How to pack your backpack
One of the most important things to optimize your trekking experience is to pack your backpack properly. If you logically pack your gear, you can make your backpack a lot lighter, while also gaining space. First, you will need a good packing list. Try to optimize it every time you are on a trek. You will recognize a lot of things you don’t need.
Your gear can be split into three main zones.
Bottom zone: Light gear (e.g., sleeping bag)
Core zone: Camping equipment and heavier gear
Top zone: Bulkier gear which you may need on the trail
Pockets: Everything you need while you are on the trail
Lash-on gear: Trekking poles and special equipment
The most important part is that the whole backpack is equally balanced on each side. Try to compress everything as much as you can. The compression straps will help you to make the backpack as small as possible. Use them!
Bottom Zone
First, you should start with packing this compartment. Everything which you don’t need while you are on the trail will fit in here.
- Sleeping bag
- Thermal Mat or resting pad
- Thermal underwear
- Flipflops
Make sure that nothing breakable is in this compartment. Everything in this section will act as a shock absorbing system for the rest of the backpack. Try to make a flat ground to guarantee a stable stand while you make a break.
Core zone
Heavy gear and everything you don’t need while you are walking will be in this area of the backpack.
- Food (not snacks)
- Camping stove
- Water (if you use a camelbak)
- Tent
- Clothing
The reason why you pack your heaviest gear into the core zone is to create a stable center of gravity. If you have to climb during your hike, this will avoid losing control of the backpack. We always use a dry bag to pack our clothes, in case your Camelbak is leaking or it starts to rain.
Top Zone
The last pocket you have to pack is the top zone of the backpack. Here will be all your gear which you will need while walking or in the event of an emergency.
- Fleece jacket
- rain jacket
- First aid
- Toiletries
- Knife
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
Small pockets of the backpack
- Map
- GPS
- Mobile phone
- Lip balm
- Snacks
- Water bottles
- ID Card
- Cash
Loops
Here will be all your special gear, which you might need immediately, or that is too big for your backpack. Fasten your equipment correctly this will avoid losing your stuff and help to keep balance on narrow trails.
- Trekking poles
- Rope
- Crampons
- Large thermal mat
