Knowing how to pack a backpack for hiking, trekking or backpacking is critical because the weight on your back will feel different. You can minimize the weight of your backpack by packing your backpack differently, and for this, you will find the diagrams explaining how to pack a hiking backpack useful. Learn how to pack a backpack with these diagrams to place the weight on your back properly and make it easier to pack your backpack. How to Pack a Hiking Backpack Diagram in this article.
The first time I have packed my backpack, it took me over an hour to put everything in it. The result was a lump sticking out of my head. It wasn’t pretty, but everything was inside. Have you ever wondered how to pack your hiking backpack like a professional?. When you finish reading this article, you will know how to pack a hiking backpack like a professional.
How to Pack a Backpack & What Kind of Backpack do I Need?
Before going into the details of how to pack a backpack for hiking, you should ask yourself: What (size of) backpack do I need?
This is simple, but the important question can only be answered by imagining what you want to get out of your trip – will it be a morning walk, a day hike, or a multi-day adventure? Some guidance here if you need to choose a new backpack for your purposes.
When it comes to hiking, the longer you plan to be on the trail, the bigger the backpack will be. Backpacks are sized by the amount they can hold (volume) and are measured in liters.
Rock Climbing Gear for Beginners Recommended Article
As a general guide, weekend trips (1-3 nights = 35-50 liters), several days (3-5 nights = 50-80 liters), long trips (6 nights + = 70 liters +). If you are planning a trip during winter, consider that you may need more space for extra layers and a warm sleeping bag. Remember to measure your torso before you buy your backpack.
How to Pack a Backpack – Let’s Start Putting Everything Out
The first thing you have to do is put everything you want to wear in front of you. This gives you a good idea of what you plan to wear. Then, you can visualize where you will place your equipment, and you can put together a packing strategy.
Another useful tip is to take a closer look at the clothes you plan to pack. A common beginner’s mistake on hikes is over-packing. Trust us, you will not need as many clothes as you are thinking. Base layers and rain gear are necessities, almost everything else is not.
Also, by distributing all your stuff it allows you to group your gear into categories like camping, cooking, and clothing. Once you’ve done this, you can organize them by weight.
You can minimize the weight of your backpack by packing your backpack differently, and for this, you will find the diagrams explaining how to pack a hiking backpack useful.
How to Pack a Hiking Backpack Diagram
Knowing how to pack a backpack is critical when hiking, trekking or backpacking because the weight on your back will feel different.
You can lighten the weight of your backpack on your back by packing your backpack differently using the diagrams we suggest. Read on to learn how to pack hiking backpack diagrams.
1. Pack the Bottom – How to Pack a Hiking Backpack Diagram
So, what should we pack first? Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up.
Since the things at the bottom of your backpack are the hardest to get, we’ll start with what we won’t need during the day. This is usually camping equipment.
The first thing you put in your backpack and the last thing you take out is your sleeping bag. It is advisable to use a compression bag (against water) so that it bulges as little as possible. Be careful when putting your backpack on the ground, because if it’s not waterproof, moisture will seep in.
Let’s continue with the rest of our camping equipment, such as a sleeping mat and a pillowcase. If your sleeping mat is bulky, you can save space by tying it to the outside of your backpack. In general, all camping equipment goes in the bottom of the backpack, except your lamp or flashlight.
While filling your backpack, keep in mind the weight distribution. Put lightweight equipment in the bottom of your backpack. Heavier items should be in the center of your pack as close to your back as possible.
How to Pack a Backpack Diagram
2. Pack the Middle Part of Your Backpack
Now that we have the bottom of our backpack loaded, let’s pack the middle. Put the heavy equipment right on top of your sleeping and camping gear. Think about stoves, food, extra water, and pots and pans.
To make the most of the space, take the food out of its outer packaging and put it inside the pots and pans.
Are you worried about packing your food with your cooking equipment? When you pack fuel, be sure to place it under the food in case it spills. Another option is that if your backpack has side pockets, use them to put the fuel in.
The trick is to figure out how to pack your hiking backpack so that it’s well-balanced, with a stable center of gravity. How do you do that? Keep heavy things away from the outside, bottom, and top of your pack.
Once you’ve packed the heavy stuff, you can fill any remaining space with lighter items, such as clothing.
3. Pack the Top of Your Backpack
Now that we have packed the bottom and middle of the backpack, let’s move on to the top section.
Here are additional layers of clothing and anything else you may need for your excursion. This is where you should put your little necessities, such as sunglasses, a first aid kit, a rain jacket, a compass, and snacks.
Sometimes backpacks come with small zippered bags on the hip belt. These, along with other external pockets, are also excellent places to store small items and food on the way.
4. Place the Equipment Outside
After filling your backpack, you may still have some equipment left. Store equipment outside your backpack, such as hiking poles, tented poles, crampons, and ice axes.
How to Pack a Hiking Backpack Diagram: More Packing Tips
Take advantage of all the empty spaces in your backpack. Put socks in your spare shoes. Put utensils, matches, and other small items in your pots.
The key to packing your backpack correctly is to keep the things you’re likely to need within easy reach. The equipment you plan to use at camp can go somewhere deep inside your backpack.
Almost all backpacks have compression straps. Pull them as hard as possible to minimize the volume of your backpack and keep everything in place.
In addition to these two additional suggestions, with these tips, you should be ready to pack your hiking backpack. By following this packing method, you can go outdoors with a comfortable and effectively packed backpack in a very short time.
We hope this article on how to pack a hiking backpack diagram will be useful the next time you have to pack your backpack.
