Hiking
How to organise a hiking pack so it carries well
Pack a hiking backpack for balance and easy access, place heavy items thoughtfully and test the full load before leaving.
A well-packed backpack feels balanced and lets you reach important gear without unloading everything onto the track. Start by laying out the contents and separating what you need while walking from what can wait until camp.
Use three packing zones
- Close to your back: place the heavier items centrally so they do not pull you backwards.
- Around the load: use lighter, compressible gear to fill gaps and stop movement.
- Easy access: keep rainwear, food, navigation, first aid and other essentials where you can reach them.
Balance and secure it
Keep the two sides reasonably even. Use compression straps to stabilise the load, and avoid loose items swinging from the outside. Protect contents with suitable waterproof storage; a neat packing arrangement does not keep a sleeping bag dry by itself.
Do a short loaded test
Put the pack on with the actual trip contents, adjust it and walk up and down some steps. If it sways or pulls awkwardly, repack before blaming the harness. I would practise reaching my raincoat without removing the sleeping gear. Put anything needed urgently in a consistent place and show a walking partner where it is. A simple packing list also makes it easier to spot what was forgotten when the kitchen floor looks clear.
Read next: How to choose a second-hand tramping pack.
Sources and photo credit
Information checked 29 September 2026.
Photo: SGrabarczuk (WMF). Original photograph; CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for web display.
