How to Organize Your Backpack for a Long-Distance Hike?

Tackling a long-distance trail like the GR®20 over several days in self-sufficiency means carrying all the gear you’ll need. This includes a shelter, sleeping system, water, and food at the very least. Additionally, you’ll want to pack clothing, a stove and cookware, a hygiene kit, a well-stocked first-aid kit, and more.

Carrying all this equipment requires optimizing the organization and packing of your backpack to avoid straining your back as you hike. The goal is to make carrying your pack as comfortable and adapted as possible to your body type and level of experience, ensuring you don’t end up disheartened or, worse, injured. Here are some tips for properly organizing your backpack.

Weight Distribution and Common Sense

A backpack designed for long-distance hiking will have a larger capacity than one used for day trips or weekend hikes. It’s recommended to choose a model with a waist belt in addition to shoulder straps. The waist belt helps distribute the weight between your shoulders and hips.

The key to packing is to distribute weight in a way that maximizes the use of the pack’s load-bearing straps. The general rule is simple: heavy items should neither be at the bottom nor the top of the backpack but as close to your back as possible. This prevents the weight from pulling you downward or backward, reducing the strain on your balance and improving comfort on the trail. This is especially crucial for mountain hikes with frequent ascents and descents. Proper weight distribution also minimizes the risk of back pain.

Additionally, avoid placing hard or sharp-edged objects directly against your back for obvious comfort and safety reasons.

An Example of Optimal Packing

Start by placing your sleeping bag horizontally at the bottom of your backpack, either in a compression sack or loose if you’re aiming to save weight. Next, add your sleeping pad and pillow. While a pillow might seem unnecessary, it’s an essential comfort item for many. Together, these items should reach at least the level of the waist belt.

If you use a hydration bladder like a Camelbak or Hydrapak, this is the time to insert it, filled, against your back. Many backpacks include a dedicated compartment for hydration systems. If not, the bladder can still be placed close to your back. Since water is relatively heavy, keeping it near your back will act as a cushion and stabilize the weight.

Personally, I use a 4L Sea to Summit Watercell reservoir. It’s not a hydration bladder with a tube but rather a robust reservoir. Besides being durable, it doubles as a shower or tap for washing, such as cleaning your hands before cooking. This dual functionality is especially handy