How and What to Load My Trekking Backpack

Last Updated on September 3, 2018

How and What to Load My Trekking Backpack

The tracking backpacks is an essential element for any trekking outing through the mountain. There are dozens of factors and things to consider before immersing yourself in an exciting day of trekking.

Today we dedicate our post to one of them: The backpack and how to distribute the weight so that this essential accessory for hiking enthusiasts is a help and not a burden. We will also talk about the technical material that a hiker needs for his route.

There are two variables when it comes to ‘pack’ the backpack in which practically all those who practice trekking match: the weight of each of the elements that will be introduced in it, and the use that during the day will give them.

With this in mind and a dose of common sense, the backpack will be ready in the blink of an eye. Oh! And also remember that an excess of weight is, however well distributed the load, counterproductive.

Because it can cause muscular discomfort and, in the long run, more relevant physical damage. The ideal thing is not to exceed 15 kilos.

TIP 1: The most obvious, Do you have a trekking backpack? Well if you do not have one, choose one and choose it well. Think about the use you are going to give it, the length of the routes, the season, the environment.

TIP 2: What material do I need to carry in my backpack? Again, apply common sense, and think about what is strictly necessary, to avoid overloading and punishing your back with useless objects.

TIP 3: And we return to the other central theme of this post, that of the distribution of the load, once we are clear about what we are going to take. In the first place, the objects of greater weight have to be glued to the area closest to the back, so that they form a kind of spine.

Equipment and footwear: It is advisable to take warm clothes and some waterproof clothing, due to the weather surprises that may appear in the mountains; also some spare pants and extra shoes (if the ones you wear make you chafing) or other rest (for when you get ‘to goal’).

With regard to this last footwear, a good option is the Salomon Rx Moc 3.0, ideal after an intense session of exercise. They have breathable upper mesh and traction on the sole.

Hydration and food: get yourself a wine rack – about a liter and a half capacity – because without water, there is no trekking session, especially in the hottest months. In addition, they are easy to carry, because many backpacks of trekking already have specific departments for water.

This is the case of the Salewa Ascent 26, which even has an output for the hydration system and also for fixation for ice ax and cane.

As an option, we offer you the Altus Acero hiking bottle (1.3 liters capacity and stainless steel). And do not forget the food: complete the ‘main course’ (a good snack) with nuts, energy bars or fruit.

To sleep: if the route is divided into several stages and you have to stop along the way, or several, do not forget what is necessary to sleep soundly. For example, from the tent, the mat or the sleeping bag.

Salewa Microfiber Liner is a good alternative to rest well without putting extra weight in your backpack. It is an ultralight sack/sheet, which occupies very little space when folded and also has heat performance according to the conditions and needs of the moment.

Accessories: Do not forget a small medicine cabinet, lip balm, and sun cream, a multi-purpose knife, a front (Petzl’s Tikkina lights a maximum distance of 30 meters and 60 lumens), your mobile phone is well-charged, sun (you have to wear them!), a cap (with protection in the nape area better) and canes.

That is, they must be located in the area that goes from the kidneys to the shoulders. The reason is none other than to be able to achieve a perfect balance and be we who control the backpack and not vice versa.

For example, if the day of trekking is going to last several days and you need to take with you material to sleep and cook, in this part of the backpack we would place the heavier elements of the tent, or the stove or food (cans, cans) that we are not going to consume until we finish the route.

TIP 4: What do we fill the bottom part with: what we will only need at the end of the day: sleeping bag, mat. And having an average weight. We could include here second sneakers or spare pants.

TIP 5:  Leave for the front of the knapsack (the outermost area) everything lightweight with which, in addition, you can cover the existing gaps.

TIP 6: At the top of the backpack, the highest one, place those elements that you will use the most during the trip.

How and What to Load My Trekking Backpack

For example, bottle racks, front, and outerwear or raincoats. You can also put them in the outer departments (many backpacks have them), but never hang because it can unbalance, cause snags or interfere with the march, and also the external material can get wet in case of rain.

And once full, how do we load the backpack? We insist, take it as close to your back as possible and adapt it to the contour of your body, your spine. It must fit with the block ‘back-shoulders-hip’, to avoid discomfort and ensure maximum comfort and absence of injuries.

For this reason, it is also important to properly adjust the backpack to the waist, so that the weight does not concentrate only on the back or on the shoulders. The trick is to know how to distribute.

 

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