How to Pack an Ultralight Backpack for Thru-Hiking, by Tom's Outdoors Gear Guide on YouTube. 14 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 14 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Lay out every item on the floor and sort it into sleep system, clothes, cook gear, food, water and electronics. Leave behind anything you will not use.
Line the pack with a pack liner, then push your sleeping bag down into the bottom and compress it. Keep it in the liner so it stays dry.
Place the heaviest items, like food and the sleeping bag, low and close to your back so the load sits against your spine.
Put the sleeping mat and spare clothes around the bag to fill gaps, then add the down jacket and pillow on top of the sleep system.
Pack the cook system and waterproof clothing next, keeping the shell near the top so you can grab it fast when the weather turns.
Load the shelter last in the main compartment, or strap it outside if it is wet, so it does not crush the rest of your gear.
Keep daily necessities in the lid and hip belt pockets: snacks, map, sunscreen, headlamp and water. These should be reachable without opening the main bag.
Add water bottles to the side pockets or bladder sleeve, then put the first aid kit in a known spot near the top.
Close the liner, cinch the lid and adjust the shoulder straps and hip belt. Lift the pack and check it feels balanced before you set off.
Tips and common mistakes
Weigh your gear before packing and cut or swap the heaviest items first.
Use one liner for the whole pack instead of many small dry bags to save weight and space.
Keep rain gear and snacks on top so you do not unpack everything in bad weather.
Test the fit with a loaded pack on a short walk before a long trip.
Questions
Where should the heaviest gear go in a backpack?
Put heavy items low and close to your back, around the middle of the pack. This keeps the load stable and reduces strain on your shoulders.
Do I need a pack liner or dry bags?
A pack liner is the lightest way to keep everything dry. Use small dry bags only for items you must protect, like electronics.
How do I keep snacks and water easy to reach?
Store snacks in the lid or hip belt pockets and water in the side pockets. You should not need to open the main compartment during the day.
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.
