How to pack your backpack

The trip is planned, the luggage is ready – but how will it all fit into your backpack? And how do you pack your stuff so that you can carry it easily and don’t get a backache after ten minutes? An athletic person can carry up to 25 per cent of their body weight on a long trek. So before you set off on your next adventure, make sure your pack is well-balanced. Pack your backpack properly: Find out how here!

 

 

 

packing your backpack: seven tips


 

rucksack_zonen_system_en

 

1. Large and light items at the bottom

The bottom compartment, or bottom most compartment, is for bulky but light items such as your sleeping bag, down jacket or travel pillow. Important: The bottom compartment should be well filled to keep the rucksack stable. You can also fill gaps with clothes or put wet clothes in it – sometimes it is called a wet compartment.

 

2. Put heavy items on the back

Heavy items – such as hydration bladders, cooking equipment, tents – go in the main compartment close to your body and as close to your back as possible. This is important so that your pack has the right centre of gravity when you’re carrying it and doesn’t pull you backwards.

 

3. Clothes and food in the main compartment

You can also put your clothing and food in the main compartment and fill it with these items. You can also place your first aid kit on top of the main compartment.

 

4. Light equipment in the outer pockets

Light equipment such as gaiters, granola bars or a rain jacket can be stored in the side or front pockets. There’s room for everything you need to keep close to hand. Again, it is essential to balance the two side pockets to avoid uneven weight distribution.

 

5. Small and fragile items in the top compartment

Smaller items, such as your wallet or headlamp, go in the top compartment. Fragile items can also be placed there. Don’t pack the top pocket too full, as this will restrict your head movement. 

 

6. Do not attach anything to the outside

If possible, avoid attaching anything to the outside of the backpack – even letting dangle things from it. This shifts the centre of gravity, and you run the risk of getting caught on sharp edges or bushes. Exceptions, of course, are things like hiking poles or ice axes.

 

7. Go taller than wider

It’s better to pack your backpack high rather than wide, as this will give you extra stability.

 

 

packing your backpack

 

 

 

Adjusting your backpack correctly


The backpack must fit the length of your back, and nowadays, there are models for men and women. Each backpack has shoulder straps that can be adjusted to fit your size. More advanced rucksacks also have hip straps, chest straps and load control straps to help distribute your weight and keep the pack stable while you carry it.

 

The hip straps

…are important for keeping the weight of the backpack on your hips. Put it on with all the straps loosely fastened and fasten the hip belt first. The hip belt sits across your hip bones.

The shoulder straps

 

…should be adjusted so that the backpack does not slip off your shoulders. The straps should be tight, but you should still be able to move your arms comfortably.

 

The load control straps

…are the small straps on the top straps of the backpack that go over your shoulders. They bring the backpack closer to your body for more stability when walking.

 

The sternum strap

…gives you more freedom of movement for your arms and is useful when walking with poles.

 

 

 

 

 

TIPS & TRICKS FOR LONGER TREKKING-TOURS


Are you ready to start your trip? If so, we have a few tips to make sure nothing goes wrong.

 

  • Ultra-light products are often more manageable due to the low weight and volume, and can therefore be stored well.
  • Pack sacks are ideal to store dirty clothes or to protect items from water.
  • On steep alpine tours, your body weight is shifted forward. The rucksack’s centre of gravity should therefore be lower, at hip level.
  • Take the weight off your shoulders and hips from time to time to prevent muscle fatigue.

 

 

Some inspiration from our backpack range:

 

 

 

Hiking is your passion? Keep informed about further topics like:

→ Forget blisters with the right pair of hiking socks

→ how to find the perfect fitting outdoor boot

→ Hiking and Trekking Poles: Faithful Companions in the Mountains