How to Pack for a Long-Distance Hike

Step away from the postal scale. You don't have to be an ultralight backpacker to make your multiday trek enjoyable. Sure, it'd be great to have your base pack weight down to less than that of a designer purse, but not everyone has the funds or outdoors experience to be a "weight weenie." Work on getting the basics taken care of first and later you can start drilling holes in your titanium spoons. Start by packing smart.

Things You'll Need

  • Backpack
  • Shelter
  • Sleeping system
  • 10 essentials
  • Cookware (unless practicing "no-cook" method)
  • Water purification
  • Warm clothing
  • Pack cover
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Instructions

  1. A Backpacker's Checklist - The Basics

    • 1

      Your backpack for a multiweek trek in temperate climates should ideally weigh less than 3 pounds. and have a volume of 35 to 60 liters, depending on the length of your trip and the bulk of your gear. Look for user-friendly features, such as bottom-loading compartments for your sleeping bag, padded hip-belts or loops on the outside for trekking poles. If necessary, have a clerk at the store help with the size and fit of your pack.

    • 2

      Weigh the pros and cons of a down versus a synthetic sleeping bag and decide the temperature rating you will need. Your bag should be placed in the very bottom of your pack, since it is the last thing you will remove at night and one of your heavier items. Buy a sleeping pad, which works in conjunction with the bag to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. These pads may be inexpensive foam mats that attach to the outside of your bag, or pricier compressible inflatable mattresses. Choose according to your comfort needs.

    • 3

      Your shelter is one of the key places in which to shave weight from your pack. Your choices range from a simple tarp to more expensive store-bought tents. Tarps provide less protection and require some skill to use. If you opt for a tent, choose your size and level of protection from the elements. Three-season tents with a rain fly are suitable for all but the coldest weather, with solo and two-person tents being the lightest. Store your shelter close to your body, with poles and stakes affixed to the pack's exterior.

    • 4

      Look for a cooking system that allows you to cook and eat from a single cup or pot. Pack these items where they are easily accessible. Aim to nest a small stove, fuel canister and a spork inside one pot.

    • 5

      In addition to daily hiking clothes, you need a top and bottom base layer for warmth and to wick away moisture. Also, carry a fleece or down top layer depending on the weather you expect to encounter. On top of this, you must have breathable rain gear. Hypothermia usually can be prevented by preparation, so pack to stay dry and warm. While you may not need that extra pair of underwear, you should have a backup pair of socks. These items should all be packed in a compression sack to conserve space in your pack.

    • 6

      Water purification in the back country is a hotly contested topic, but play it safe. Tablets, drops, filters and UV lights all have their pros and cons. In the end, it's a matter of preference, which often arises from trial and error. Get opinions from other hikers on such Web sites as: http://www.backpackinglight.com.

    • 7

      In the top compartment of your pack, store a rain cover for your pack, as well as your 10 essentials. These typically include such things as a map and compass, knife, matches, light source and first aid kit. In the side pockets, store your water bottles and purification system. Hip belt pockets are excellent for cameras and snacks, as well as anything else you use frequently while hiking. Once these pockets are loaded, tighten the straps and load the pack onto your back, using one knee to balance the pack while you slide on the first shoulder strap. This method lessens the strain on your back from the weight of your now diligently loaded backpack.