Backpacks have come a long way since the 70s, when hikers swore by bulky external frames and nifty side pockets were few and far between. Nowadays, hikers have a wide range of options to choose from, including gossamer, vest-style frameless packs, sturdy aluminum-stayed internal frames, and a host of other options that fall in between. However, it is still critical to know how to pack a backpack correctly, regardless of the type of backpack you choose.

Packing a backpack is not just about throwing your belongings inside and calling it good. When you are on the trail, you will be carrying your backpack for hours, days, or even weeks at a time, so balance and comfort are tantamount. Carefully loading up your backpack can even keep you safer. On tricky scrambles or exposed trails, a well-loaded backpack will help you keep your balance and prevent nasty falls.

In this article, we will cover some of the most important tips for getting your backpack ready for the trail.

What are the different pockets on my backpack for?

Although backpacks may exhibit minor variations depending on the manufacturer or design, most contemporary models possess several shared characteristics that enhance the organization of your gear. These include facilitating a more efficient distribution of weight and ensuring that essential items remain easily accessible. Specialty pockets, in particular, can prove to be immensely beneficial in maximizing the utility of your backpack.

The Backpack’s Brain

The aptly named “brain”—the uppermost zippered pocket that straddles the top of most packs—is your grab n’ go center once you’re on the trail. It’s perfect for storing compact, often-used items like snacks, navigation tools, and headlamps. Use it correctly and you’ll not only shave time off of your pit stops, you’ll also avoid yard-saleling every time you need to grab the trail mix. (It’s worth noting that some packs, especially ultralight and waterproof packs that utilize a roll-top closure, don’t feature a brain.)

The Front Pouch

What’s worse than stuffing a wet rain jacket in with the rest of your previously dry gear? Trying to find it in a downpour. Solve both vexing trail problems with by utilizing your backpack’s front pouch.

Also known as the “kangaroo pouch” this stretchy front pouch gives you instant access to whatever you put in it. Some packs may replace it with a zippered pocket instead; either way, consider it your designated jacket pocket. Avoid using the front pouch for heavy items, as these may impact your center of gravity.

The Hip Belt Pocket

The hip belt pocket is another exceptional small compartment designed for frequently accessed items such as trail snacks and lip balm. A notable advantage is that you won’t have to remove your backpack to reach these items, providing swift and convenient access. (Please note, in lightweight backpack models, this feature may be absent or designed to be removable.)

Water Bottle Pockets

Arguably, the most conspicuous compartments on your backpack are the designated water bottle pockets located at the base of each side. These pockets are specifically designed to store your bottles securely, providing swift and effortless access whenever you need to quench your thirst with a quick drink during your journey. The strategic placement of these pockets ensures that your water bottles remain easily accessible, allowing you to stay hydrated without having to rummage through your backpack or take it off completely. Additionally, the elastic or mesh material commonly used for these pockets enables them to accommodate various sizes of water bottles, ensuring compatibility with your preferred hydration options.

Why does my backpack have so many straps?

Your backpack’s straps play a crucial role in compressing your gear inward, ensuring a tight center of gravity and significantly enhancing your hiking experience by minimizing potential issues. It is imperative to ensure that all straps are securely buckled and tightened before embarking on your trail adventure.

Many backpacks are equipped with semi-secret zippers that greatly simplify navigating through your packed belongings. These include side zippers and bottom zippers, providing convenient access to gear that might otherwise be buried deep within your backpack.

Some backpacks feature a designated sleeping bag compartment located at the bottom, complete with a trap door designed to protect your sleeping bag from dirty clothes, food, and wet gear. In situations where space is limited, you can unzip this flap to provide additional room for your essentials.

How to avoid overpacking

Chronic overpackers beware: Your backpack, and all the things inside it, become an extension of you once you’re on the trail. Remember that less is more, even if you’re not an ultralighter.

Struggling to cut weight? Try this handy exercise.

1. Lay out everything you want to take on your hike, from the sleeping bag, clothes, food and shelter you absolutely need to the reading materials and extra sweater you probably don’t.
2. Move the essential items into a different pile . “Essential” means essential: don’t cheat by moving luxury items into that pile.
3. Now, eliminate (at least) half of the gear left in the “luxury” pile. We all know you don’t really need that stuff, anyways.

If there’s still plenty of room in your pack after packing, consider treating yourself to a few extra luxuries. But if your pack is still overloaded after paring down your gear, keep ditching luxuries until everything fits. Don’t worry: you’ll get there eventually.

How do I pack my backpack?

Arranging your gear in your pack is more of an art than a science. With that said, following a few guiding principles will get you 90% of the way there.

Remember the two C’s: comfort and convenience. Your gear must be packed comfortably so that it won’t interfere with your center of gravity. It should be packed conveniently so you can get to the gear you need without emptying everything out. Nobody likes a trailside junk show.

How do I pack my backpack comfortably?

Maintain your center of gravity—and thus your comfort – by packing your heaviest, densest gear as close to your back as you can. Food, water and cooking gear should end up near or between your shoulder blades, where they won’t swing around and knock you off your stride. Keep them in place with less dense items like clothing.

How do I pack my backpack for convenience?

Avoid the dreaded junk show by layering your gear with frequency of use in mind. You won’t need your sleeping bag until you make camp; pack it on the bottom where it will stay out of the way. However, you might want to wear your puffy jacket during a chilly afternoon break. Keep high-use items like that at or near the top of your bag.

Should I pack with compression sacks?

Smart packing isn’t always enough to keep your gear where it’s supposed to be: sometimes you need a little extra organizational help. In situations like that, compression sacks are a great add-on:

1. They remove excess air from your load. More space means more stuff.
2. They help you organize your gear by type.
3. Many are waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about wet clothing at the end of the day.

That said, compression sacks have drawbacks. By forcing your gear into oblong shapes, you inevitably create some dead space inside your pack. Consider using a loose puffy or some clothing to pad out that empty space and keep your load from shifting around.

One hard rule: Never store your sleeping bag in compression sacks off the trail. Long-term compression breaks down your bag’s natural loft, which can impact the bag’s ability to insulate you from the cold.

How do I prepare my backpack for rain?

Don’t let yourself end up wet, cold, and shivering simply because a sudden rainstorm caught you off guard and saturated your clothing layers. To avoid such discomfort, it’s essential to pack your backpack with inclement weather in mind. Fortunately, you have several viable options to choose from:

Backpack Rain Cover

As a first line of defense against rogue raindrops, consider purchasing a rain cover for your backpack. This inexpensive yet highly effective layer is designed to stop water from dampening the outside of your pack, thereby shielding all your gear within from moisture. To ensure easy access when needed, stash the rain cover in your front pouch, allowing you to quickly deploy it and protect your backpack and its contents from the rain.

Compression Sacks

Compression sacks, particularly those rated as water-resistant, serve as an excellent protective measure for your sensitive gear from the inside, especially when the rain starts pounding relentlessly. These sacks are specifically designed to keep moisture out, ensuring that your delicate equipment remains dry and secure even in the face of heavy rainfall.

Trash Bags

Heavy plastic bags are a cheap and simple option to avoid water woes. Load your clothes and other water-unfriendly gear into a trash compactor bag before packing, then push out as much air as you can and tie the bag off with a loose knot. (If your backpack has a separate sleeping bag compartment, you can use a smaller trash bag to line the inside of that instead.

In conclusion, packing your backpack correctly is crucial for a successful and comfortable hiking trip. By understanding the different pockets on your backpack, avoiding overpacking, packing comfortably and conveniently, using compression sacks, and preparing for rain, you can ensure that your backpack is ready for the trail. Remember, a well-packed backpack can make or break your hiking experience, so take the time to pack it correctly.