How to Pack Your Backpack

🎒 Organization Strategies: How I Pack for Comfort and Efficiency

A well-packed backpack can make or break your trip—seriously. It’s not just about what you bring, but where you put it. A balanced, accessible pack helps you hike more comfortably, avoid digging around mid-trail, and protect essential items like food or sleeping gear from moisture or damage. This post is all about how to pack your backpack efficiently.

If you are looking for WHAT to pack for an overnight in Washington State, you might be interested in >> What I Pack for a One Night Backpacking Trip in Washington

Packing isn’t just about weight distribution—it’s about convenience, too. The goal is to carry your load comfortably and know exactly where things are when you need them. Think of it like organizing a tiny mobile home: rain jacket near the top in case of a sudden downpour, snacks and water within easy reach, and camp gear like your sleeping bag stashed at the bottom until the day is done.

Comfort starts with balance, but convenience keeps you moving.

🧱 Bottom of the Pack (least accessible)

• Sleeping bag in a stuff sack (and if rain is in the forecast, I line my entire pack with a trash bag or use a pack liner)
• Inflatable sleeping pad
• Pillow (optional, but if you use one, this is where it goes)
• Clothes or other camp gear you won’t need during the day (I squish extra clothing into all the nooks and crannies)

🧤 Middle of the Pack (heaviest items, close to your back)

• Bear canister or food bag
• Cook kit and stove
• Tent body (sometimes I strap this outside depending on pack size and food volume)
• Extra layers or clothing tucked into available spaces

💡 Tip: Keep heavy items centered and close to your spine to improve balance and reduce strain on your back.

🎒 Top of the Pack (frequently accessed at camp + on the trail)

• Puffy jacket or warm layers
• Rain gear
• First aid kit / Sunscreen
• Toiletries/hygiene pouch
• Headlamp

🧢 Outside Pockets & Brain (top lid)

• Map & compass or GPS
• Snacks and lunch
• Water filter
• Sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray
• Small gear repair items (Leatherman, Tenacious Tape, etc.)

🪢 Strapped to the Outside

• Tent body or poles (especially when using a 40L pack)
• Sit pad or foam pad
• Camp sandals (Crocs are my go-to!)
• Trekking poles (if not in use)
• Kula Cloth

Tip: If there’s a chance of rain and you don’t have a waterproof pack cover, line the inside of your backpack with a heavy-duty trash bag before packing your gear. This simple trick helps keep everything inside dry—even in a downpour.

🌋 Hydration Tips

• I use a hydration bladder in the internal sleeve for hands-free sipping. Sometimes a 40L cannot accommodate this and water bottles stuffed into the side pockets are the substitute.

🎒 Backpacking Pack FAQs

1. Should I roll or stuff my sleeping bag and clothes?

Either works, but stuffing into compression sacks or the corners of your pack usually saves more space and creates a better load shape. Rolling takes up more room and can create dead space.

2. Where do I put my sleeping pad?

If it’s a compact inflatable pad, it can go inside your pack (often near the bottom). Bulkier foam pads are usually strapped to the outside—just make sure it’s secure and won’t catch on branches.

3. How do I keep things organized inside my pack?

Use color coded stuff sacks or zip-top bags to group items by type—like clothing, food, hygiene, or cooking gear. This makes things easier to find without unpacking everything at camp.

Here are my favorite affordable color coded stuff sacs similar to these.

4. How full should my backpack be?

Ideally, your pack should be around 75–85% full—not stuffed to bursting. Leave a little space at the top for last-minute add-ins or quick-access layers. This isnt always easy and quite often I personally will have a full pack.

5. What if my pack has side zippers or bottom access?

Use them to your advantage! Bottom zips can make it easier to grab your sleeping bag without digging through your entire pack.

Now that your pack’s loaded and organized, you’re ready to hit the trail with confidence!