Planning a long hike is really fun, but just as important as reviewing your route is knowing exactly how and what to pack into your rucksack.
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If you’re new to hiking, maybe you’re unfamiliar with the rucksack. If your only experience has been on short walks and hikes, you’ve only needed to use a small backpack or daypack, and you can also learn how to pack with a simple guide.
But for a more serious hike, you’ll need a rucksack, which is the bigger, more complex version. It’s commonly used for days-long hikes, military operations, or by backpackers. They’re better made, with more straps, more compartments, and are designed to carry heavy loads for long distances.
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How to Pack your Rucksack
Buying a rucksack that’s right for you and knowing exactly how to pack it will make your trip so much easier. Your body will indeed adapt to the heavy load with time, but you can help a lot by doing it properly from the start.
Learning how to distribute the weight will save you a lot of back pain, and you’ll notice immediately that you tire a lot less. When the rucksack is well adjusted, it should sit snugly against your back, and you won’t feel like you’re falling down when you move around.
Keeping all your belongings compartmentalized it’s essential so you can fit more inside and don’t waste time searching for every specific item. It can also save you a lot of hassle in case of rain or an accidental fall.
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Essential Items to Pack in Your Rucksack
Camping Essentials
When making a list of the items you’re going to need in your rucksack, you have to start with your sleeping arrangements. This can vary depending on the route you’re taking. If you’re going into the open world and need protection from the elements, a tent is essential. Add a sleeping bag there, since you’ll need a solid night of sleep to keep the pace the rest of the hike, just make sure it’s appropriate for the weather. If you think you’ll need extra cover, add a lightweight tarp. Remember that nights can be chilly at any latitude you visit.
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Clothing
You want to have the most use of the clothes you pack in your rucksack, but not have them use up all the space, so you have to be strategic. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, so you don’t feel drenched in sweat the whole trip. If you’re traveling during the winter or to a cold place, add another base layer, this time an insulating one. Focus on clothes that are lightweight but will keep you warm, like fleece garments.
The outer layer depends more on the area you’ll be hiking or camping in. In humid or cold climates, it’s a good idea to add a waterproof layer, so you can stay warm and dry. Bonus points if this layer is also windproof.
Finally, add more socks and underwear to what you’ve already packed. Having extra ones can make a huge difference to your comfort level throughout the trip. Then there are accessories, like gloves, scarves or sunglasses, and hats that help to protect against the elements. And of course, the camp shoes or sandals, so you can take off your hiking boots and give your feet a little stretch time.
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Cooking and Food
While packing your rucksack, you have to maximize the volume-to-utility ratio in every aspect, and food is not the exception. Let’s focus first on the cooking part. Even if you’re not planning to make a Michelin-star dinner in the middle of the forest, you’ll want to have a lightweight stove with its fuel, complete with a pot or pan, waterproof matches or firestarter cubes, and some eating utensils. Keep it as basic as you can, but don’t underestimate how satisfying it can be to have a warm meal after a long, tiring day hiking.
As for food, there are simple guidelines to follow when choosing what to pack. Think nutritionally rich food that’s high in energy and can stay fresh with no refrigeration for multiple days. For lunch and dinner, you can pack dehydrated or freeze-dried meals, instant rice, or pasta, complemented with cured meats or chicken and tuna packages. For breakfast and snacks, pack plenty of granola bars, peanut butter and flatbread, crackers, and similar foods.
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Water and Filtration System
As a general rule, you’ll need to pack 2- 4 liters per day. But doing a quick math, you’ll realize that carrying all that water for more than a couple of days can be tricky. Even with a hydration bladder (2- 3L) and two big water bottles (2- 4L) you’re already carrying 4- 7 kg! And water occupies a lot of space. So let’s talk about filtration systems.
If you’re looking for a lightweight option, then get a squeeze filter. It’s easy to use and functions on every standard water bottle. A pump filter is better at treating murky water, but it’s bulkier. While a gravity filter works better if you’re a group and plan to set up a camp. No matter which method you choose, always keep a backup plan, like a second filter or water purification tablets. These are not the ideal method, but they barely occupy any space and can save you in an emergency.
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Navigation and Safety Equipment
Another essential category of items to add to your rucksack. To start on the navigation, you have your phone with GPS and online maps. First, download the local maps, topographic if possible, and then print them and keep them in a waterproof sleeve. Mark the route in both maps, and add a compass and a power bank to the list.
For safety, the very first thing you’re going to pack is a first aid kit. Include personal meds, antiseptics, blister care, etc. The nights out of the city can be incredibly dark, so add a headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries. Make sure you pack a whistle, so you can call for help, and a multi-tool knife.
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How to Distribute Weight and Organize the Rucksack
You already know why it’s so essential, but exactly how should you pack the different items to make it stable and comfortable?
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Bottom of the rucksack: Here’s where you’ll be packing the bulky but lightweight stuff. Think sleeping bags, extra clothes, or shoes. The idea is that this will make a stable base without shifting your balance center lower and without putting anything there that you might need mid-day.
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Middle of the pack: The section that’s right behind your back, and where the heavy items should be. All the water, food, cooking essentials, and fuel.
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Top of the pack: These can be medium weight or lightweight, as long as you don’t feel that you’re losing balance. They’re also items you might need to use quickly, like a tent or rain gear.
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Outer Pockets: Generally lightweight items that you have to keep on hand, like your phone, the map, snacks, the first aid kit, or your gloves.
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Tips to organize your rucksack
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Color code: Using color as a quick way of telling what every individual layer in your rucksack is can save you a lot of time. Especially if you’re using individual waterproof pouches to keep all your stuff dry. You can use red pouches for warm clothes, green for sleep-related, and blue for rain, for example.
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Snuggled is better than loose: Make sure all the items in the rucksack are well packed. Use the external straps to secure it further if you’re not using all the space inside. If you let your items jump around the rucksack, they can rub against each other and get damaged during the hike.
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Don’t forget your hobbies: Packing your rucksack doesn’t have to follow the guidelines strictly. You can make space to pack your camera or your fishing rod. Just use all the knowledge you’ve acquired to put them in their right place.
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Keep notes: It might seem a bit silly or unnecessary, but after a trip, find a few minutes to reflect on how you packed and how comfortable it was. Was there an item you forgot? Were you constantly having to unpack and pack again to find something? Write it down so you don’t forget, and use this info the next time you have to pack your rucksack.
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Pack an eSIM Card: Having access to the internet mid-journey can be extremely useful. You’re on your own in the wild after all. If it’s going to start raining, you need that information so you can prepare quickly. It’s also essential in case of an emergency, or just to keep your family and friends updated, so they don’t worry. Use Yoho Mobile eSIMs for all your internet-related needs and don’t forget to use our promo code YOHO12 for a 12% discount.
