How to pack your pack

Since you’ve stumbled on this site, it’s probably safe to say that you will be travelling with something that has two shoulder straps. It’s probably a backpack of some sort.

This post will give you rough guide on packing a 50L pack and you can alter it yourself based on your pack size.
You’ll find out what to bring, safety tips and packing logistics.

First things first, what type of vacation are you going on? and for how long?
This post will be tailored towards a 2 weeks adventure trip including tropical jungles and hiking.

Packing logistics

Have you ever been in this weird situation where your whole trip was already planned, all errands were run (even those things that you might not even take) and all of a sudden you had to find the strategically best way to fit everything you’d like in the 40, 50 or 60 liter space of your backpack?
Even if you might call this piece of equipment your most loyal friend, it is this moment that truly burdens this close relationship. And no matter how many times you have done it before, with every trip a new hurdle for the best way of packing it, appears.
Follow the below tips, to make this challenging task, a little bit more simple!

1. Bottom Up

No matter how many compartments, zippers or secret pockets your pack offers, you should always pack from the bottom up to the top.
So start with the lowest compartment of your pack. This is where all the light stuff goes, e.g. sleeping bag, soft shell jacket.
Having successfully fit the light stuff in, you should take care of the main compartment. This part offers the biggest room; it is usually accessible from the top with a drawstring or from the side with a zipper. If you use small organizers like (waterproof) separation bags, you’ll be able to easily access everything and won’t end up in a mess during your trip. Our cheaper solution: garbage bags.

2. What to do with heavy things?

Heavy loads like tents or cooking utensils go into the main compartment. Keep them close to your back. This protects you from losing your balance.

3. Please fill the gap.

All room can and should be used! Stuffing empty space with clothes or dry food stabilizes your backpack. Just make sure that weather protective clothing (& pack cover) and the first-aid-kit stay easily accessible from the top.

4. Lid compartment: Use it wisely.

Your smartphone, maps or sun protection are kept in this place. Only store important things here. If this compartment is overloaded, it might affect your head’s freedom of movement. Don’t store your bottle here; it goes into the side pocket.

5. Press?!

Good job! Once you’ve reached this point, your pack is almost ready to travel. Everything you want to take on your journey, should be inside already. Strong compression can affect your balance: Don’t press until the sides get stretched. Your pack should naturally grow in height.

6. Less is more

An experienced traveller or trekking athlete can carry 20 to 25% of his/her bodyweight during a longer period of time. Take this rule of thumb to your heart! Backpacking means: Leaving luxury goods behind and living only with what is really needed. You won’t regret it.

These simple tips do not just help you with finding the right packing strategy, but also create more room to use and protect the pack.

And never forget:

Keep calm and keep it simple!
Bon voyage!