How to Pack a Hiking Backpack

The way you pack a hiking backpack shows your priorities out in the wild. The order of items placed in a backpack reflects your level of preparedness for the unexpected. You need to pack a hiking backpack in a particular order to stay out on the trail instead of driving home for missing supplies.

Instructions

1. Strap your mattress pad to the outside of your hiking backpack to save room for other supplies. Wrap the pad in a nylon bag and fasten it to the bottom of your backpack to protect the pad from rain and snow.

2. Gain easy access to fluids and snacks by placing consumable items in side pockets on your hiking backpack. Pack your water bottle in the pocket behind your dominant hand for a quick drink. Fill a small plastic bag with granola, nuts and fruit as a snack between stops.

3. Fill exterior pockets with tools, sunscreen and medical supplies as you pack your hiking backpack. The large exterior pocket common to hiking backpacks should be used as a first aid kit for easy access to bandages and ointment.

4. Line one side of your backpack's interior with your tent. Place the tent posts and packaging vertically for easy access as you prepare for night fall.

5. Insert the fuel source for your backpacking stove opposite your tent as you pack your hiking pack. A gas tank should be placed next to softer items like clothing to cushion frequent blows during an excursion.

6. Place extra shirts, underwear and socks at the bottom of your hiking backpack to save room for more urgent needs. Fold clothing items carefully to save space in your pack for your tent, stove and other items.

7. Fasten your sleeping bag along the top of your hiking backpack as a space-saving method during your trip. Most backpacks designed for heavy-duty excursions feature a durable strap designed especially for sleeping bags.

8. Employ the use of chest, shoulder and waist straps on your hiking backpack for frequently used items. You can lock your GPS system to your waist strap and a pair of sunglasses to your chest strap to keep your supplies within reach.

Tips & Warnings

• Write out a checklist of every item needed for your hiking trip before you pack. Mark off each item on the list as you fill your backpack to ensure that nothing is left out. You can adjust this list to reflect proper packing order as you become more experienced at storing your hiking supplies.