How To Pack A Daypack
Planning a hiking trip? Whether you’re planning a short stroll or an intrepid hike, there’s a lot of equipment you’ll need to take with you – some essential, some optional. But that’s only the first part. Knowing how to pack a daypack for a hike can take away unnecessary difficulties when you take to the trail. Packing your bag badly can leave you uncomfortable, and make your pack seem too full, heavy and just a little bit awkward. Discover our top tips on how to pack a hiking bag to get the most out of your adventures.
What You’ll Need Before Packing A Daypack
Before we can advise you on how to pack a daypack, you’ll first need to identify what you need to take with you. Take the following kit with you:
• Waterproof jacket and trousers: don’t be fooled by the forecast, especially if you’re heading somewhere remote where the weather can change just like that.
• Spare clothes: these can be extra layers in cold conditions, or a lifesaver if you get caught in the rain.
• Hat, gloves, scarf: these are essential at any time of year – especially if you’re heading to mountains or hills.
• Water: don’t let yourself get dehydrated. Your body loses a lot of water on a hike, so be sure to replenish.
• Map and compass: make sure to plan your route before heading out. Take an up-to-date map of where you’re going. Need a bit of map related help? Find out how to read a map.
• Food: hiking burns a lot of calories, so take some snacks to keep your energy levels up.
You may also want to take these depending on conditions and environment:
• Camera
• First aid kit
• Sun cream
How To Pack A Hiking Bag
Now you know what to take with you, it’s time to move it all into your trusty backpack. There’s an art in packing a daypack effectively to maximise space and minimise time spent rummaging around for hard to reach accessories. Follow these simple steps for packing away your hiking clothes and accessories.
1. Line the inside of your rucksack with a dry bag for waterproof protection.
Top tip: a dry bag in your rucksack will not only protect your belongings from the rain, but can also be a lifesaver if your bag falls into water. Make sure you pack your dry bag with all the belongings you need to protect, and your hiking essentials will stay dry, keeping you warm when the weather takes a turn. Check out our outdoor accessories range for hardy dry bags, rucksacks and more.
2. Start to pack the items you think you’re least likely to need. Put your spare clothes at the bottom of your bag – you shouldn’t need them, but they’re good for emergencies.
3. On top of your spare clothes, put in anything that you are likely to need, but don’t need super-fast access to. This includes your snacks, optional accessories like your camera and first aid kit, warm layers (including hat, gloves and scarf).
4. At the top of your bag you’ll want anything you need quick access to. Your waterproofs should be on top – if the weather takes a nasty turn its best to be prepared for quick protection.
5. If your rucksack has exterior pockets, use these for smaller accessories, such as your maps, sun cream any personal items (phone, keys, wallet etc.) Also, side pockets are a great place to keep your water bottles for easy access.
Rucksack Packing Tips
If you think about packing a daypack from the bottom up, you’ll be in great shape.
• Roll your spare clothes: it’s amazing how much space spare clothes can take up, so any way you can minimise this is a bonus.
• Don’t waste space: don’t get weighed down with unnecessary accessories – only take them if you’ll use them!
• Pack in the same way: once you get the knack for packing, don’t change it up, or you risk not being able to find what you’re looking for.
And there you have it – our advice on how to pack a daypack successfully. By only taking the essentials, and smartly packing them into your rucksack, keeping quick access accessories towards the top, you can save yourself from awkward accessories getting in your way.
Happy hiking!