Packing a Backpack
Packing for a backpacking trip:
So you are looking at a packing puzzle. All the stuff you have purchased or want to take is staged on the floor around your backpack and you are wondering how it is all going to fit in there.
Packing a backpack is more of a dark art than a science, and sometimes it takes several passes. Do not assume that the first time you pack is the correct way. Only experience will tell.
Don’t wait until the night before to start packing!
“Even the elephant carries but a small trunk on his journeys” – Henry David Thoreau
Looking for our Backpacking Packing List?
Packing a Backpack
Stage everything first
Unless you are on the run, don’t grab your backpack and start stuffing things inside! Stage everything that you might want to take on the floor in an open area around your backpack. This will give you an opportunity to eyeball what you will be carrying, commit it to memory, and eliminate anything not absolutely necessary for your backpacking trip.
Assume that your backpack will be mistreated in ways you never thought possible!
I have seen people stand on someone else’s backpack to reach the luggage rack on top of a bus. Your bag will be thrown from the top of buses and trucks, rained on, slept and sat on (by you), and abused like never before. Fragile items need to be packed with the most protection possible.
- Liquids and electronics should always be inside of ziplock or waterproof bags.
Assume that your backpack will get wet.
Anything of value, books, and electronics should be in zippered sandwich bags. Waterproof covers for backpacks are expensive luxuries if you don’t want to waterproof all the contents. The problem is that they only work when they are on. If a tropical storm pops up while your pack is sitting in the luggage hold of a bus or boat, it is going to get wet!
- Stick a large garbage bag into one of the outside pockets on your backpack so you can at least try to cover it during a storm.
Pack modular in “kits”
You do not want to have to dig through a giant rucksack looking for a tiny sewing kit. Organize objects in the way that you know you will need them and then put them inside smaller bags and containers. Preferably the smaller bags will be very soft instead of rigid or shaped, water resistant, and pliable so that you can cram them into your pack.
Never, ever, ever, pack to capacity!
Packing a backpack to its full capacity is a disaster in progress. When you set out, your backpack should be no more than 75% full. You will most definitely end up carrying gifts, buying cheap objects along the way, etc and your pack will always grow. Your dirty laundry will take up way more room than nicely rolled and folded clothing and when you run out of travel sized toiletries, you may end up having to buy the full sized equivalents.
- Leave yourself some room!
No Wasted Space
Real estate inside your rucksack is expensive! Make every use of space possible. Stuff things inside shoes, remove items from their packaging, whatever it takes to take full advantage of the room that you are already using.
Pack larger and heavier objects first
Heavy objects such as shoes and books should be as low in the backpack as possible and as close to your back as possible so that they do not pull the backpack away from you. Pack larger items first, then stuff the empty spaces around them with smaller bags and misc objects so that no room is wasted.
Keep in mind, when choosing a packing order, how often you will want to access certain things. For instance, your sleep sheet or bedding can go in the bottom because you will only need it once a day.
Your pack should be comfortable
You should be able to wear your pack and walk around for at least 2 hours without getting sore.
You can save a lot of money by simply walking from bus and train stations that are usually on the edge of town to the main square. You may have to wear your pack while standing in a long line, maybe in the hot sun (or the rain). When you are finished packing, it should feel like a natural extension of your body, secure, and weight balanced so that you can move and walk like you normally would.
- Your backpack should never be taller than you, you should be able to look at the ceiling without hitting your head!
- Do the “jump test” to see if anything wobbles
Packing a backpack: The “one bag” theory
Lots of travelers carry a large rucksack and a smaller daybag. If you travel light enough, you can put the daybag down inside of your rucksack so that you only have one backpack to strap on when walking places. Otherwise, you will have to wear the smaller bag on your front, making you look like a pregnant marsupial of sorts. You will be a very happy person if you only have to carry one bag – and other travelers will drool in jealousy!
The alternative is to travel with a small enough backpack (45L or less) that can be used as your day bag as well.
What to bring?
When you are looking at loads of potential travel gear and goodies, hopefully all neatly staged on the floor next to your backpack, you will have quite a mental struggle about what to take and what to leave.
- Don’t “what-if” yourself into carrying a lot of useless survival gear
- You will not need many distractions while on the road – just take what you need to live
- You can always buy stuff locally
Remember the golden rule for packing a backpack - When in doubt, leave it out!
Unless you are going trekking in Antarctica, you will be able to buy most of what you need to survive on the road. If you are traveling in developing countries, you will probably find what you need cheaper and may help a struggling economy out as well!
Do not bring anything priceless or irreplaceable. Leave that watch your grandfather gave you behind. Anything you bring will be exposed to the elements, mistreatment, and even thieves if you are unlucky.
Do not bring a lot of clothing. Fashion will be a non-issue completely in developing countries. You can wash laundry regularly in the sink. If you feel that you do not have enough to wear, buy some local garb for cheap!
- Think “wear one, wash one”. You really only need 2 outfits, maybe 3.
Backpack Security
Never pack valuable things in the outer pockets of a backpack. When it is on your back, it is very difficult to feel a deft hand reaching inside while you walk down the street or stand on a crowded train platform.
Some travelers opt for a “packsafe” which is a metal cover that protects your backpack from being “slashed” by a thief with a razor blade and quick hand. Unfortunately these covers attract attention and declare that you have something valuable inside worth protecting!
Read this article on keeping your backpack safe.
Aside from your regular packing list, you will want to include the following misc items hidden inside your large rucksack somewhere:
- Copies of your credit cards and passport – in case you are mugged or lose your money belt
- Copy of your travel insurance info
- Emergency cash in US dollars hidden somewhere not so obvious
- Card with your contact info taped or sewn inside (in case the outside tag breaks off or is removed)
Beyond the backpack
Some useful things you will want to carry in your money belt or in a daybag in case your rucksack is stowed or not handy:
- One anti-diarrhea pill
- One motion sickness pill
- Couple of passport photos (for border crossing visas)
- Travel insurance contact information
- Photocopy of passport for yourself
- Copies of your passport to use for motorbike rental, checkins, etc
- Condom
- Emergency contact information card in case you get hurt
Backpack Packing List
Use our handy backpacking packing list as a good base, and then add or remove items to customize your trip. Everyone travels differently, so use the list to get your creative packing chi flowing!
