Packing a backpack like a pro: Basics and insider tips
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!
Table of Contents
Packing the backpack correctly: Basics
If you're 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 in the backpack
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.
- Up outside top, you can pack medium-weight items like clothes.
- In the bottom compartment belongs lightweight 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, for example, are packed at the bottom of the backpack, it shifts the center of gravity downwards, your backpack pulls strongly backwards, and your back is enormously burdened.
However, if you are on difficult terrain where there is a lot of uphill, 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 (was commissioned internally to our graphic designer)
Example, seen at "Bergzeit"
How many liters should the hiking backpack have?
Very important: The volume of the backpack should also match your tour. For an average load, you can keep the following information in mind as a rough guideline:
● Day hike backpack: 15–20 liters
● Multi-day hike backpack: 20–25 liters
How heavy may a hiking backpack be?
The weight of a hiking backpack depends on the type of tour, one's own physical strength, and the planned duration. A hiking backpack for a day trip should not weigh more than 10% of one's 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.
Create order in your luggage
To avoid long searches, you should work with packing bags or zip bags and, if possible, sort items thematically. The first aid kit in one packing bag, hygiene items in another - this way you avoid long searches and digging.
Pack your backpack to save space
These space-saving measures can help everything fit into your backpack without a lot of stuffing:
✔️Roll clothes instead of folding: Rolled clothes save space and stay wrinkle-free.
✔️Use cavities: 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 the essentials.
Packing a backpack: Roll 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 up 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 up 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.
Packing a backpack for a multi-day tour: Our 7 pro tips
In addition to classic packing methods, there are some pro tips that can make hiking even more enjoyable. These tricks help you tackle any 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 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 pro tips, you can save even more weight.
- Swap heavy steel cutlery for titanium alternatives or use foldable cups and plates.
- You can use a water filter
Backpack packing: Roll 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 up 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 up 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.
Packing a backpack for a multi-day tour: Our 7 pro tips
In addition to classic packing methods, there are some pro tips that can make hiking even more enjoyable. These tricks help you tackle any 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 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 pro tips, you can save even more weight.
- Swap heavy steel cutlery for titanium alternatives or use foldable cups and plates.
- You can use a water filter instead of packing 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 let the shoulder strap tense lightly to minimize pressure on the shoulders.
4. Tricks for quick access
Keep not only 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. Strategically pack for the evening
- "Evening module": Put 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 entire backpack.
- Flashlight on top: Always store the headlamp or flashlight at the very top – every second counts in the dark.
6. Smartly manage moisture and temperature
- 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: Before going to sleep, put your clothes in 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 relaxation: Take a light book, a small diary, or cards for evenings – a bit of entertainment improves the mood.
- Strategically store snacks: Keep 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, hiking becomes a pleasure – and your joints will thank you!
