How to properly pack a backpack for a hike: a list of things

The sleeping bags are in the backpack, the tent is in the car. We’re going camping soon. Are all the important things packed? It’s better to check everything!

Table of Contents

Backpack

It’s no coincidence that choosing the right backpack is at the top of the list when preparing for any trip. Wherever you go – it will always be with you. And from how comfortable the backpack will be for you, depends on the amount of positive emotions that you will get from the trip.

Pay special attention to:

Optimal volume of the backpack from 40-60 liters
The material should be waterproof
Internal frame
Adjustable hip belt
Back ventilation
Straps with a width of 6-8 cm
Waterproof cover

Footwear

Hiking has its own requirements for footwear. It is necessary to choose closed and, preferably, waterproof – high boots are perfect. If water bodies and swampy areas are not expected on your route, don’t forget that the grass in the morning is wet from dew. High ankle shoes will protect you from small pebbles getting inside your boots and from insect bites that you may not notice in the grass.

Clothing

On any trip you need to have several layers of clothing with you:

1 layer – t-shirt or thermal underwear
2 layer – fleece jacket
3 layer – lightweight jacket
4 layer – warm jacket or raincoat.

IMPORTANT. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes. Even if the weather is warm, unexpected rain and high humidity are hard to predict. It’s best to be prepared for anything.

Food and utensils

The first thing you should think about when planning a hike is the necessary water supply. Its quantity depends on your walking style, your daily intake and the type of traveling.

If you’re a fan of quick-brewed porridge and noodles, great! Also, canned goods and stews should not be forgotten.

If you plan on climbing peaks or your trek involves climbing altitude – be sure to take protein or granola bars, as well as special gels that are designed for this purpose. They will not melt under the sun and will not spoil in a few days.

It is better to take dishes made of light metal, plastic or folding, but definitely not disposable – you simply have nowhere to throw it away. Take one kettle for the company, in which you can warm food and boil water.

Equipment and technique

A set of equipment and technique on a trip should be necessary and balanced, so that you do not carry a lot of unnecessary things. Naturally, you need to understand what your trip will be like.

A phone is certainly good – it can combine several useful gadgets at once – flashlight, maps, compass, player, but when it runs out of battery, it will be difficult. It is worth taking care of alternative sources of energy, take a power-bank with you. In general, we advise you not to sit down the phone’s charge for nothing: if you need emergency help, it is unlikely that anything can replace it.
A paper route map, a battery-powered headlamp, matches and a compass are also worth having separately in your backpack.
A useful addition to the list of equipment will be a multitool – it is a multifunctional thing containing a knife, pliers and a couple of tools that will help to make simple repairs in the field.
Walking is already a good kind of physical activity, but if you want to diversify hiking, you can take with you trekking poles or designed for Nordic walking.

The rest of the equipment depends on the climatic conditions and the chosen trip.

First aid kit-cosmetic bag

Of course, lipstick and mascara are better left at home, but sunscreen with spf will definitely come in handy. In addition to it, be sure to take insect repellent, plasters (rubbing blisters on the trip will be very unfortunate), iodine, saline and other medicines that you consider necessary. Also bring wet wipes, a toothbrush and a comb.