How to pack a multi-day backpack? Whether you have a strict schedule you want to follow or simply want to go with the flow, packing a backpack on a multi-day hike requires significant forethought to avoid compromising your enjoyment or safety of the adventure. You’ll obviously need a decent amount of food and water to keep you going. Packing a few sets of weather-appropriate base layers and underwear will also be crucial. Other details will depend on the exact length and nature of your trip. For more detailed information, read the full guide below!
It All Starts with Your Backpack
No guide about packing should begin listing items without properly emphasizing the importance of efficient packing in general. Through the use of various storage hacks, you can greatly increase the amount of space available to you. In turn, it’ll be more feasible to take everything you could possibly want when packing for a multi-day hike. We cover a number of these storage hacks in a separate article: 8 Camping Hacks To Save You Space and Weight.
For now, let’s focus on efficient space arrangement and general tips:
- If possible, pack items that don’t skew heavy. Lightweight backpacking allows you to streamline the process, selecting only the items with a good weight-to-usability ratio.
- Map out your route in as much detail as possible. Take your endurance and fitness into account, and don’t bite off more than you can chew—you’ll be carrying 20+ pounds on your back most of the time.
- Know how much food to pack. Sustenance is key to keeping you going on a multi-day hike.
- Pack smart. Place heavy items (like your sleeping system) closest to your back, clothes, toiletries, and kitchen equipment at the bottom or middle, and lightweight items like snacks, headlamp, multitool, or GPS near the top for easy access.
Obviously, this is all contingent on using a quality, durable backpack that can keep your belongings safe without ripping or breaking. Remember, you can always shop for the best quality engineered backpacks at Appalachian Outfitters. Take a look at our collection here.
Packing the Backpack for a Multi-Day Hike
We’ve described how to pack a multi-day backpack, now let’s cover what should be included in it in more detail. Bear in mind that the lists below are highly customizable and will depend on several factors, primarily the length of your trip and backpack size.
The Bare Essentials
As the name suggests, without these items in tow, you don’t leave your house, period. These are essential to pack not just for a multi-day hike but for any outdoor trip in general:
- Sleeping system (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow)
- Tent (with tent stakes and a rain fly, just in case the weather doesn’t play nice)
- Durable hiking boots
- Hydration
- Waterproof gear (clothes & covers)
- Headlamp
- First aid kit
- Adequate supply of food (both warm meals and ready-made snacks)
- Cooking equipment (stove, fuel, lighter/matches)
- Dishes, cutlery, and a mug
- GPS
The Second-Most Important
In a pinch, you could technically survive without some of these items readily available. However, chances are without them, you’d unwittingly put yourself in less-than-convenient or even dangerous situations.
- Extra layers of clothing & underwear (for warmth or changes in weather)
- Firestarter kit
- Water purification kit
- Multi-tool
- Maps and compass (backup to your GPS)
- Power bank or solar-powered gadgets
- Sun protection
- Bug spray
- Hat
- Toiletries (towels, toothpaste & toothbrush, soap)
- Bear spray (if headed to bear country)
The Nice-to-Haves
Lastly, rounding off our list are the largely optional items that are still worth taking, provided you can spare the room for them. In many other scenarios, these would likely be listed among the previous two lists.
However, given that we’re packing for a multi-day hike here, some concessions have to be made to travel as lightly and efficiently as possible.
- Lightweight camp chair
- Camera
- Book or e-reader
- Cards and games (to pass the time)
- Lightweight hammock
- Binoculars
- Coffee maker
- Bandana or buff
- Trekking poles
Key Takeaways
How do you pack your backpack for a multi-day hike? Begin by examining your needs, which will vary depending on your experience, fitness level, and the planned duration of your trip. Once you’ve pinned down your needs, narrow down the items by splitting them into three groups in descending order of importance.
By packing smartly, maximizing the available space, and ditching items you don’t actually need, you can stretch the available space considerably to keep you comfortable throughout the entire adventure.
You may also read: Cold Weather Camping Gear - Stay Warm and Safe