A question asked many a time, and there are different answers to it. It really doesn’t have much impact if you go for day hikes, but it definitely has a huge impact on a multi-day hikes!
- Pack the less used, lighter gear on the bottom of the pack
- This includes things like the (sleeping mat, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag liner).
- Pack heavy gear close to the centre of your back
- This includes the water bladder and the bulk of your food. Personally, I pack my stove and gas canister here as well. Other would pack this at the bottom of their pack, but it’s all up to personal preference.
- Pack the frequently used gear on top
- Clothing, wet weather gear
See diagram below for a visual representation of the above.
Water Proofing the Pack
Allays, but always, make sure you have a rain coat for yourself, but more importantly, your pack. Most packs come with rain cover whilst others you need to purchase separately. Weather is temperamental in most countries, hence, keep your contents and the pack itself dry, is imperative.
What do I pack in my pack?
Well there is much to pack, but keep in mind the weight each item takes, as this puts strain on your back as well as your knees. General rule of thumb is that for every kilogram on the pack, puts 3 kilograms on your knees. That said, the basic packing list, and this will change for weather and hike duration, is as follows:
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Water wicking clothes
- Water proof bags to store your clothes and food
- If in winter, a warm fleece and “long john’s”
- Sun hat
- Rain coat
- Food & trail snacks
- Gas canister & stove
- Matches
- Knife, fork (or spork)
- Pot/pan/plate
- Bladder 2l or 3l
- Medical Kit
- Flip-flops for the camp or over night facilities
- Head torch
- Hikers Towel, quick dry
- Washing soap
- Tooth brush and tooth paste….if you really want to 🙂
- GPS or your mobile phone, SAT Phone (if you go to realy remote areas), and if you can, Smart Watch
- Solar-based charging device for your electronics
- For me personally, a JavaPress of AeroPress coffee peculator
- Sun Screen
- Sun Glasses
- Map & permit