Hiking Backpack
How To Load a Hiking Backpack For Comfort and Stability
A backpack of the highest quality with the best fit is still only as good as the packing job. Loaded the wrong way, the weight will hang heavily on your shoulders, put painful pressure on all the wrong places, or pull you off balance. Here's how to load a hiking backpack for maximum comfort and enjoyment on the trail.
First of all, separate your gear into three weight-designated piles: light -- items such as your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and clothing; medium -- stove, water filter, and fuel; and heavy -- your tent, food, and water. This way you get an idea what you have to pack, and you won't forget anything as you load each area of the pack.
Generally, the heaviest items should ride closest to your back, and between your shoulder blades. If you will be hiking on cut trails, place the heavy items higher. This will help transfer the weight to your hips, which are best suited for supporting heavy loads. If you will be bush-whacking, hiking cross-country or climbing over rocks, pack the heavier items lower. This placement will keep your center of gravity lower for better stability.
Your sleeping bag should go in the bottom, along with other light items that you won't be needing during the day. If you carry a bear canister, as more and more parks are requiring, place it against your back in the main pack compartment or lash it under the pack lid. Work your other items in, packing tightly and filling every space. It helps to keep related small items, such as first aid, repair kit, or hygiene items, in stuff-sacks, color-coded for easy identification.
Pack liquid fuel lower than your food in case it leaks. Better yet, carry it in an outside pocket; many packs have mesh side pockets that are perfect for this. Try not to lash things onto the outside of your pack, but if you have to, secure them from swinging so you don't lose your balance. There will be some things you'll want to access frequently during the day. Things like your map and compass, sunscreen, snacks, and rain gear should be packed in the outside pockets or in the top lid. When you have everything loaded in your backpack, tighten the side compression straps to snug it all down. You don't want the load to shift just as you're boulder hopping across a river.
It will take some trial and error to learn the best way to pack your particular gear for your pack and your body. Once you figure out where everything rides best, don't mess with the system. Always pack things in the same place every time. You'll always know where to find what you want, and there's less chance of losing something.
A quality backpack that fits properly will enable you to carry more weight. A rule of thumb is that you don't carry more than 25-30% of your body weight, otherwise you risk injury. If your pack is too heavy, look into lighter versions of the gear you now carry. Using lighter gear overall allows you to use a lighter backpack, helping you to shed pounds from the entire package, and leading to a safer, happier hiking trip.
About the Author
N. B. Shepherd has backpacked thousands of miles in the United States and Canada. Read about her Appalachian Trail hike in her Appalachian Trail book, My Own Hike.
Hiking Backpack Gear Pt.1
 |
 Western Pack 5400ci Hiking Hunting Camping Internal Frame Backpack KHAKI NEW $39.99 Time Remaining: 23d 7h 3m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 80L Professional Backpack Shoulders Bag Camping Hiking Internal Frame Orange $60.99 Time Remaining: 3h 19m |
 KELTY SLICKROCK INTERNAL FRAME BACKPACKING HIKING BACKPACK 5500 cubic inches NR $61.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 3m |
 Western Pack 5400ci Hiking Hunting Camping Internal Frame Backpack GREEN NEW $39.99 Time Remaining: 15d 6h 34m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 back pack hikingcamping $17.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 55m |
 6000ci Alpine Trekking Hiking Climbing Camping Internal Frame Backpack $57.95 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 42m Buy It Now for only: $57.95 Buy It Now |
 Osprey Backpack Hiking Camping $58.99 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 28m |
 5400ci Hiking Hunting Internal Frame Backpack BLACK NEW $39.99 Time Remaining: 29d 14h 28m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 GREGORY BACKPACK MENS SIZE LARGE Internal Frame Hiking camping outdoor $49.75 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 2h 45m |
 Western Pack 5400ci Hiking Hunting Camping Internal Frame Backpack NAVY BLUE NEW $39.99 Time Remaining: 15d 6h 37m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 OSPREY internal frame AETHER 90 backpack hiking climbing camping used NO RESERVE $100.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 4h 57m |
 NEW JANSPORT BIG BEAR 63 INTERNAL FRAME HIKING BACKPACK CARRY ON LUGGAGE BAG110 $44.99 Time Remaining: 9d 5h 19m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 Buy It Now |
 Brand New COLEMAN EXPONENT X30 Internal Frame Hiking Backpack Blue $32.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5h 14m |
 5400ci Hiking Traveling Backpack Internal Frame Black $49.95 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 32m Buy It Now for only: $49.95 Buy It Now |
 OSPREY Aether 70 HYDRATION Camping BACKPACKING Hiking BACK PACK Mens large $76.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 17h 58m |
 5400ci Hiking Camping Internal Frame Backpack BLACK NEW $49.99 Time Remaining: 28d 4h 1m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now |
 Marlboro Gear Lot 2 Hiking Trail Backpack Pack Travel Red Nylon $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 23h 25m |
 BLACK Extra Large Backpack Camping 4800 Cu In BIG New Hike Hiking Scouts Big $44.00 Time Remaining: 27d 23h 54m Buy It Now for only: $44.00 Buy It Now |
 Very Very Nice Osprey Aether 85 Pack Hiking Trekking Travel Backpack Size M $81.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 3h 41m |
 90L New Hiking Camping Professional Backpack Large Internal Frame Packs Red $69.99 Time Remaining: 20d 11h 8m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 Buy It Now |
 60L Professional Backpack Bag Camping Hiking External Frame Orange $50.99 Time Remaining: 3h 15m |
 NEW 85L Internal Frame Camping Hiking Backpack Navy $52.95 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 36m Buy It Now for only: $52.95 Buy It Now |
 90L Large Backpack Shoulders Bag Camping Hiking Internal Frame Orange $68.99 Time Remaining: 18h 59m |
 90L New Hiking Camping Professional Backpack Large Internal Frame Packs Orange $69.99 Time Remaining: 29d 3h 13m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 Buy It Now |
 EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS WHERE2 Backpack Day Pack Hiking Camping School Bag $14.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 51m |
 NEW 4700 ci Hiking Camping Hunting Zombie Survival Digi Camo Backpack $44.99 Time Remaining: 23d 18h 42m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 Buy It Now |
 Used REI Talus 35 Internal Frame Hiking Camping Day Backpack Red Black Large Nr $15.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 3h 55m |
 COLEMAN EXPONENT X30 Internal Frame Hiking Backpack Red $33.99 Time Remaining: 23d 23h 56m Buy It Now for only: $33.99 Buy It Now |
 Kemyer 5500 Cubic Inch Hiking Backpack with Hydration Pocket Compass Red $69.99 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 52m |
 NEW JANSPORT KLAMATH 55 INTERNAL FRAME HIKING BACKPACK CARRY ON LUGGAGE BAG $64.99 Time Remaining: 9d 3h 2m Buy It Now for only: $64.99 Buy It Now |
 Cool Mens The NORTH FACE Bionic 75 Vintage Camping Hiking Backpack Green $39.99 Time Remaining: 4d 22h 48m |
 75L Internal Frame Camping Hiking Travel Backpack Green $55.95 Time Remaining: 7d 7h Buy It Now for only: $55.95 Buy It Now |
 OSPREY Aether 70 HYDRATION Camping BACKPACKING Hiking BACK PACK Mens SMALL Green $204.95 Time Remaining: 21h 10m Buy It Now for only: $225.95 Buy It Now |
 NEW 5400ci Camping Hiking Internal Frame Backpack Bag $45.95 Time Remaining: 7d 7h 9m Buy It Now for only: $45.95 Buy It Now |
 Used Gregory Deva 60 Womens Internal Frame Hiking Backpack Red Gray Suspension $51.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 3h 55m |
 35L Waterproof Backpack Shoulders Hiking Travel Bag Mountaineering Rucksack $35.09 Time Remaining: 25d 6h Buy It Now for only: $35.09 Buy It Now |
 NEW North Face Tree Hugger Pack 32 Backpack Internal Frame Hiking Bag AJQW9ZG OS $79.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 19m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 Buy It Now |
 New 95L Internal Frame Hiking Camping Backpack Navy $64.95 Time Remaining: 17d 8h 28m Buy It Now for only: $64.95 Buy It Now |
 Swiss Army Rucksack Kamprucksack Backpack Camping Hiking Pack 28 x 11 x 7 $34.99 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 47m |
 Genuine The North Face SURGE BLACK 2011 Hiking Backpack Laptop Bag Daypack $43.99 Time Remaining: 29d 8h 24m Buy It Now for only: $43.99 Buy It Now |
 BLACK Extra Large Backpack Camping 4300 CI Hiking Pack New Hunting Scouts $27.89 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 8h 23m |
 High Peak Everest 65 + 10 internal frame hiking backpack $89.95 Time Remaining: 18d 2h 15m Buy It Now for only: $89.95 Buy It Now |
 The North Face Crestone 60 Hiking Camping Backpack Red Blue Gray Black $75.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 4h |
 Camouflage Waterproof Camo Lightweight Back Pack School Hiking Camping Backpacks $24.94 Time Remaining: 18d 5h 5m Buy It Now for only: $24.94 Buy It Now |
 Jandd Mountaineering Lumbar Backpack Waist Fanny Pack rock climbing hiking camp $26.00 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 11m |
 Arcteryx Bora 30 backpack mountaineering hiking climbing cragging Brand New $99.00 Time Remaining: 25d 16h 10m Buy It Now for only: $99.00 Buy It Now |
 NEW JANSPORT Italian Flag Daypack Hiking Backpack $31.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 50m |
 New waterproof shoulder bag daypack backpack backpacks for camping hiking $35.89 Time Remaining: 20d 17h 30m Buy It Now for only: $35.89 Buy It Now |
 The North Face EUC Mohawk Travel Hiking School Camping Backpack Royal Blue Black $10.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 3h 55m |
 KYJEN Outward Hound Travel Camping Hiking Dog Back Pack $33.95 Time Remaining: 7d 22h 53m Buy It Now for only: $33.95 Buy It Now |
 LOWE ALPINE WALKABOUT BLUE INTERNAL FRAME HIKING TRAIL DAY PACK BACKPACKING $34.99 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 42m |
 TETON Sports Scout3400 Internal Frame Backpack (Mecca Orange) List Price: Sale Price: $44.26 You save: $55.73 (56%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe Wilderness55/Scout3400 is perfectly sized for youth and the light backpacker. Complete with adjustable height shoulder straps, a rainfly compartment and rainfly, the Wilderness55/Scout3400 also features a padded water bladder pocket...  |
 High Sierra Loop Backpack (Black/Charcoal) List Price: Sale Price: $29.99 You save: $20.01 (40%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWith athletic style, big, multi-compartment design, monster hook and bottom straps to attach sporting equipment and lots more, Loop has the features to handle it all, from a weekend camping trip to a trip to the gym. |
 Teton Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack List Price: Sale Price: $50.65 You save: $49.34 (49%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionBoasting a compact main compartment that measures a mere 3,696 cubic inches, the Teton Wilderness 55 internal frame backpack is ideally sized for the light backpacker or young camper. Comfort-wise, the Wilderness 55 is outfitted with dual aluminum stays that adjust to the shape of your back, along with contoured shoulder, lumbar, and waist pads... |
 TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack (Grey) List Price: Sale Price: $55.30 You save: $69.69 (56%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe Explorer 4000 is packed with features normally found only on more expensive backpacks. A full length adjustable torso allows this pack to be adjusted for those 5'1" all the way up to 6'4". The padded back and airflow system provides padding in the perfect spots while allowing substantial airflow to prevent your back from getting too hot... |
 ATI Sierra80 80L Internal Frame Hiking Backpack List Price: Sale Price: $59.95 You save: $50.04 (45%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionCombination top-/front-loading design features a separate sleeping bag compartment with zippered detachable divider for easy access. Inside hydration sleeve with an exit port holds a reservoir(sold separately) for hands-free hydration on the trail... |
 K-Cliffs Gray w/ Black Outdoor Backpack Sports Backpack Hiking Backpack School Backpack List Price: Sale Price: $12.50 You save: $7.50 (38%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis polyester gray/black backpack is ideal for being school backpack, outdoor backpack, daypack, hiking back pack, camping back pack. It has two smaller compartments in the front and make it easy to organize small stuffs... |
 Kelty Redwing 3100 Backpack (Woods Green) List Price: Sale Price: $89.97 You save: $20.03 (18%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe proven Redwing is the most popular pack on the trail. Revered for is roomy main compartment, convenient organizational pockets, sturdy LightBeam II stay and suspension system, and comfortable design, it's no wonder this classic, which just got a facelift, consistently earns top scores. |
 MILITARY INSPIRED BACKPACK HIKING CAMPING SLING BAG DAYPACK KHAKI GREEN List Price: Sale Price: $29.99 You save: $10.01 (25%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPlease check the dimension of this backpack before purchase. The overall dimension is: 16"(H) x 7 (D) x 12"(W). The front compartment is approximately 11" (H) x 10" (W). We have larger versions and sells at $34... |
 NEW CUSCUS 6200ci 88L Internal Frame Hiking Camp Travel Backpack Gray List Price: Sale Price: $39.95 You save: $49.05 (55%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMade of Polyester with total 5 pockets. Top lid pocket for compass, maps, small essentials or raingear. One large front zippered pocket. Two large zippered side pockets. A separate sleeping bag compartment with detachable divider from main compartment with easy access... |
 Kemyer 7100 Cubic Inches Deluxe Hiking Backpack - Camouflage List Price: Sale Price: $69.99 You save: $155.00 (69%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis beautiful Kemyer 7100CI Deluxe Large Hiking Backpack is a top-of-the-line product - perfect for the experienced outdoorsman - makes a great gift for someone special in your office / workplace, a friend, family member at home - or even yourself - you'll love it! |
|
|
Kemyer 5500 Deluxe Internal Frame Hiking Backpack $59.99 This beautiful Kemyer 5500CI Deluxe Internal Frame Hiking Backpack is a top of the line product perfect for the experienced outdoorsman, makes a great gift for someone that loves hicking and outdoors. |
|
|
Everest 24-inch Polyester Hiking Backpack $32.98 This 24-inch polyester backpack is great for hiking in the great outdoors. This backpack features a chest buckle strap attached to padded shoulder strap for extra protection and hold. |
|
|
Kemyer 5500 Cubic Inches Deluxe Hiking Backpack - Black/Orange $71 This beautiful Kemyer 5500CI Deluxe Large Hiking Backpack is a top of the line product, perfect for the experienced outdoorsman, makes a great gift for someone special that loves hiking and outdoors. |
|
|
Rokk Mid-size 'Bristlecone' Blue Hiking Backpack $77.99 The 'Bristlecone' mid-size, hiking backpack from Rokk features three storage compartments, water bottle pockets, an Mp3 pocket and is hydration compatible. This backpack also spotlights a padded, adjustable back panel for lumbar support. |
|
|
Rokk Large 'Wind River' Red Hiking Backpack $79.99 The 'Wind River' large, top load hiking backpack from Rokk features a removable waist strap that combines with removable top for use as a waist pack. This backpack also spotlights a padded, adjustable back panel for lumbar support. |
|
|
Rokk Mid-size 'Mistral' Blue Hiking Backpack $69.99 The 'Mistral' mid-size, top load hiking backpack from Rokk features a removable waist strap that combines with removable top for use as a waist pack. This backpack also spotlights a padded, adjustable back panel for lumbar support. |
|
|
High Peak Everest 50+10 Hiking Backpack with Detachable Toplid $109.99 The Everest 50+10 Hiking Backpack features sleek European styling and rugged determination to get to the top of the heap. It features a head notch for greater head movement and has an internal micro-adjustment harness system. |
|
|
High Peak Everest 65+10 Hiking Backpack with Detachable Toplid $114.99 This High Peak Everest 65+10 hiking Backpack is an amazingly versatile backpack cab be used in almost any adventure. This pack features a head notch for greater head movement and a micro-adjust harness system for a customizable comfort. |
|
|
High Peak Adrenaline 60+10 Hiking Backpack $107.99 Bright orange panels and red trim on the High Peak Adrenaline 60+10 provide visibility when you want to be seen. With its many pockets and adjustments, this pack is the perfect solution for back country trekking, hunting, and Search and Rescue. |
|
|
High Peak Adrenaline 70+10 Hiking Backpack $108.99 This High Peak Adrenaline 70+10 Backpack showcases its patented Micro Flex Vario Harness adjustment system that offers essential comfort. This pack features a rugged construction and multiple compartments to assist you on your long treks. |
