As the theater begins with a hanger, the campaign – with the collection of the backpack. It is important to take everything you need, but at the same time not to put unnecessary: on their own shoulders then carry. We will tell you how to pack a backpack for a hike so that you were most comfortable and convenient – click.
Rule №1. Write a list
This will help not to forget anything. Mark all the necessary things: clothes, equipment, and even some seemingly inconsequential little things. In addition, separately write down what else to buy (or rent) for the trip. It’s best to start packing in advance: that way you’re more likely not to forget anything.
Here is our basic list that will help you focus:
- tent;
- rollaway rug, seatpost (from foam);
- sleeping bag;
- raincoat;
- warm sweater;
- a spare pair of shoes;
- a spare set of clothes – pants, a few T-shirts, socks, underwear;
- a spoon, a mug, a bowl, a kettle (the dishes must be light and unbreakable);
- personal hygiene products (don’t take too many bottles!);
- first-aid kit – personal pills, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, bandages and antiseptics;
- matches, flashlight, lighter, knife;
- foodstuffs;
- money, documents;
- a navigator or compass with a map;
- camera, power bank, phone.
Rule №2. The sleeping bag on the bottom
We put the lightest parts of the outfit on the bottom. By the way, don’t tighten the compression bag for the sleeping bag too much. If you leave it in a slightly relaxed state, you will be comfortable to place other things around it in the backpack. If the sleeping bag is large, it’s easier to just spread it out around the backpack without the compressor, so it will take up less space. Also, just in case, wrap the sleeping bag separately in polyethylene: in wet conditions it can get wet during the rest.
Rule № 3. Keep the heaviest items close to your back
Keep the center of gravity of your backpack at waist level. This will help distribute the load optimally. There we put food, gas cylinders, tent arcs and other public equipment.
Speaking of food. It’s very convenient to distribute food by day and put it in separate bags. Then you don’t have to dig in your backpack, measure out the right portions and so on. Take out a bag of rations for the day and you don’t have to shake the whole bag. Yes, it takes some time to prepare. But even during the campaign you’ll understand the convenience of this method.
How properly you will gather and fold things will depend on how comfortable it will be to carry a hiking backpack. Be sure to check that nothing sharp is resting against your back.
Rule №4: Distribute Your Clothes Well
It is convenient to use thin hermetic bags to protect things from water. Pack clothing in such a way that you don’t put anything you don’t need, but that you take what you need. Distribute things intelligently. A hiking bag is not a big closet at home, so do not stack your clothes. Distribute it throughout the space along the walls of the backpack.
Rule №5: Pocket change
We refer to the change as a flashlight, some utensils, money, documents, and a camera. Be sure to put there things that you may need in an emergency. For example, a raincoat, a knife, or a Band-Aid.
Rule №6 Leave unnecessary things at home
Do not bring with you on a trip a collection of Gogol’s works, china, a lot of cosmetic fluids (they can spill!). Of clothing leave at home jeans – it is already heavy, and in a wet state and even more so. Yes, and it takes a lot of space. Electrical appliances are also unlikely to be needed. After all, where are you going to find outlets in nature?
Rule №7 Don’t hang a bunch of stuff outside
Equipment can get snagged on rocks or, badly, fall off. Improper backpack balance at the expense of hinged items weighs you down and leads to more fatigue. If you do strap something to the outside of the backpack, try to keep a symmetrical balance and strap the items tightly so they do not hang out. The maximum you should tie is a tent and a mat. But it’s better to put the arcs inside. Where – we have already written above.
Remember, the liters of the bag depends on the number of things! If everything fits in 60 liters, then why take 90?
So, how to properly assemble a backpack in a hike we figured out. Now you need to adapt to him. It should fit closely to the back. The hip belt holds it near the pelvic bones, shoulder straps without any gaps fit to the shoulders.
How to properly adjust your backpack
This is one of the most important parts of packing for a hike. Whether or not you’ll be comfortable all the way through depends on whether or not the adjustment is done correctly. So:
- The distance between the waist belt and shoulder straps should be equal to the distance between the point between your shoulder blades and the point at maximum lumbar flexion: adjust this before you put it on;
- put the hiking backpack on and bend over slightly. The bag should be moved slightly up your back. Then adjust the hip belt. It is attached below the waist, where the hip bones are. Note that this is where ⅔ of your luggage weight rests;
- Do not leave any space between the shoulder straps and your shoulders.
Be sure to take a few steps and shake your backpack lightly. Make sure nothing rattles. There’s nothing worse than listening to the sound of your mug hitting the bowler all the way. Also, things inside shouldn’t be dangling. Secure everything with special ties just in case. That’s it, the basic work is done.
How to put on a backpack
How to assemble a backpack and adjust it – a question, of course, important, but you also need to put it on. Of course, the best way to do this is with the help of a comrade. However, you can also handle it alone. Do the following:
- Take the assembled backpack by the shoulder straps and place it on the bent knee of your support leg;
- hold the bag and insert one hand into the shoulder strap;
- Slip it behind you, smoothly and gently, while slipping your hand into the other strap.
That’s it! All that’s left is to adjust the backpack and fasten the hip belt. Remember that it must be put on slowly, without any sudden jerks. Otherwise, you risk damaging your back. And this is obviously not what you want before the trip.
By the way, one more important point. To make you feel comfortable carrying the bag, its weight should not exceed one third of your own weight.
So, let’s repeat the main points that will be useful to you when you pack your backpack on a trip:
- all junk out. Take only what you really need;
- the size of the backpack must be appropriate for the number of items: if the luggage fits 60 liters, you don’t need 90;
- light – down, heavy – closer to your back, at waist level;
- better distribute supplies in advance by bags: one day – one bag;
- do not stack clothing like in a closet, but distribute it throughout the free space; use zip-locks to save space as much as possible;
- adjust your backpack properly – your comfort depends on it;
- put any small items and things you might need urgently in your pockets as quickly as possible.
And yes, it is better to put the camera as close as possible. After all, you’re going on a hike including beautiful photos. And digging in your backpack in an attempt to find a camera to capture this sunset – not the best idea. And in general, the best photos are quick and random.
So we figured out how to quickly pack a backpack for a hike. We hope that you found our instructions useful. Have a great hike!
