How to Pack a Hiking Backpack for Hiking
Creating a hiking backpack is about more than just choosing the correct size. It’s about making adjustments, organizing gear, and protecting sensitive items.
Organize your gear
Organizing your gear when packing a hiking backpack is essential to increasing your comfort. However, an unpacked bag may lead to back injuries, muscle strains, and vertebral injuries.
The best way to organize your backpack is to sort your gear by weight. Pack delicate items at the bottom, medium-weight items at the top, and heavy equipment in the middle. This will ensure your backpack is balanced.
A common complaint among multiday backpackers is that their packs are too heavy. Properly loaded assemblies should only require a little forward lean to maintain balance. However, if the group is too heavy, you may feel pressure on your back or knock over your pack.
If your backpack has pockets, you can store light equipment, such as water bottles, in these pockets. You can also strap items outside the pack, such as tent poles or microspikes. Alternatively, you can store items such as rain jackets in bungee cords or stuff pockets.
Pick the correct size.
Choosing the right size hiking backpack is an essential step in the process of getting into the backcountry. The suitable pack will keep you safe and allow you to access your gear quickly.
It would help if you chose a backpack that would fit your needs and body style. Your size will also depend on how long you plan to travel and what type of gear you’ll bring with you. For example, if you’re looking for a backpack for a weekend hike, you should look for a pack sized for thirty to fifty liters. On the other hand, for a multiday trip, you’ll want to choose a backpack with a 70-liter capacity.
The best backpacks are designed with features that are useful to the user. For example, a hydration system should be built into the pack, and a hose portal should allow you to drink water hands-free. A hip belt pocket is also a must-have. These pockets are great for holding things such as cell phones and snacks.
Create a stable stack
Preparing a backpack makes forearms and wrists less prone to sprains and strains. The trick is to find the right balance between weight distribution and a healthy dose of common sense. Luckily, plenty of pack gurus are out there to point you in the right direction. The key to success is in having a solid plan of attack. A few simple steps can sum this up. Having a well-thought-out packing plan can make your day a whole lot easier. Having a pack with a full reservoir is no easy feat. Taking the time to fill it with water before packing your stuff is one of the most brilliant things you can do. Similarly, having a packed hydration ration before plugging in your food is a challenging feat.
Protect sensitive items
Depending on your level of adventure and budget, you can rest assured that your valuables are well protected. The following tips can make the process as painless as possible:
- Keep your laptop safe from prying eyes and other assorted miscreants by securing it in an ultra-safe laptop bag.
- Keep your wallet and credit cards safe from prying eyes by blocking them in an RFID-compatible wallet.
- Secure your valuables in an ultra-safe backpack. This is a worthy feat for anyone that values their sanity.
- Make sure to get a good night’s sleep.
If your sleeping bag is in a different league than your snooze zone, you may wake up on the bed’s wrong side in the morning. This is an excellent time to consider your options.
Make adjustments
A properly adjusted backpack will make your hiking experience much more comfortable. It will also make you more efficient and help you enjoy your hike for longer. A properly adjusted pack also makes it safer.
When adjusting your backpack, it is essential to consider your torso length. This is the distance between your iliac crest and the seventh cervical vertebrae.
The weight of your backpack should be evenly distributed between your shoulders and pelvis. Having a poorly fitted pack can be uncomfortable and affect your balance. You can make minor adjustments as you walk or hike, but you should also take time to make adjustments before a trip.
You should also adjust the shoulder straps. They should sit about a couple of inches below your shoulders and be fastened to keep them in place.