Packing your backpack

Packing your backpack
How do I pack my backpack correctly?
The most important thing when packing your backpack is not to take anything you don’t need.
But of course, some things are essential. And so, the following advice page has some helpful tips on how to streamline your packing system, with all your gear packed in the right position.
Have fun packing, and have even more fun getting out there!
Packing right is all about distributing the load evenly
The heaviest part of the load should be close to the body and ideally at shoulder height. That way, the load’s center of gravity and your own center of gravity will be aligned, and the pack will not pull you backwards. Larger backpacks should be packed as follows:
- Sleeping bag, down clothing and other light objects in the bottom compartment.
- Moderately heavy items like clothing can go in the main compartment, towards the outside.
- Heavier gear — tent, food, thick insulation layers — can go in the main compartment, at shoulder height, and as close to your back as possible.
- Small items can be safely stored in the lid compartment, so they are easy to access.
- Try to keep everything compact and have little or no equipment attached to the outside of the pack in order to minimize the effect of strong winds, prevent items getting wet or your pack snagging.
- In general, try to distribute the load evenly across both sides of the pack, especially where side pockets are concerned.
- Using stuff sacks inside the pack is a good way of organizing your gear (but make sure they are not overfilled). Waterproof ones (dry bags) are a great alternative to a rain cover (on the outside of the backpack).
To consider when packing your backpack
When packing your backpack, it’s not just the size of your backpack that dictates how you should pack, but also the route or kind of hike/ trek that you’re going to undertake. So here are a few tips:

We can carry a maximum of 20-25 % of our own bodyweight. The German Armed Forces expects this to be 33 % but their backpacking drills are renowned for being extremely tough. Use the following tips to help you pack for specific tours or routes:

Avoid letting the heaviest part of the load shift downwards while you pack. Otherwise you’ll be pulled backwards, because your pack’s center of gravity is too far from your own. With heavier loads this will soon make it hard to walk, as your body constantly has to work against the weight of the pack. It also results in greater than normal strain on the shoulders. And over tricky terrain, an incorrectly packed backpack can even pose a safety risk.

Moving over easier ground like beginners’ hiking paths or more level trails, you should make sure the heaviest part of the load is packed higher up. Otherwise you’ll be pulled backwards, because your pack’s center of gravity is too far from your own. With heavier loads this will soon make it hard to walk, as your body constantly has to work against the weight of the pack. It also results in greater than normal strain on the shoulders. And over tricky terrain, an incorrectly packed backpack can even pose a safety risk.

Over more challenging terrain, like on high-alpine tours, or when climbing, it’s best to pack the heavier part of the load lower down. This will make you bend forwards somewhat when walking, to counter the weight, but it also makes it harder for you to lose your balance than it would with it higher up. Consider using folding / telescopic trekking poles too.
HOW TO PACK YOUR BACKPACK FOR AN ALPINE TRAVERSE
PACKING LISTS
Our experts explain how to pack your backpack correctly
Whatever you’re going to undertake, never pack more than you need — but always pack what’s necessary.
We’ve teamed up with members of the German Association of Mountain and Ski Guides, from OASE Alpin Center and from the youth section of the German Alpine Association to compile some tips and packing lists for you. Please note that all weights are estimated and can vary. As a general rule: The more high quality the equipment, the lighter the overall weight of your backpack. Here are a few packing lists for you to base yours on:
Item
|
Weight
|
---|---|
What to wear | |
Technical baselayers and socks
|
- |
Technical jacket | - |
Ski touring pants | - |
Ski touring boots | - |
Touring / backcountry skis | - |
Telescopic poles with powder baskets | - |
Avalanche beacon | - |
Hat | - |
Thin gloves/ liner gloves | - |
Backpack, approx. 26-34 L | 1,460 g |
Essential | |
Change of shirt (short-sleeve/long-sleeve) | 150 g |
Waterproof, windproof jacket | 400 g |
Warm down jacket | 500 g |
Warm gloves / mitts | 150 g |
Probe | 200 g |
Shovel | 440 g |
Bivy bag | 270 g |
First aid kit and personal medication | 280 g |
Insulated vacuum bottle filled with tea | 800 g |
Sandwiches | 300 g |
Ski crampons | 100 g |
Skins | 300 g |
Ski helmet | 500 g |
Goggles | 120 g |
Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm | 30 g |
Sunglasses | 30 g |
ID, cash, cards, plastic bag | 60 g |
Cell phone with emergency numbers and altimeter | 140 g |
Pocket flashlight/ headlamp | 70 g |
Recommended | |
Nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars | 150 g |
Tissues | 10 g |
Pen knife | 60 g |
Without a mountain guide | |
Maps | 80 g |
Ski tour guidebook | 100 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Optional | |
Hydration bladder, Thermo Bag, Tube Insulator, 1 liter water | - |
Camera | - |
Repair kit: Cable ties, wire, skin adhesive, wax | - |
Mountain loyalty cards | - |
Power bank | - |
Pullover / fleece | - |
TOTAL WEIGHT (guideline) | 6,920 g |
The information provided is only meant as a recommendation. We do not assume any liability for its completeness or accuracy. deuter Sport GmbH in partnership with the German Association of Mountain and Ski Guides
Was this list useful? Then feel free to download it in PDF format:
Item
|
Weight
|
---|---|
What to wear | |
Ankle-high hiking boots with good grip
|
- |
Technical hiking pants | - |
Technical shirt | - |
Technical jacket or vest | - |
Backpack | 1,550 g |
Essential | |
Spare s/s shirt | 150 g |
Waterproof, windproof jacket | 900 g |
Waterproof, windproof overtrousers | 300 g |
Hat or headband | 60 g |
Cap or Buff | 70 g |
Thin gloves | 70 g |
Sunscreen SPF 30 with lip balm | 60 g |
Sunglasses | 30 g |
Water bottle or bladder with min. 1 liter fluids (depending on the hike) | 1,190 g |
Electrolyte / magnesium tablets | 150 g |
First aid kit (S or M) with blister bandages and personal medication | 150 g |
ID, cash, cards, plastic bag | 40 g |
Pocket flashlight/ headlamp ideally | 80 g |
Cell phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars | 200 g |
Functional shorts | 220 g |
Pen knife | 60 g |
Telescopic poles | 460 g |
Without a mountain guide | |
Maps | 80 g |
Hiking guidebook, route descriptions | 210 g |
Compass | 80 g |
or GPS | 220 g |
Optional | |
Snacks/ sandwiches | - |
Pullover / fleece | - |
Camera and camera case | - |
TOTAL WEIGHT (guideline value)
|
6,480 g
|
The information provided is only meant as a recommendation. We do not assume any liability for its completeness or accuracy. deuter Sport GmbH in partnership with the German Association of Mountain and Ski Guides
Was this list useful? Then feel free to download it in PDF format:
Pocket flashlight/ headlamp ideally
Item | Weight | ||
---|---|---|---|
What to wear | |||
Ankle-high hiking boots with good grip | - | ||
Technical hiking pants | - | ||
Technical shirt | - | ||
Technical jacket or vest | - | ||
Backpack | 1,700 g | ||
Essential | |||
Change of s/s shirt | 150 | ||
g | |||
Change of l/s shirt | 200 g | ||
1-2 pairs of short or long underwear | 100 g | ||
Hiking socks | 60 g | ||
Waterproof, windproof jacket | 900 g | ||
Waterproof, windproof overtrousers | 300 g | ||
Hat or headband | 60 g | ||
Cap or Buff | 70 g | ||
Thin gloves | 70 g | ||
Technical hiking shorts | 220 g | ||
Sunscreen SPF 30 with lip balm | 60 g | ||
Sunglasses, ideally self-tinting | 30 g | ||
Water bottle or bladder with min. 1 liter fluids (depending on hike) | 1,200 g | Electrolyte / magnesium tablets or tubes | 150 g |
First aid kit (S or M) with blister bandages and personal medication and space blanket | 320 g | ||
ID, cash, cards, plastic bag | 40 g | ||
Hut sleeping bag | 250 g | ||
Toiletries (shower gel, toothbrush/paste, small travel towel, tissues, earplugs) | 280 g | ||
80 g | |||
Cell phone with emergency numbers | 130 g | ||
Recommended | |||
Lightweight pants | 200 g | ||
Pen knife | 60 g | ||
Telescopic poles | 460 g | ||
T-shirt for up at the hut (cotton) | 150 g | ||
Hut footwear | 180 g | ||
Plastic bag (for footwear and dirty clothes etc.) | 20 g | ||
Without a mountain guide | |||
Maps | 80 g | ||
Hiking guidebook, route descriptions | 210 g | ||
Compass | 80 g | ||
GPS | 220 g | ||
Bivy bag | 280 g | ||
TOTAL WEIGHT (guideline) | 8,500 g |
The information provided is only meant as a recommendation. We do not assume any liability for its completeness or accuracy. deuter Sport GmbH in partnership with the German Association of Mountain and Ski Guides
Was this list useful? Then feel free to download it in PDF format:
Item | Weight |
---|---|
What to wear | |
Long-sleeve jersey / sleeves | |
Biking pants / leggings / shorts | |
Windstopper jacket/ vest | |
Gloves | |
Helmet | |
Biking shoes | |
Socks | |
Sunglasses, ideally self-tinting | |
Backpack | 1,150 g |
Essential | |
Spare long-sleeve jersey / sleeves | 70 g |
Spare pants / leggings/ shorts | 80 g |
Windstopper jacket / vest | 150 g |
Hardshell rain jacket | 250 g |
Rain pants | 200 g |
Hat / Buff / headband | 50 g |
Full finger cycling gloves | 60 g |
Sunscreen | 60 g |
Hydration bladder and min. 1 liter fluids (depending on the tour) | 1,150 g |
Electrolyte / magnesium tablets or tubes | 150 g |
Energy: Power gels, muesli, dried fruit, nuts, bars etc. | 150 g |
First aid kit M (with space blanket) | 290 g |
Personal medication | 100 g |
Pain killers | 20 g |
Multi-tool | 260 g |
Bike tools: | |
- Spare inner tube | 220 g |
- Pump | 200 g |
- Puncture repair kit | 120 g |
- Brake pads | 60 g |
- Spare screws | 80 g |
- Cable ties | 10 g |
- Clamp (for temporary repair of shifter cables) | 20 g |
Tools, if not already part of the multi-tool: | |
- Tire lever | 100 g |
- Chain joint | 10 g |
- Spoke wrench | 30 g |
ID, cash, cards, plastic bag | 40 g |
Toiletries (shower gel, toothbrush / paste, small travel towel. tissues, earplugs) | 320 g |
Hut sleeping bag if required | 250 g |
Recommended | |
Underwear | 50 g |
Undershirt | 100 g |
Spare socks / shoelaces | 100 g |
Lightweight pants | 300 g |
Hut shoes / slippers | 180 g |
T-shirt | 120 g |
Soap | 70 g |
Lube, adhesive tape | 100 g |
Pen/pencil | 15 g |
Lights | 20 g |
Without a bike guide | |
Bike maps / guidebook | 150 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Headlamp | 150 g |
Suspension pump | 400 g |
Cell phone with emergency numbers | 115 g |
Bivy bag | 280 g |
Top tip | |
Chamois cream | |
Optional | |
Sandwiches if no food provision / hut on the way | |
Pullover / fleece | |
Camera and camera bag | |
Spare batteries (for lights, camera etc.) | |
TOTAL WEIGHT (guideline) | 8,020 g |
Item | Weight |
---|---|
What to wear | |
Technical hiking pants | |
Technical shirt | |
Technical jacket or vest | |
Ankle-high hiking boots with good soles | |
Backpack | 1,320 g |
Essential | |
Climbing harness | 230 g |
Via ferrata set | 520 g |
Via ferrata gloves | 120 g |
Locking carabiner | 95 g |
Climbing helmet | 320 g |
Spare s/s shirt | 150 g |
Waterproof, windproof jacket | 900 g |
Waterproof, windproof pants | 300 g |
Hat or headband | 60 g |
Sunscreen SPF 30 with lip balm | 60 g |
First aid kit M | 280 g |
Blister bandages | 20 g |
Pain killers | 20 g |
Water bottle or bladder and min. 1 liter fluids (depending on route) | 1,190 g |
Electrolyte / magnesium tablets | 10 g |
Nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars etc. | 150 g |
ID, cash, cards, plastic bag | 40 g |
Headlamp | 80 g |
Cell phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Sunglasses | 30 g |
Functional shorts | 220 g |
Slings | 40 g |
Rock shoes (if the route requires it) | 530 g |
Multi-tool | 150 g |
Without a mountain guide | |
Route description / topo, poss. copied out of book | 80 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Short static rope | 1,000 g |
Bivy bag | 280 g |
Top tip | |
Folding trekking poles | |
Optional | |
Sandwiches in case there’s no provision/ hut on the way | |
Pullover / fleece | |
Camera and camera bag | |
TOTAL WEIGHT (guideline) | 8,625 g |
Item | Weight |
---|---|
What to wear | |
Ankle-high hiking boots with good grip, ideally crampon compatible | |
Technical hiking pants | |
Technical shirt | |
Technical jacket or vest | |
Backpack | 1,800 g |
Essential | |
Change of s/s shirt | 150 g |
Change of l/s shirt | 200 g |
1-2 pairs underpants (short / long) | 100 g |
Mountain / hiking socks | 60 g |
Waterproof, windproof jacket | 900 g |
Waterproof, windproof pants | 300 g |
Hat and / or headband | 60 g |
Thin gloves | 70 g |
Thick gloves / mitts | 280 g |
Functional shorts | 200 g |
Cap or Buff | 70 g |
Sunscreen SPF 50 with lip balm | 60 g |
Sunglasses/ goggles, ideally self-tinting | 30 g |
Water bottle or bladder with min. 1 liter fluids (depending on route) | 1,200 g |
Electrolyte / magnesium tablets (or tubes) | 150 g |
Muesli, dried fruit, nuts, bars etc. | 200 g |
First aid kit M (incl. space blanket) | 280 g |
Blister bandages | 20 g |
Pain killers | 20 g |
Telescopic trekking poles | 460 g |
Hardware: | |
- Harness | 230 g |
- Locking carabiners, x2 | 190 g |
- Prussic loops: 4m x Ø 6mm, x2 | 100 g |
- Slings | 40 g |
- Ice axe | 630 g |
- Crampons | 1,000 g |
- Climbing harness | 320 g |
ID, cash, cards, plastic bag | 40 g |
Hut sleeping bag | 250 g |
Toiletries (shower gel, toothbrush / paste, small travel towel, tissues, earplugs) | 280 g |
Headlamp | 80 g |
Cell phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Insulated vacuum bottle | 560 g |
Pocket flashlight | 50 g |
Multi-tool | 150 g |
T-Shirt for at the hut (cotton) | 150 g |
Lightweight pants | 200 g |
Gaiters | 120 g |
Plastic bag or Dirtbag (for trail trash, your own trash and wet clothes) | 20 g |
Without a mountain guide | |
Maps | 80 g |
Guidebook, route description | 210 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Bivy bag | 280 g |
Hardware: | |
- Rope: 35 m / 50 m depending on route | 2,700 g |
- 2 ice screws | 340 g |
- Depending on route: Nuts + Friends | 700 g |
Optional | |
Sandwiches, if there is no provision / hut | |
Pullover / fleece | |
Camera and camera bag | |
Batteries and spares (headlamp, camera, GPS etc.) | |
TOTAL WEIGHT (guideline) | 15,750 g |
A
Item | Weight |
---|---|
What to wear | |
Ski / snowshoeing equipment | |
Technical ski touring pants | |
Technical shirt | |
Technical jacket or vest | |
Hat | |
Thin gloves | |
Avalanche beacon, always check battery status before heading out! | |
Backpack | 1,290 g |
Essential | |
Probe | 300 g |
Shovel | 750 g |
Ski crampons (ski tour) | 190 g |
Spare l/s shirt | 200 g |
Thick gloves / mitts (spares) | 280 g |
Waterproof, windproof jacket | 450 g |
Waterproof, windproof overtrousers | 300 g |
Sunscreen SPF 30 with lip balm | 60 g |
Sunglasses / goggles - ideally self-tinting | 30 g |
Water bottle or bladder and min.1 liter fluids (depending on tour) | 1,200 g |
Electrolyte / magnesium tablets | 10 g |
First aid kit S incl. space blanket | 190 g |
Blister bandages | 20 g |
Pain killers | 20 g |
ID, cash, cards, plastic bag | 40 g |
Headlamp | 80 g |
Cell phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars etc. | 200 g |
Goggles | 140 g |
Gaiters (snowshoeing) | 120 g |
Ski wax (ski tour) | 20 g |
Repair kit (screwdriver, cable ties, tape etc.) | 180 g |
Stuff sack | 50 g |
Without a mountain guide | |
Maps | 80 g |
Guidebook | 210 g |
Altimeter | 60 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Top tip | |
Multi-tool | |
Optional | |
Sandwiches, if no provision/ hut along the way | |
Pullover / fleece | |
Ski base/ skins cleaner | |
Camera and camera bag | |
Change of hat | |
TOTAL WEIGHT (guideline) | 7,360 g |
Item | Weight | |
---|---|---|
What to wear | ||
Ski / snowshoeing equipment | ||
Technical ski touring pants | ||
Technical shirt | ||
Technical jacket or vest | ||
Hat | ||
Thin gloves | ||
Avalanche beacon, always check battery status before heading out! | ||
Backpack | 1,880 g | |
Essential | ||
Probe | 300 g | |
Shovel | 750 g | |
Ski crampons | 190 g | |
Spare l/s shirt | 200 g | |
Long thermal underwear | 160 g | |
Change of ski socks | 80 g | |
Waterproof, windproof jacket | 900 g | |
Waterproof, windproof overtrousers | 300 g | |
Thick gloves / mitts (spares) | 280 g | |
Hat or headband | 60 g | |
Cap or Buff | 70 g | |
Sunscreen SPF 50 with lip balm | 60 g | |
Sunglasses / goggles - ideally self-tinting | 30 g | |
Water bottle or bladder | 190 g | |
Insulated vacuum bottle | 560 g | |
Min. 1 liter fluids (depending on tour) | 1,000 g | |
Electrolyte / magnesium tablets or tubes | 150g | |
Nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars etc. | 200 g | |
First aid kit M | 280 g | |
Blister bandages | 20 g | |
Pain killers | 20 g | |
ID, cash, cards, plastic bag | 280 g | |
Hut sleeping bag | 250 g | |
Toiletries (shower gel, toothbrush/ paste, small travel towel, tissues, earplugs) | 280 g | |
Headlamp | 80 g | |
Cell phone with emergency numbers | 130 g | |
Recommended | ||
Goggles | 140 g | |
Multi-tool | 150 g | |
Repair kit (screwdriver, cable ties, tape etc.) | 180 g | |
Stuff sack | 50 g | |
Sandwiches | 130 g | |
Without a mountain guide | ||
Snowcard / loyalty ski pass | 50 g | |
Maps | 80 g | |
Guidebook | 210 g | |
Altimeter | 60 g | |
Compass | 80 g | |
GPS | 220 g | |
Bivy bag | 280 g | |
Top tip | ||
Chamois cream | ||
Optional | ||
Sandwiches | ||
Pullover / fleece | ||
Wax (ski tour) | ||
Gaiters (snowshoeing) | ||
Camera and camera case | ||
Spare batteries | ||
Additional gear for glacier traverses without a mountain guide | ||
Rope: 35 m / 50 m depending on route | 2,700 g | |
Climbing harness | 230 g | |
Locking carabiners, x2 | 190 g | |
Prussic loops: 4m x Ø 6mm, x2 | 100 g | |
Slings | 40 g | |
2 ice screws | 320 g | |
Ice axe | 630 g | |
Crampons | 1,000 g | |
Depending on route: Nuts + Friends | 500 g | |
TOTAL WEIGHT (guideline) | 16,200 g |
All packed and ready? Got everything you need?
Whether it’s a multi-day or single-day hike, ski tour or high-alpine route – with our packing list suggestions and the right backpack you’ll be all set to go. Throw in one of our cozy sleeping bags and a practical hydration bladder and nothing can stand in the way of your outdoor enjoyment.
Für Gipfelstürmer & Kletterkünstler: Richtig packen für die Hochtour
Der Berg ruft – und du willst folgen? Dann wird es Zeit für deine erste Hochtour, denn nirgendwo sonst kommst du der rauen Hoheit der Berge so nah wie auf einer solchen Gipfeltour