Prepare and organize your hiking bag

Adjust your bag

Before the big departure, you must adjust your bag to your body shape so that it can be fully functional and thus relieve you as much as possible by correctly distributing the weight.

The first step is to completely loosen the straps of the bag that needs to be filled.

1. Height of the shoulder straps : You must adjust the straps of the shoulder straps so that the abdominal belt falls correctly on the iliac crest (the bone that you feel at the level of the hips) and not at the height of the stomach. The straps must rest correctly on the shoulders without any pain points.

Some large volume bags have a system for varying the height of the back (Vari quick, etc.).

2. Tightening abdominal belt : The belt surrounds the pelvis. Good tightening is necessary because the abdominal belt greatly relieves the weight of the bag and will reduce the weight distributed on the shoulders.

3. chest belt tightening : The chest belt should be positioned at the level of the nipples. The tightening must remain light because it does not relieve weight but only to hold the straps as tightly as possible and prevent the bag from moving too much during movements.

4. Tightening of the load reminder : The straps located above the shoulder straps allow the bag to be placed on the back, providing greater comfort and reducing the weight as much as possible.

5. The last check : Once the backpack is correctly positioned, it is important to check if there is any pain. In which case it may be necessary to review the tightening or the model.

NB: For most large capacity bags, there are men's and women's models. The Women's models are tighter at the shoulder straps and wider at the pelvis.

Optimize bag filling

For an equipped and comfortable hike, consistent storage will be essential.

1. Distribute the weight : The heaviest items (stoves, accessories, pots, food) should be stored as close to the back as possible and in the middle of the bag. Bulky items that are used the least are placed at the bottom (sleeping bag, bag sheet, etc.). Lately, the lightest and most space-saving accessories can be stored in all of the exterior pockets.

2. Facilitate access: The backpacks with the largest capacities have multiple pockets of varying size to store the things you will need most during your hike.

The largest pocket on the top allows you to store rather fragile items that you will use most, such as cell phones, sunglasses, cameras, etc.

The side pockets can be used to store a map, a jacket or a fleece to provide quick shelter in bad weather.

Lately, the large central pocket is sometimes divided into 2 compartments with a separate bottom. This pocket can be used when you want to store wet clothing or a pair of dirty shoes so as not to dirty other belongings.

Exterior straps : Too often forgotten, exterior straps allow you to carry often bulky items without using the interior capacity of the bag.

The side straps provide good support for your hiking poles and mattress.

The bottom straps can hold your tent or a sleeping bag.

Backpacks specific to skiing and mountaineering have straps suitable for hanging your skis, snowshoes and ice axes.

Lately, some bags have a very practical external threaded pocket for storing a fleece or a waterproof jacket .

Travel light and safe

If you want to try the bivouac experience, suitable equipment is necessary in order to minimize the weight of the bag and stay safe.

Sleeping equipment should be as light and compact as possible. A down sleeping bag combines warmth, lightness and compactness as well as a light mattress and a suitable trekking tent .

To restore yourself, dehydrated food and energy bars will help you get through the day despite your efforts. A filter bottle is also a way to travel light so as not to carry too much water which quickly adds up to extra weight.

An easily stowable stove as well as a pot and lightweight cutlery save space in an already full backpack.