How to pack your backpack properly for an overnight stay in the woods
Out for a hike, never in a bad mood? It helps to be able to walk without getting a sore back! When heading out on longer trips, the question is always: what should you bring, and how on earth are you going to carry it all around?
Carefully planning how you pack your backpack will make your trip so much better. Need a refresher on how to avoid straining your back and shoulders and stop having to rummage through your entire backpack every time you need something? Then we’ve got the guide for you.
Planning
The first step before heading out to enjoy the fresh air is, naturally, to figure out exactly where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, and how many pairs of underwear you actually need.
If you’re going to be walking for a long time, it’s important to carry as little as possible. So it’s a good idea to answer a few simple questions before you set off.
- How long will the trip last?
- Have you remembered to check the weather forecast?
- What sleeping gear do you need? Are you sleeping in a tent, lean-to shelter, or hammock?
- How much water do you need before you can refill?
Once you have answered these questions, you can start sorting out what you actually need. You often don’t need as much as you think – the less unnecessary baggage you bring, the easier the trip will be.
Remember that the weather can change at any time – even if it looks like you’re heading out on a sunny summer day, showers can suddenly appear. So always make sure you can stay dry – pack your clothes and sleeping bag in plastic, so you don’t end up wet and cold when you finally arrive.Feel free to bring rainwear regardless of what the weather forecast says!
Organize your backpack wisely
Before you start filling your backpack, it’s important to figure out the most efficient way to pack so you can make the most of its full potential.
It can be a good idea to divide your backpack into three sections and pack based on the balance and frequency of use of your items.
Part one is the bottom. This is where you should pack the things you don’t need to take in and out of your backpack all the time. You can safely put your sleeping bag, large wool sweaters, extra clothes, sleeping mat, and other items you won’t need until you reach camp here.
Pack the large, but not the heaviest, items at the bottom of your backpack. If you pack heavy items at the bottom, you risk the backpack leaning backward, which can put unnecessary strain on your lower back. Ideally, you should keep the backpack close against your back. This helps improve balance and avoid strain.
So, pack your heavier items in the middle section. This is where you can pack your food, water, and cooking equipment. Other heavy items should also go here, high up in the pack, so you can keep it close to your body.
Finally, pack the top section. If you want a more practical trip, it's a good idea to pack the things you use most often at the top. Put anything you need to access quickly, without having to dig through your entire pack, here. This could include first-aid supplies, toilet paper (remember not to leave any trace in nature!), smaller water bottles, snacks, and other things you might need along the way.
Use all the space you have!
Now that you've finished packing the main compartment of your pack, you may still have a few small items you'd like to find room for.Fortunately, most hiking backpacks have several pockets!
In the top, front, and side pockets, you can place smaller items to free up space for the larger things in the main compartment. This is where you can put, for example, your scout knife, mosquito repellent, toiletries, and all the other small gadgets you’re bringing along.
Test your backpack before you leave
Before you leave, it can be a good idea to test how the backpack fits on your body. If you don’t, you may discover too late that it sits too low, throws off your balance, or is simply too heavy.
To avoid this, it’s always a good idea to double-check what you actually need to bring. Lay everything out on the floor and go through what you’ve packed—we often pack more than we need. Do you really need all those extra changes of clothes and cans of food? Find smart solutions with smaller, lighter items.Can you sort out around 30% of what you’ve put forward?
Packing list
You obviously know best where you’re going, when you’re heading out, and how long you’ll be there, but we’ve put together a suggested packing list for a night in the woods. If you suddenly realize you’ve forgotten something essential, you’ll find everything you need at game-on.no!
Clothing:
- Wool base layers, rainwear, hiking trousers, a sweater and warm socks, a hat, and mittens.
- It can get cold outside at night even if you’re out during the summer! It’s always a good idea to pack an extra pair of regular socks too—walking around with wet shoes is no fun.
Cooking:
- A camping stove set including a pot, pan, and cutlery.
- Fire starters such as matches or lighters—do not use lighter fluid to make a campfire!
- Choose foods that weigh less—freeze-dried meals, oatmeal, energy bars, and similar items.Choose food that provides plenty of energy.
- At least 1.5 liters of water, both for drinking and for safely and responsibly putting out any campfires.
Useful items:
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper
- First-aid kit – very important to have!
- Phone and fully charged power bank
- Map and compass
- Small knife (remember to check the rules for permitted knife use!)
- Garbage bags
- Sit pad
Now you're ready to go!
Now that you've packed your backpack in the right order and distributed the weight properly, you'll soon be ready to set off. Before you leave, it's important to remember a few simple rules:
Don't leave anything behind that wasn't there before you arrived! Always bring garbage bags, and bury your toilet waste if necessary.Make your backpack as waterproof as possible for the best hiking experience, and make sure to help your back stay comfortable so you can keep hiking for many years to come!
Good luck, and remember that everything you need for your trip can be found at game-on.no!
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