"What do you mean I can't have my mess kit hanging off my backpack? That's how Sam did it in the Lord of the Rings..."
It was my first “real” backpacking trip. I showed up to meet our trail guides and the other girls going on the envied Philmont Trek.
I had my oldest brother’s external frame backpack loaded down with extra pocketknives, multitools, extra waterproof matches, a full size first aid kit, and notebooks (yes, I’ve always been a writer.)
My mess kit and camp shoes were tied onto the external frame so that they clanged together as a fair representation of Sam Gamgee’s pack as they marched into Mordor.
Wow, I was a mess. But this is where I learned how to pack my backpack so that the weight was properly balanced against my frame.
And what a difference it made!
So let's start right where my guides started with me 20 years ago – with a Shakedown.
That’s right. Get your backpack, open it up, and shake everything out. To learn how to pack your backpack for a comfortable and balanced hike, we’re going to start with nothing in the backpack.
Key Points:
A well-packed backpack improves balance, stability, and comfort on the trail.
Heavy items should be close to your back and centered in your pack.
Frequently used items should be easily accessible.
Why Does It Matter How I Pack My Backpack?
If my guides had let me continue the hike with how I packed my backpack, I would’ve been...
carrying 10 extra pounds
in a top-heavy pack
and I probably would’ve hit myself in the face with my mess kit more than once.
How you pack your backpack significantly influences how much you exert yourself while hiking.
A backpack that’s packed right feels lighter, keeps you balanced, and reduces strain on your back and shoulders. A poorly packed bag throws off your balance, causes discomfort, and makes your hike a lot harder than it needs to be.
The One Rule of Packing
The one rule you want to follow is this: the more compact and closer to your back the more control you have over the extra weight.
If you’ve ever lifted weights, then you understand that it’s easier to hold heavy weights close to your body than away from your body. That’s because you don’t need to tense as many muscles and you’re not stressing as many joints to hold the weight.
The same principle applies in backpacking. You want to pack the heavy stuff as compactly as possible and as close to your back as possible. The lighter the item the further away from your back it can go.
With that in mind, let’s talk about packing zones.
Use the 3 Packing Zones
Think of your backpack as having three sections:
1. Bottom Zone – Light and Bulky Items
(Pack First)
The bottom of your pack is where you store things you won’t need until camp. They tend to be large but awkward items like…
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Extra clothing layers
Camp shoes
These items are bulky but lightweight, so they create a solid base for your pack without weighing down your hips and putting unnecessary strain to your back.
2. Middle Zone – Heavy Items Close to Your Back
(Pack Second)
Most of the weight should sit close to your spine for better balance. Pack items like:
Tent shell and fly: roll these together around to stakes, so they’re the same width as your bag for optimal balance.
Tent poles: these are usually the heaviest item you carry. Put them vertically so they’ll rest along the spine of your pack.
Cooking fuel: if you use gas to cook, set this next to your tent poles.
Food stash: Keep in mind this will gradually disappear during your trip.
Cooking gear
By keeping the heaviest items centered and near your spine, you prevent yourself from being pulled backward or feeling off-balance on uneven terrain.
3. Top Zone – Lighter, Frequently Used Items
(Pack Third)
The top of your pack should hold items you might need throughout the day, such as:
Rain jacket
Water purifier
Head lamp
First-aid kit
Snacks/Lunch
Map/GPS
Hat and gloves (if needed)
This way, you won’t have to dig through your pack every time you need something. But if you find the top zone getting crowded, then start using the outer and side pockets to avoid becoming top heavy.
Outer Pockets and Straps
(Pack Last)
Your pack’s external pockets and straps can help keep things organized and within reach. Here’s how to use them effectively:
Hip Belt Pockets – Store small essentials like a snack, lip balm, phone, or a multitool.
Side Pockets – This is where you pack your water bottles. One on each side to stay balanced and hydrated.
Front Mesh Pocket – Great for a rain jacket, wet gear, sunscreen, or a first aid kit.
How to Pack your Backpack for Stability
We all understand that the bigger the thing you’re carrying – whether it’s a box of pillows or a backpack – the harder it is to control. That’s why this next step is important.
We’ve talked about where you pack things in your backpack. Now here comes the how.
You want the pack on your back to be as small and solid as possible. To do that, you need to compress everything that goes into your backpacks as much as possible.
Here’s how:
Use a compression bag to pack all of your clothes. These bags let air out when you compress them without letting air back in. So, you can pack a few changes of clothes in a small space.
Get a sleeping bag that either has a stuff sac or a compression bag, so you can get your sleep system as compact as possible.
Repackage your food to decrease surplus packaging and squeeze the air out of any plastic bags you’re using.
Finally, once you’ve packed everything in your backpack adjust the side straps to compression your pack even more.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You just survived the shakedown. Now, put on your pack and feel the difference. Your pack should move with you without throwing you off balance.
So test it out!
Put on your backpack, adjust all your straps, so it’s fitted properly, and just stand still. Close your eyes and let your body sway.
Do you feel resistance when you sway in one direction?
Are you immediately pulled in one direction?
Do you feel like your pack is pulling you down?
If you feel any of those things, then your pack isn’t balanced. Try repacking a few items until you can stand, sway and come back to center without a lot of effort.
Now when you hit the trail you can be confident when you hit the trails knowing that your backpack isn’t going to weigh you down.
Happy Trails!