How to Pack for Multi-Day Hiking Trips
Deciding what you'll take on a backpacking trip is an important step in planning, but it's only half the battle. To enjoy your trip by spending less time packing and unpacking, you need a system that will make it easy for you to stay organized during your trip. Read on to learn how to pack for multi-day hiking trips.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Get your backpack, all the gear, food, clothing and other supplies that you'll be taking on the trip. You'll also want several "stuff sacks" of varying sizes. These are lightweight bags, usually made of nylon, that help you organize and protect your gear. Get several of different sizes. They are available at specialty shops, or online at Campmor and REI.
-
2
Organize your gear into distinct groups: clothing, food, cooking supplies, toiletries and miscellaneous needs such as a sleeping bag, tent and so on. Pack each of the categories into it's own stuff sack.
-
-
3
Now pack the gear into the pack. Keep the heaviest items towards the bottom, and keep items you'll need most frequently towards the top. There's no one "right way" to do this, but a typical arrangement may be, starting from the bottom: sleeping bag, tent, clothing, cooking supplies, food, toiletries and miscellaneous items.
-
4
Take advantage of the unique design of your pack. Some backpacks will have extra pockets on the outside, while some will not. If you have extra compartments or pockets, use them for small items you'll need regularly. Experiment with your setup, and see what works best by trying out your arrangement through some "dry runs."
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Choose waterproof stuff sacks if you think you'll experience a lot of wet weather.
