How to Pack a Hiking or Trekking Backpack Correctly: A Complete Guide for Comfortable Travels

Traveling with a hiking pack has its own unique magic of freedom. However, if you load your burden incorrectly, it can quickly turn into an unpleasant chore. Back pain, instability while walking, constantly searching for a map or a rain jacket – these are all consequences of poor packing. It doesn't matter if you're planning a weekend hike in the mountains or a month-long backpacking trip through Asia; proper packing of your hiking pack is crucial for your comfort and health. We'll advise you on how to pack a backpack or hiking pack for multi-day treks.

Contents:

• How to Pack a Hiking Backpack for a Multi-Day Trek
• The Golden Rule of 3 Zones: Weight Distribution in Your Pack as the Basis of Comfort
  • Zone 1: Light Bottom (where your sleeping bag and spare clothes go)
  • Zone 2: Center of Gravity and Heaviest Load (where to pack food, water, tech)
  • Zone 3: Quick Access at the Top and in Pockets (packing a rain jacket, first-aid kit, snacks)
• Efficient Preparation: Minimalism and Compression Will Save You Liters of Space
  • Using Compression Sacks
• Pre-Packing Checklist (Sorting for Minimalism)
• Special Equipment and Attaching Gear to the Outside of the Pack
  • Efficiently Packing a Tent
• Protection from the Elements: How to Ensure Your Pack is Waterproof
• Final Test and Adjustment: How to Properly Carry a Hiking Pack or Backpack
  • Load Test (Stability Test)
  • Adjusting the Harness System and Straps
• Properly Packing a Backpack for a Multi-Day Trek – Frequently Asked Questions
• Comfort and Experience Begin with Proper Packing: Conclusion and Recommendations

How to Pack a Hiking Backpack for a Multi-Day Trek

As your travel gear expert, Bagalio brings you a complete and professional manual. Let's look at the principles used by experienced travelers to ensure their backpack is carried stably and naturally. We will learn to work effectively with weight distribution in a hiking pack, use compression sacks, and prepare everything so that you always have the most important things at hand.

Tip: In addition to how to pack your gear correctly, we can also advise you on choosing a hiking backpack and provide a few tips on selecting a larger trekking pack. Just read the articles in our guide section.

The Golden Rule of 3 Zones: Weight Distribution in Your Pack as the Basis of Comfort

The most important principle to learn when packing a hiking pack is to divide the contents into three main zones according to weight and frequency of use. Poor weight distribution in the pack can cause the center of gravity to shift backward, forcing you to lean forward and excessively strain your spine. Properly packed hiking packs and backpacks should concentrate the weight as close to your back as possible and at a level between your shoulder blades and hip belt.

Zone 1: Light Bottom (where your sleeping bag and spare clothes go)

The bottom of the backpack or hiking pack is ideal for light but bulky items that you won't need until you reach your destination – i.e., in the evening. This zone acts as a cushioning pad for heavy items placed above it and helps maintain a low center of gravity for good stability.

• Sleeping Bag: Usually the bulkiest item, which should be placed in its compression sack at the very bottom of the backpack. Most modern hiking packs have a separate bottom compartment for a sleeping bag or inflatable mat.
• Spare Clothes: Clothes you'll only put on in the tent, shelter, or at your destination.
• Light Shoes (camp shoes, sandals): Store them at the bottom to avoid unnecessarily weighing down the top of the pack.

Zone 2: Center of Gravity and Heaviest Load (where to pack food, water, tech)

This is the most crucial part for ensuring a comfortable carry. Heavier items should be placed as close to the back as possible (at the height of the hips up to the shoulder blades) and as high up as possible. This ensures that the weight is transferred directly to the spine and then to the hip belt, which should bear up to 70% of the total load. Heavy items should not be stored on the outside of the backpack!

• Food (heaviest items): Cans, packs of dehydrated meals, thermoses, which make up the main weight.
• Water/Hydration Reservoir: Water must be stored as close to the back as possible. Many hiking packs have a special compartment for a hydration reservoir in the middle of the back.
• Technical Gear: Stove, fuel, cookset, heavier electronics, camping cookware.

Tip: Store gas separately from food and carefully check the seal and attachment.

Recommendation for Heavy Loads: If you are carrying an extremely heavy pack (e.g., over 20 kg), try to move the center of gravity slightly higher, especially in challenging mountain terrain and on ascents, so the pack doesn't pull you backward but "sits" firmly and stably on the hip belt. For flat sections, a slightly lower center of gravity is more advantageous for overall stability.

Zone 3: Quick Access at the Top and in Pockets (packing a rain jacket, first-aid kit, snacks)

The top part of the hiking pack and its lid should contain items you need to access immediately without having to unpack the entire pack. This zone also holds lighter but bulky clothing, like an insulation jacket, which you can quickly put on during a break.

Tip: We discuss what a hiking first-aid kit should contain in a separate article.

Efficient Preparation: Minimalism and Compression Will Save You Liters of Space

Before you start the actual packing of the hiking pack, thorough preparation is essential. Even the best packing technique won't help if you're carrying a few extra kilos of unnecessary items.

The key to efficiency is the rule: Everything you pack should have a multi-purpose use. Utilize every empty space that would otherwise go unused. Shoes, cups, and even stoves can be filled with socks, underwear, or small electronics. Sort your items into bags and pouches by category (hygiene, electronics, clothing) – this will make finding things easier and keep you organized.

Using Compression Sacks

Compression is the most effective way to reduce the volume of soft and bulky items like clothing and sleeping bags. Compression sacks can reduce volume by up to 50%, which is invaluable when packing a hiking pack for longer trips. However, note that compression does not affect weight.

• Sleeping Bags: Always use the original compression sack.
• Clothing: Instead of plastic bags, use fabric sacks or compression sacks designed for clothing. Roll your clothes tightly into them to minimize wrinkling.
• Rolling Technique: Instead of folding T-shirts and trousers, roll them into tight cylinders. Not only will you save space, but your clothes will also wrinkle less.

Tip: Do not store down sleeping bags compressed for long periods; compression is only for transport.

Pre-Packing Checklist (Sorting for Minimalism)

Before you start packing the backpack itself, lay all your items out in one pile and go through them. For each item, ask yourself: Do I really need this, or can I do without it?

Special Equipment and Attaching Gear to the Outside of the Pack

The ideal situation is when everything fits inside. However, some items – especially long, bulky, and light ones – are suitable for attaching to the outside of the hiking pack using compression straps. Here, however, symmetry must be maintained.

• Sleeping Pad: Most often attached to the bottom or top lid of the pack. On the side only if balanced and secure, so as not to disrupt balance and make walking unstable.
• Trekking Poles: Pack them in side pockets or under side compression straps. Always point the tips downwards so they don't endanger other hikers or your head.
• Hydration Reservoir: If you use a hydration reservoir, place it in the dedicated sleeve as close to your back as possible. This ensures its weight is in the optimal zone 2, and route the hose to the outside.

Tip: Not sure how a hydration reservoir works, or need advice on choosing one? We've prepared a detailed guide to the world of hydration reservoirs for you!

Efficiently Packing a Tent

When packing a tent, it's crucial to remember the principle of maximizing space and optimizing the center of gravity. Packing the entire tent into one bag is quick but bulky. We therefore recommend dividing the tent into three basic parts and dealing with each separately:

1. Tent Poles: They form the heaviest but most compact part. Attach them vertically on the outside along the sides of the pack or place them in the middle of the main compartment (zone 2), as close to your back as possible to keep the weight centralized.
2. Tent Fly (rainfly) and Inner Tent (body): These are bulky but lighter. Pack the fly (often damp) separately in a dry bag and place it in the bottom part of the pack (zone 1) or use it to fill empty spaces in the middle to eliminate "dead air."
3. Stakes: Small and sharp, pack them in a separate pouch and place them in one of the external pockets or inside your cook pot so they don't damage fabrics.

Protection from the Elements: How to Ensure Your Pack is Waterproof

No one wants to pull out a wet sleeping bag or soaked socks at the end of the day. Most quality hiking packs come with an integrated rain cover, but even that doesn't guarantee 100% dryness. So how can you maximize the waterproofness of your pack?

• Internal Protection: Instead of relying solely on the external rain cover, which may not cover your back in the rain, use dry bags or a thick plastic bag (a liner) as internal protection. These bags are ideal for protecting your sleeping bag, electronics, and clothing.
• Rain Cover: Always keep the external rain cover within reach (zone 3 – lid). It's essential to put it on as soon as it starts to rain.
• Waterproofing: Regularly treat the fabric of your pack with special waterproofing sprays.
• Warning: All valuable documents and electronics should always be stored in separate, waterproof cases, ideally inside the pack.

Final Test and Adjustment: How to Properly Carry a Hiking Pack or Backpack

The pack is packed, but you're not done yet. Before you head out, perform a load test and then adjust it precisely to your body.

Load Test (Stability Test)

Close the pack, lift it, and give it a gentle shake. It should be stable and solid, with no shifting of contents or swaying from side to side. If you hear something tumbling inside or feel that one side is heavier, you need to repack it and ensure the load is even and compact.

Adjusting the Harness System and Straps

A properly adjusted pack will save you energy and eliminate back pain. Always adjust the straps in this order:

1. Hip Belt: The belt should sit on the top of your hip bones. Tighten it firmly so it carries most of the weight (60–70%).
2. Shoulder Straps: Tighten them so that the weight on your shoulders is only supportive. The straps should follow the curve of your shoulders without gaps but should not be constricting.
3. Load Lifter Straps: These are located between the shoulder straps and the top of the pack (at the shoulders). Tighten them at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. This will pull the top of the pack closer to your back and stabilize the center of gravity.
4. Sternum (Chest) Strap: Fasten it across your chest to keep the shoulder straps in place. Its main purpose is to ensure freedom of movement for your shoulders.

If the pack is correctly packed and adjusted, you should feel that the pressure on your back is vertical, not that the pack is pulling you backward.

Tip: Choose an ergonomic hiking backpack or a trekking pack at Bagalio. We offer modern and functional models from trusted global and local brands.

Properly Packing a Backpack for a Multi-Day Trek – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should be the weight of a backpack for longer trips?
   The weight of the backpack should ideally be around 10–15% of your body weight. This ensures that you feel comfortable with the backpack and do not get tired. Consider everything you need to take and try to reduce the weight of the backpack to a minimum without losing important items. Of course, it also depends on your fitness level, the difficulty of the terrain, and the season.
2. What parts of the backpack should be used for what?
   Each part of the backpack has its purpose. The bottom of the backpack is ideal for bulky items, such as a sleeping bag or tent. Place the heaviest items close to your back, and the top third of the backpack is suitable for lighter and frequently used items, like a fleece or food. The front pocket is ideal for small items you need to have at hand. Valuables such as a wallet or a power bank should be placed in internal pockets (e.g., in the lid or on the back panel).
3. How to pack a hiking pack to minimize swaying?
   To minimize the swaying of the backpack, it is important to tighten all compression straps and, if necessary, fill in any empty spaces/cavities in the backpack. This way, the contents of the backpack will settle better, and the center of gravity will be closer to your back, which improves stability while walking.
4. How to properly adjust a backpack on your back?
   Adjusting the backpack involves modifying the straps and hip belt so that the backpack fits snugly on your back. The straps should be tightened so that the backpack does not move, but at the same time, they should not be too tight to cause discomfort. A properly adjusted backpack helps to distribute the weight evenly.
5. What are some tips for packing a backpack to save space?
   When packing a backpack, it is good to use the space as efficiently as possible. You can put small items in the pockets of the backpack, while larger things should be placed in the main compartment. Pack in waterproof bags and use every free bit of space.
6. What are the important things to pack in a backpack for a trek?
   It is important to pack things like a waterproof jacket, a sleeping bag, food, and water. Do not forget personal hygiene, spare clothes, such as underwear, and also a basic first-aid kit. All these things should be distributed so that the backpack is well-balanced.
7. What backpack to choose for longer treks?
   When choosing a backpack for a trek, it is important to consider its size, weight, and functionality. A large backpack with enough space and pockets for organization is ideal for multi-day trips. Make sure it has adjustable straps and ventilation to be comfortable to wear.

Comfort and Experience Begin with Proper Packing: Conclusion and Recommendations

A successful trek or a comfortable journey depends not only on the choice of route but fundamentally on how you handle your load. We have learned that proper packing of a hiking pack is guided by the golden rule of 3 zones and that the key to efficiency is not only minimalism but also distributing the weight in the pack as close to the back as possible, so that most of the load is carried by the hip belt.

Remember:

• Light items, like a sleeping bag, go at the bottom (zone 1).
• Heavy items go against your back (zone 2).
• Frequently used items, like a rain jacket, go at the top (zone 3).
• Use compression sacks and dry bags for organization and protection.
• Always test and properly adjust your pack before a trip.

At Bagalio, we are happy to help you with the selection of the right hiking pack and accessories that make packing easier. Find the ideal compression sacks, hydration reservoirs, bottles, and other equipment with us that will turn your journey into pure joy. You will see that with this knowledge, your next trip will be a level more comfortable!