Packing a Backpack Properly: Tips for More Comfort and Space
A well-packed backpack is the key to a pleasant and successful tour – whether for short hikes or multi-day trips. The right packing style ensures that you find your equipment 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 trekking adventure, a properly packed backpack is essential. With an organized approach, you make your tour more enjoyable – giving you more mental space for the important things in life: enjoying nature and your journey! These are the most important basics you should consider when packing:
The optimal weight distribution
You should distribute your equipment as efficiently as possible in the backpack:
- Small items that should always be accessible during your tour belong in the upper compartment.
- Medium-weight items like clothes can be packed towards the top and outside.
- Light items such as a bulky sleeping bag or a lightweight down jacket belong in the bottom compartment.
- Heavy equipment like a tent, provisions, and water bottle should be stored at shoulder height close to the upper back.
The closer heavy items are to your body, the easier they are to carry. If heavy items are packed, for example, at the bottom of the backpack, the center of gravity shifts downward, your backpack pulls strongly backward, and your back is heavily strained.
However, if you are on difficult terrain with a lot of uphill, you should place heavy loads somewhat lower towards your body's center of gravity.
Here is a graphic that illustrates the load distribution once again
How Many Liters Should the Hiking Backpack Have?
Very important: The volume of the backpack should also match your tour. With average loading, you can keep the following figures as approximate guidelines in mind:
● Day hike backpack: 15–20 liters
● Multi-day hike backpack: 20–25 liters
How Heavy Should the Backpack Be?
The weight of a hiking backpack depends on the type of tour, your own physical strength, and the planned duration. A hiking backpack for a day trip should not be heavier than 10% of your own body weight. For hut hikes or tours where food is available on site, the weight should be a maximum of 15% of body weight amount.
Creating order in your luggage
To avoid long searching, you should work with packing sacks or zip bags and, if possible, sort items thematically. The first aid kit in one packing sack, hygiene items in another packing bag – this way you avoid long searching and rummaging.
Packing your backpack space-saving
To fit everything into your backpack without much stuffing, these space-saving measures can help:
✔️Roll clothes instead of folding: Rolled clothes save space and stay wrinkle-free.
✔️Use hollow spaces: Store small items like socks or underwear in shoes or empty pots.
✔️Use compression sacks: This way you can reduce the volume of sleeping bags or clothes.
✔️Pack minimally: Keep your packing list small and only take what is necessary.
Packing your backpack: rolling clothes
Rolling clothes is a real space saver. Here's how it works:
1. Sort: Sort clothes by material and size.
2. Roll tightly: Roll 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 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 pro tips
Besides the classic packing methods, there are some pro tips that can make hiking even more enjoyable. These tricks help you to approach every adventure optimally prepared:
1. The "Two-Bag Rule"
Separate wet and dirty items from clean equipment. Use two waterproof bags for this: one for dirty laundry and one for sensitive things like electronics or dry clothes. This way everything stays organized and protected.
2. Reduce weight with clever equipment
The lighter the backpack, the more pleasant the hike. With these pro tips you save even more weight.
- Replace heavy steel cutlery with 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. Carrying comfort through fine adjustment
An incorrectly adjusted backpack can quickly become a burden. Distribute the weight evenly, tighten the hip belt and only slightly tighten the shoulder strap to minimize pressure on the shoulders.
4. Tricks for quick access
Don't just store snacks and a rain jacket in the lid compartment, but also a small sewing kit, cable ties, or duct tape – these can work wonders in minor emergencies.
5. Pack strategically for the evening
- "Evening module": Put your 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 smartly
- Moisture management: Avoid condensation by using breathable bags. If possible, dry wet items outside on the backpack during the day and use a rain cover for your gear if bad weather is expected.
- Prevent cold bridges: Place your clothes inside the sleeping bag before going to bed. 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 bit of entertainment lifts the mood.
- Snacks with strategy: Keep energy-rich snacks (such as 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’s worth putting on your gear for a test run and walking a few kilometers. This way, you can notice early if it is too heavy or if the load distribution needs to be optimized. If necessary, you can adjust the chest strap and straps again. With a well-packed and not too heavy backpack, the hike becomes a pleasure – and your joints will thank you!
