02/10/2026
Packing a hiking pack is part strategy, part Tetris. Get the weight distribution right and your pack will feel more stable, balanced and comfortable. Get it wrong, and you’ll spend the entire day fighting it.
Lucky for you, we’ve put together a handy cheat sheet so your pack feels lighter without having to remove any essentials! ➡️
You might want to save this post for your next overnight mission! 📌
① Base
Pack bulky items you’ll only need at camp, like your sleeping bag, sleeping clothes and sleeping mat, at the bottom of your pack. They’re light, compressible, and won’t need to come out until the day’s done.
② Mid Back
This is where your heaviest gear belongs. Keeping weight close to your centre of gravity helps the pack move with you instead of pulling away from your body. The further heavy items sit from your back, the more they’ll drag you backwards and throw off your balance, so keep things like your tent and cooking equipment close to our spine!
③ Mid Front
Use lighter gear like spare layers and camp shoes to fill the space around those heavier items. This helps stop everything shifting around while you’re walking and keeps the load stable.
④ Top
Think of this as your “might need today” zone. Rain jacket, warm layer, beanie, gloves and sunscreen should be easy to grab without emptying half your pack at the side of the track.
⑤ Lid Pocket
Reserve this for the essentials. First aid kit, headtorch, map, snacks, power bank, compass or PLB. The things you’ll want quickly when the weather changes, the daylight disappears, or hunger strikes.
⑥ Side Pockets
Water bottles, trekking poles and extra snacks. The golden rule? If you’ll reach for it while walking, it’s probably a good candidate for a side pocket.
A few minutes spent packing properly before you leave the trailhead can make a surprisingly big difference by the end of the day.
📌 Save this one for your next overnight mission!
