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    You are at:Home»Gear»Bags»How To Pack a Backpack for Hiking: Complete Beginner’s Guide
    Bags Hiking Lifestyle Survival

    How To Pack a Backpack for Hiking: Complete Beginner’s Guide

    How do you go about packing a hiking pack? there are some tips that you can use to help ensure you pack your hiking backpack successfully.
    avatarBy Carl Williams17/11/2022No Comments8 Mins Read
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    How To Pack a Backpack for Hiking
    How To Pack a Backpack for Hiking
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    Whether you’re planning an afternoon hike or a long, multi-day trek, a backpack is one of the most invaluable tools you’ll have on your journey.

    Your pack holds all of those must-have items that you need to keep on-hand, both for your safety and your comfort.

    Hiking backpacks come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can offer an array of features. While making sure you have a properly fitted pack that offers the space and accessories you need is extremely important, making sure that you pack it properly is vital.

    What to Pack for Hiking
    What to Pack for Hiking

    If incorrectly packed, not only will you have a hard time accessing the gear you need when you need it, but it could also really impact your comfort level.

    How do you go about packing a hiking pack? The truth is, there is no right or wrong way. Where you’re hiking, how long you’ll be hiking for, and the gear you plan on bringing are just some of the factors that will determine how you pack your pack.

    With that said, however, there are some tips that you can use to help ensure you pack your hiking backpack successfully.


    Hiking Backpack Packing Tips

    Contents

    • 1 Hiking Backpack Packing Tips
    • 2 What to Pack Where
      • 2.1 Best Selling Backpacks
    • 3 The Bottom Zone
    • 4 The Middle Zone
    • 5 The Top Zone
      • 5.1 The Accessory Pockets
      • 5.2 Lash-On Points
    • 6 Helpful Packing Tips
    • 7 Summing It Up

    Since gear varies from hiker to hiker – and even from trek to trek – before you start packing up your backpack, it’s a good idea to start by laying out all of your gear.

    Set up in an open space; the surface of a bed, a countertop, or a floor, for example. Next you’ll want to delineate your backpack in different zones – bottom, core, and top – and set up different spots on the surface you’re working on for each zone so you can place your gear in the appropriate pile.

    Additionally, you should create a pile for things that will be packed into your accessory pockets, as well as your lash-on and tool loop spots.

    Hiking Backpack
    Hiking Backpack

    What to Pack Where

    Now let’s breakdown what you’ll pack in the different sections of your backpack: the three main zones and the peripheral zones.

    It’s important to note that when you’re packing, weight distribution is important.

    • Items that are lighter weight should go toward the bottom of the pack, while the heavier gear should be placed in the middle of your backpack, where it will be closer to your back.
    • Packing in this manner will help to prevent weighing you down.
    • If you pack heavier items in the middle, you’ll have an easier time supporting your pack, as your core will be able to support the weight and you’ll have a better center of gravity.
    • However, if you place heavier items near the bottom, your pack will end up pulling you down, while heavier items placed on the top will make you feel as if you’re going to tip over.

    Best Selling Backpacks

    SaleBestseller No. 1
    Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,Camping Backpack,40L Waterproof Hiking Daypack with Rain Cover,Lightweight Travel Backpack,Blue
    Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,Camping Backpack,40L Waterproof Hiking Daypack with Rain Cover,Lightweight Travel Backpack,Blue
    • High-Quality Material:Hiking backpack is made of high quality rip-stop 210d nylon fabric,which is water resistant,tear resistant,anti-scratch and wear resistant. Furthermore,we also give away a rain cover with a clear silver reflective logo. It is putted in the little pocket under the backpack. So it is no doubt that all your things will keep dry during rain. Just take this outdoor backpack,no matter the weather.
    • Ergonomic and Comfortable Design:Thicker padded back with ergonomic breathable design paired with adjustable, breathable and padded shoulder help to reduce fatigue during a long day of hiking. The hiking daypack comes with an ergonomic ring handle,which is labor-saving and durable. The adjustable chest buckle works perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered. And chest buckle designed as a survival whistle for quick and easy use in case of emergency.
    • Large Capacity & Multi Compartment: Maelstrom Hiking Daypack provides several pockets for handy storage and convenient organization. Spacious backpack packed with roomy zipper main compartment, 1 top pocket, 3 front zipper pocket, 2 waist zipper pockets and 2 mesh side pockets.In addition,one waterproof wet pocket is added to the main compartment to better separate sweaty clothes or other personal things after swimming or taking exercise.
    • Unique Function Design:The camping backpack is printed with reflective signs to remind safety. The sides of the backpack have elastic and fasteners that can hold two sets of trekking sticks or adjust the webbing according to needs. There is a headphone hole on the top of the backpack for you to enjoy music. There is a Velcro to fix the water bag liner in the main bag and a water pipe hole on the top side of the backpack to assemble the water bag system.
    • LIGHTWEIGHT -- Easy to carry:The 40L hiking backpack is lightweight and it’s breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help to relieve the stress from your shoulder. The large capacity of 40L provides enough space for outdoor travel,camping,hiking and fishing. It meet size requirements for most airlines. This camping backpack can be used as hiking backpack, travel bags and business bag,which is suitable for men and women.
    $35.99
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 2
    TETON 65L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Rain Cover Included
    TETON 65L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Rain Cover Included
    • NOT YOUR BASIC BACKPACK: Feature rich at this price point; Comfort and balanced backpack for men and women.
    • TETON TOUGH: The best memories are made with the great durable gear; Perfect for any Adventure; comes in 65L, 75L or 85L sizes and adjustable to fit all; Pocket for Hydration
    • CUSTOM COMFORT: Multi position torso adjustment fits medium and tall adventurers; Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and airflow; For beginners or experienced Backpackers
    • DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND: Great quality and thoughtful design; large sleeping bag compartment, multi directional compression straps, with spacious compartments and pockets, a place for everything
    • TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
    $65.56
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 3
    REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack Large Army 3 Day Assault Pack Molle Bag Backpacks…
    REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack Large Army 3 Day Assault Pack Molle Bag Backpacks…
    • Military Tactical backpack size approx.:13"*20"*11" / 33*50.5*28CM (W*H*D),Capacity: 40L; Military backpack is made of high density fabric--durable and water-resistant
    • Molle tactical backpack has molle system, Molle webbing throughout for attaching additional tactical pouches or gear as 3 day assault pack backpack combat molle backpack.
    • Assault pack backpack with double-stitched, Heavy duty zippers and utility-style cord pulls, Side and front load compression system, Ventilated mesh padded back area & shoulder strap,breathable and comfortable.
    • Military backpack has hydration compatible that works great for a hydration bladder (backpack didn't include hydration bladder) as hydration backpack or outdoor camping hiking backpack.
    • Tactical assault pack backpack can be used as 3 day assault pack, range bag, hunting backpack, survival backpack, army backpack, Snuopfy trekking backpack or day pack for daily use
    $39.99
    Buy on Amazon

    The Bottom Zone

    By the “bottom zone”, we mean the bottom portion or the lowest section of your backpack. In this section, you’ll want to pack your bigger, bulkier items and the things that you won’t need to have readily available while you’re hiking, but rather will need once you stop for a break or if you’re taking a multi-day trek, until you stop to call it a night.

    Examples of the gear you should reserve for the bottom portion of your backpack include:

    • Your sleeping. If your hiking backpack has a built-in compartment for a sleeping bag, you’ll notice that it is located on the bottom of the pack.
    • A sleeping pad. If your pack has a built-in sleeping bag compartment, you may be able to fit it in this section with the sleeping bag itself.
    • A pillow
    • Any extra clothing that you either you plan on sleeping in or that you may need to change into while you’re hiking; thermal underwear, long-sleeved shirts, extra pairs of pants, etc.
    • Shoes that you plan on wearing around the campground.
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    How to Live Out of a Backpack : Improvised Waterproofing

    The Middle Zone

    The middle zone serves as the “core” of your backpack. In this section, you’re going to want to put those bigger, bulkier items.

    As we previously mentioned, you’ll have an easier time carrying your pack when the heavy items are positioned in the center, as you’ll be able to use the muscles in the core of your body to support the pack.

    With that said, here’s a look at some of the items that are best reserved for the middle zone of your hiking backpack:

    • A camp stove
    • Your stash of food; not the small things that are meant for munching while you’re hiking, but the food you’ll prepare for meals.
    • A cook kit; your utensils, cooking dishes, etc.
    • A water reservoir (if you’re planning on using one).
    • A camping lantern, flashlights, etc.
    • Your tent, including the footprint, rainfly, etc.

    If possible, wrap softer gear around bulkier items. Doing so will help to prevent those bulkier pieces from shifting around in your pack while you’re trekking.

    It’s also a good idea to use softer items to fill in any spaces between those bulkier pieces, as well as your water reservoir, if you’re using one.

    Another note on a water reservoir: if you will be using one, make sure you fill it up and put it in your pack before you pack anything else in the middle zone; this is true even if the pack has a specialized compartment for the reservoir.

    The reason? – it’s a lot harder to place fit a filled water reservoir into an already full backpack.


    The Top Zone

    You’ll want to use the top zone to stow those things that you’ll need while you’re on the trail; gear that you need to access with ease. Examples of the items that you’ll want to put here include:

    • A windbreaker
    • A rain jacket
    • A fleece pullover
    • Your first-aid kit (whether you purchase a pre-assembled one or make your own).
    • A water purifier or water filter.
    • Any essential bathroom supplies, such as toilet paper, a baggie to stow your toilet paper in, and a trowel.
    Best Smart Backpack
    Best Smart Backpack: Complete Buyer’s Guide

    The Accessory Pockets

    The placement of accessory pockets, as well as the amount of these pockets, will vary from backpack to backpack; however, some of the most common spots for accessory pockets include along the front and sides of the pack, the lid, and the hip belts.

    No matter what type of accessory pockets your hiking pack features, they’re great spots to stow away those smaller items that you’ll want to be able to grab with ease. Examples include:

    • A GPS
    • A cellphone or walkie-talkie
    • A map
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen
    • Insect repellent
    • A headlamp
    • Extra water bottles
    • A rain cover
    • Trekking snacks
    • Your ID
    • A stash of cash
    • An extra pair of socks
    • A camera
    • Thinner gloves
    • A utility knife

    Lash-On Points

    Next up on our list of hiking backpack packing tips is the lash-on points. Use these points to stow those larger items that you can’t fit into the body of the pack. Examples include:

    • Tent poles
    • Hiking poles
    • A camp chair/stool
    • An axe (covered, of course)
    • Climbing ropes
    • Crampons (again, covered, of course)
    • Thicker snow gloves
    • An extra pair of hiking shoes (if you’re planning on bringing an extra pair)
    • Any larger tools that you may be bringing with you

    It’s important to note that when you’re packing gear in your lash-on points, use caution. Since they’re located on the outside of your pack, there’s a chance that the gear you pack here will get tangled in branches, trapped between rocks, or scraped against surfaces.

    As such, it’s a good idea to keep the items that you’re packing in these spots to a minimum. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that whatever you do pack here is properly stabilized.

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    Helpful Packing Tips

    What you pack where in your hiking pack really depends on the gear that you’re going to be bringing along with you, but the above-mentioned breakdown is a good overall summary of how you should pack things up.

    Other handy tips that will help to ensure backpack packing success include:

    • Wrap up any bulky/potentially breakable items in softer gear. For example, wrap up your camera or a GPS in a T-shirt or a fleece. This will help to prevent breakage and will reduce the chances that those items will bang into your back, arms, legs, etc. while you’re trekking.
    • If you’re packing up liquid fuel for a camp stove, double check to make sure that the caps on the fuel bottles are extremely secure.
    • Additionally, you’ll want to place the bottles so that they’re situated in an upright position. It’s also a good idea to place the bottles inside a water-tight bag and away from food items in the event that they knock over and spill.
    • Your food stash should be placed in water-tight containers, too. Stowing your food in a bear container, an air-tight container that doesn’t not allow scent to permeate through, is a good idea.

    Summing It Up

    A backpack is one of the most essential pieces of gear that you’ll bring along with you on your hiking trips. Making sure that it’s packed appropriately will help to ensure your comfort and your success while you’re out on the trails.

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    Previous ArticleBackpacks: How to Choose Correct Hiking Backpack for You
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    Carl Williams
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