How to pack a 50L Backpack for Wild Camping, by Hike and Wild on YouTube. 10 min 41 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 41 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Lay your full kit on the floor and sort it into groups: sleeping, clothing, cooking, shelter, electronics and small essentials. This shows you what you have before anything goes in the bag.
Line the inside of the pack with a pack liner or dry bag. Push your sleeping bag and spare clothes into the bottom, since they are light and fill gaps.
Add your clothing layers around the sleeping kit and keep the day's warm layer near the top. Compress the bag gently so it sits flat.
Pack the cook system and fuel canister inside the liner, keeping the pot upright. Check that nothing sharp presses against the sleeping bag.
Load the tent or bulky shelter against your back, close to your spine and above the base. Heavy items belong high and central so the pack carries well.
Put electronics, headlamp and small valuables in a dry bag near the top or in the lid. Keep cables together so you can find them in the dark.
Fill the external side and front pockets with items you need during the day, like water, snacks and a map. Balance the weight on both sides.
Use the lid pocket for essentials such as a first aid kit, sunscreen and a lighter. Close the lid and check the pack sits level on your hips.
Add final accessories like trekking poles or a sit mat to the outside straps. Lift the pack, adjust the hip belt and shoulder straps, and walk around to test the fit.
Tips and common mistakes
Put heavy gear high and close to your back, not at the bottom, so the pack does not pull you backwards.
Use one liner for the whole pack rather than many small bags, which waste space and make you dig for things.
Keep the rain cover and a warm layer where you can reach them without unpacking everything.
Weigh the loaded pack at home and cut anything you did not use on the last trip.
Questions
Where should the tent go in a 50L pack?
Pack the tent close to your back and above the base of the pack. If it is wet, strap it outside instead of putting it in with dry gear.
How do I stop my sleeping bag getting wet?
Use a pack liner or a waterproof dry bag for the sleeping bag and clothes. A wet sleeping bag loses warmth, so keep it in the liner even on dry days.
Can I use this packing order for a day hike?
Yes, the same idea works with less gear. Put water, food and a rain layer where you can reach them and keep the load light and balanced.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
