ensure your kit stays dry. We’ve also found other uses for rain covers, such as groundsheets at camp.

Remember when packing a hiking bag. Here are more tips for packing a hiking bag.

Accessibility:
Make sure that any items you need during your hike are accessible. Pack frequently used essentials (suncare, camera, etc.) in an easily accessible place.

Balanced:
Keep your center of gravity in mind when packing your bag and make sure you pack everything in a balanced order.

Compressed:
If you compress everything before packing, you will be able to pack more in a smaller space. To save even more space in our backpacks, make sure you compress and pack.

Dry:
Keep wet and dry items separate in your bag. Always carry a dry pack or laundry bag to separate dry and wet items.

Everything inside:
Don’t leave anything hanging in your bag as it not only looks unsightly but can also get tangled up with other items. Keep everything inside your backpack.