When packing your backpack for a mountain hike, there is a lot more to it than just throwing your stuff in a bag like you are packing an overnight bag. Packing your backpack takes some planning and know-how to adjust your weight-load properly for comfort and to have your most important items accessible when you need them. You do not want your pack to be heavier on either side as a lop-sided backpack puts added weight on one side, one shoulder and will leave you with muscle and joint soreness.
Adjusting the Weight Load of Your Backpack
It is important to be sure that your weight is distributed evenly, especially for longer hikes. You want to be sure that your heaviest items like water and food are packed as close to the middle of your back as possible. Lighter items like clothes and your sleeping bag are best located furthest from your back, so at the bottom and around the edges. Be sure to even out any weight that you place on either side to avoid shoulder pain, back strain and even discomfort in your hip and joints from hiking with a lop-sided pack.
Adjust Your Backpack Straps
Make sure that your straps are adjusted properly for comfort. The best way to do that is to first loosen all of the straps such as your shoulder straps, hip belt, sternum strap, load lifters and any other straps. Place the pack on your back and you will feel all the weight on your shoulders. Next, fasten and adjust your waist belt, then adjust your shoulder straps to pull the backpack back up against your back. Then clip the sternum strap, pull the load lifter straps out and down to shift the weight load from your hips to your shoulders, once you release both load lifter straps you should feel the weight shift to your hips. You will become more comfortable with adjusting the straps of any new backpack once you have used it for a while.
You will want to place items that you may need quickly in your top compartment, like your compass, map, water bottle, first aid kit, rain jacket and snacks.
Once you get your gear packed and ready, grab your trekking poles from Cascade Mountain Tech and you will be ready for a nice long, prepared hike. Don’t forget a lightweight, packable backpacking camping chair to take the load off and enjoy the view.
Cascade Mountain Tech offers quality camping and hiking gear including trekking poles, camping chairs, camp bedding, rotomolded coolers and more. Our experienced staff can offer you more tips for successfully packing your gear. Contact us with any questions and for quality hiking and camping equipment.
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