If you're planning your next big getaway into the great outdoors, you're likely thinking about all the essentials you need -- and how to get them there. Depending on the length of your trip, you'll need everything from clothes to food, equipment and more, and having the right backpacking bag will let you get there with ease and take your essentials with you as you go without weighing you down and becoming a burden.
It's time to get packing, and seasoned travelers know that doing it the right way will make your trip a joy. Taking the wrong items, or too many of them, and not using the right backpacking bag could cause unnecessary problems along the way.
So how to pack a hiking backpack so you take only what you need to enjoy your trip and it's simple and easy to travel with? Here, we'll tell you everything you need to know.
Choosing the Right Backpacking Bag for You
A quick look around stores that sell backpacking bags, like outdoor stores and more general supermarkets, shows there's a lot of choice when choosing one for trips. They come in all shapes, sizes and volumes, and deciding what's best is not always easy. Too small and you have to stuff everything in, risking damaging items; too big and you'll be lugging unnecessary space on your trip.
A good place to start is to sit down and work out what you're going to take, in terms of food, clothing, drinks, equipment and possibly a laptop or table computer. You may want to take a portable power back -- the BLUETTI Handsfree1 and Handsfree2 power plants are built into sturdy and ample backpacks. They will allow you to run lighting and keep your electronics charged.
Lay it all out and get an approximate size, which will give you an idea of the type of backpacking bag you need. Will you also be taking cooking and other gear, and if so, do you require backpack features that carry them?
Decide what you need first, and then go hunting at the stores.
Balancing Your Gear for a Stable Trip
Also think about what your trip involves. You will most likely be moving about on foot a lot. So think about balance and how you'll get around with all your gear. Heavier items should be close to your back and in the middle of a backpacking bag, for optimal balance. This way, your bag won't be pulling you back as you walk about -- an important consideration in challenging environments like rocky paths, mountainous terrain and other uneven places where you need to be sure of your footing.
Easily Accessing Your Hiking Supplies
Those who don't put much care and attention into packing a backpack are often caught out while on the road. A sudden need for something in a backpacking bag, like water or a bite to eat, can result in disruption to others and frustration as you realize they're not within easy grasp. That's because you packed them in the middle or bottom of the bag, without giving thought to proper packing, and now you have to almost empty the bag to get what you want -- and then pack it all in again.
So make sure to put the essentials you might need at a moment's notice at the top of your backpacking bag. Then, you can reach them with ease. Or choose a bag that has external pockets where you can access essentials without even having to open the bag and go searching.
Rolling or Layering Your Clothes
Your clothing will likely take up the majority of space in your backpacking bag, so how are you going to get it all in there and still leave room for other essential items. Pro travelers swear by the rolling technique, which allows you to squeeze more into a smaller space while ensuring your favorite t-shirts, shorts and other clothing remain wrinkle-free.
You can also layer the clothing and other items in your backpacking bag. Do this by placing the lighter clothing at the bottom, with heavier ones on top. This has the benefit of squashing, or compressing, the lighter ones at the end and giving you more space.
Now that you know how to pack a hiking backpack like a pro, your trip is sure to be plain sailing. You won’t be weighed down and you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
FAQs
How to Correctly Pack a Hiking Backpack?
Take only what you need, nothing more, and don't be tempted to pack lots of clothes you won't use. Put heavier items to the back and essentials like food and water on the top, unless there are outer pockets where you can put them.
What Is the Proper Hiking Backpack Position?
Your shoulders, lower back and pelvis carry the weight of a backpacking bag. It should be tight to your back and sit just above your glutes. When you put your backpack on, tighten the hip or waist belt around your hips for optimal positioning. Make sure the shoulder straps are tightened so the bag is secure, but don't overdo it or they'll cut into your shoulders, making you sore.
How to Distribute Weight in a Hiking Backpack?
According to the hiking experts, most of the weight of a backpacking bag is carried by your lower body -- around 80 percent of it. The rest is borne by the front of the shoulders. So to minimize strain, put heavier items towards the back of your bag, which will be nearer your center of gravity. You may have seen some people attaching items to the outside of their bags, but those who know how to pack a hiking backpack properly know that hanging things off it can make you unbalanced.
How Should a Hiking Backpack Fit a Woman?
For women to have a comfortable-fitting backpacking bag, get one that sits nicely on the hips and doesn’t go further down. Ensure it isn't longer than the spine and has chest straps that are not too tight and accommodate different body sizes, so you’re not constricted.
