Packing a Backpack Properly: Tips for More Comfort and Space
A well-packed backpack is the key to a pleasant and successful trip – whether for short hikes or multi-day tours. The right packing style ensures that you can find your gear quickly, protect your back, and avoid unnecessary weight. We explain the basics of an optimally packed backpack and provide you with our insider tips for your next hike!
Basics for Proper Packing
If you are planning a hike or a trekking adventure, a properly packed backpack is essential. With an organized approach, you make your trip more enjoyable – allowing you more mental space for the important things in life: enjoying nature and your journey! Here are the most important basics to consider when packing:
The Optimal Weight Distribution
You should distribute your gear as efficiently as possible in the backpack:
- In the top compartment, small items that should be readily accessible during your trip belong.
- You can pack medium-weight items like clothes on the outside towards the top.
- In the bottom compartment, light items like a bulky sleeping bag or a lightweight down jacket belong.
- At shoulder height, close to the upper back, you should store heavy gear like a tent, provisions, and water bottle.
The closer heavy items are to your body, the easier they are to carry. If heavy items are packed too low in the backpack, you shift the center of gravity downwards, pulling your backpack strongly backwards, which places a significant strain on your back.
However, if you are on difficult terrain with a lot of uphill, you should place heavy loads slightly lower to the body's center of gravity.
Here follows a graphic that illustrates the load distribution again
How Many Liters Should the Hiking Backpack Have?
Very important: The volume of the backpack should also match your trip. With an average load, you can keep the following information in mind as a rough guideline:
● Day Trip Hiking Backpack: 15–20 liters
● Multi-Day Trip Hiking Backpack: 20–25 liters
How Heavy Can the Backpack Be?
The weight of a hiking backpack depends on the type of trip, your own physical strength, and the planned duration. A hiking backpack for a day trip should not weigh more than 10% of your body weight. For hut hikes or trips where food is available on site, the weight should be at most 15% of your body weight amount.
Create order in your luggage
To avoid long searches, you should work with packing bags or zip bags and sort the items thematically if possible. The travel pharmacy in one packing bag, hygiene items in another packing bag – this way you avoid long searches and rummaging.
Pack your backpack space-saving
To ensure everything fits in your backpack without much stuffing, these space-saving measures can help:
✔️Roll clothes instead of folding: Rolled clothes save space and remain wrinkle-free.
✔️Utilize empty spaces: Store small items like socks or underwear in shoes or empty pots.
✔️Use compression bags: This allows you to reduce the volume of sleeping bags or clothes.
✔️Pack minimally: Keep your packing list small and only take the essentials.
Pack your backpack: Roll clothes
Rolling clothes is a real space saver. Here’s how to do it:
1. Sort: Sort clothes by material and size.
2. Roll tightly: Roll clothing items like t-shirts, pants, and jackets tightly together.
3. Store securely: Store the rolled items in zip bags or packing bags to protect them from moisture.
2. Roll tightly: Roll clothing items like t-shirts, pants, and jackets tightly together.
3. Store securely: Store the rolled items in zip bags or packing bags to protect them from moisture.
Our 7 Professional Tips
Besides the classic packing methods, there are some professional tips that can make hiking even more enjoyable. These tricks help you tackle every adventure well-prepared:
1. The "Two-Bag Rule"
Separate wet and dirty items from clean equipment. For this, use two waterproof bags: one for dirty laundry and one for delicate items like electronics or dry clothes. This keeps everything organized and protected.
2. Reduce weight with clever equipment
The lighter the backpack, the more enjoyable the hiking. With these professional tips, you can save even more weight.
- Swap heavy steel cutlery for titanium alternatives or use foldable cups and plates.
- You can pack a water filter instead of liters of water. A compact filter or tablets significantly reduce weight, especially in areas with natural water sources.
3. Comfort through fine adjustment
A poorly adjusted backpack can quickly become a burden. Distribute the weight evenly, tighten the hip belt, and let the shoulder straps be only slightly tight to minimize pressure on the shoulders.
4. Tricks for quick access
Store not only snacks and a rain jacket in the lid compartment, but also a small sewing kit, cable ties or gaffer tape – these can work wonders in small emergencies.
5. Pack strategically for the evening
- "Evening module": Place sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and change of clothes for the evening in a separate packing bag. This way, everything for the camp is quickly accessible without having to empty the entire backpack.
- Flashlight on top: Always store your headlamp or flashlight at the very top – every second counts in the dark.
6. Manage moisture and temperature wisely
- Moisture management: Avoid condensation by using breathable bags. Dry wet items outside on the backpack during the day if possible, and use a rain cover for your luggage if bad weather is expected.
- Prevent cold bridges: Place your clothes inside the sleeping bag before going to sleep. This saves space, keeps the clothes warm, and helps you warm up faster in the morning.
7. Packing for the mind
- Plan for relaxation: Bring a light book, a small journal, or cards for the evenings – a little entertainment boosts your mood.
- Strategic snacks: Store energy-rich snacks (like nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate bars) in easily accessible places and ration them for a steady energy supply.
Conclusion: A well-packed backpack makes every trip more enjoyable. Before the trip, it is worth taking your luggage for a test run and walking a few kilometers. This way, you can notice early on if it is too heavy or if the weight distribution needs to be optimized. If necessary, you can readjust the chest strap and straps. With a well-packed and not too heavy backpack, hiking becomes a pleasure – and your joints will thank you!
