Packing a backpack correctly: 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 tours. 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 a trekking adventure, a properly packed backpack is essential. With an organized approach, you make your tour more pleasant - so you have more space in your mind 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:

In the top compartment belongs small items that should always be accessible during your tour.
At the top outside, you can pack medium-weight items like clothes.
In the bottom compartment belongs light items like a bulky sleeping bag or a light down jacket.
At shoulder height close to the upper back, you should store heavy equipment items like a tent, provisions, and water bottle.

The closer heavy items are to the body, the easier they are to carry. If heavy items are packed, for example, at the bottom of the backpack, you lower the center of gravity, your backpack pulls strongly backwards, and your back is heavily stressed.

However, if you are on difficult terrain where there is a lot of uphill walking, you should place heavy loads a bit lower towards the body's center of gravity.

Here follows 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. For average loading, you can keep the following specifications in mind as a rough guideline:

● Hiking backpack for day trips: 15–20 liters

● Hiking backpack for multi-day tours: 20–25 liters

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How heavy can 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 no more than 15% of the body weight amount to.

Create order in your luggage

To avoid long searches, you should use packing bags or zip bags and, if possible, sort items thematically. The travel pharmacy in one packing bag, the hygiene items in another packing pouch - this avoids long searches and rummaging.

Pack your backpack to save space

These space-saving measures can help everything fit into your backpack without much stuffing:

✔️Roll clothes instead of folding: Rolled clothes save space and remain wrinkle-free.

✔️Use cavities: Store small items like socks or underwear in shoes or empty pots.

✔️Use compression sacks: This can reduce the volume of sleeping bags or clothes.

✔️Pack minimally: Keep your packing list small and only take the essentials.

Packing a 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.
3. Store safely: Store the rolled items in zip bags or packing pouches to protect them from moisture.

Our 7 professional tips

In addition to classic packing methods, there are some professional tips that can make hiking even more enjoyable. These tricks help you to be optimally prepared for every adventure:

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 items like electronics or dry clothes. This keeps everything organized and protected.

2. Reduce weight with clever equipment

The lighter the backpack, the more pleasant the hike. With these professional tips, you 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 the weight, especially in areas with natural water sources.

3. Wearing comfort through fine adjustment

An incorrectly adjusted backpack can quickly become a burden. Distribute the weight evenly, tighten the hip belt, and only slightly tension 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 Gaffa-Tape – these can work wonders in small 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 is quickly accessible for the camp without having to unpack the whole backpack.

Flashlight on top: Always store the headlamp or flashlight at the very top – every second counts in the dark.

6. Cleverly manage moisture and temperature

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 luggage if bad weather is expected.

Prevent cold bridges: Before going to sleep, put your clothes into the sleeping bag. This saves space, keeps the clothes warm, and helps you warm up faster in the morning.

7. Packing for the head

Plan for relaxation: Bring a light book, a small diary, or cards for the evenings – a bit of entertainment lifts the spirits.

Snacks with strategy: 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 any tour more enjoyable. Before the tour, it's worth wearing your luggage for a test run and walking a few kilometers. This way, you can notice early if it's 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 for it!