Packing your backpack

Packing your backpack
How do I pack my backpack correctly?
“The most important thing when packing your backpack is to refrain from packing unnecessary items!”
Naturally, however, you do need a few important things. In the following video, we show you how to maximise the efficiency of your trip by packing everything in the right place.
We wish you lots of fun packing and a really great trip!
deuter tip
How to pack your backpack

Distribute weight optimally
The centre of gravity of your backpack should be close to your body and, if possible, at shoulder height. This way, the backpack is always above the body’s own centre of gravity (COG) and it will not pull back when worn. Larger backpacks from around 30 litres are therefore packed as follows:
- Sleeping bag, down items and other lightweight objects go into the bottom compartment.
- Moderately heavy items such as clothing go on top on the outside.
- Heavy equipment – tent, supplies, thick jackets – are packed at upper shoulder height, as close to the back as possible.
- Small items can be safely stowed in the lid compartment where they are quickly accessible.
- In order to avoid problems such as snagging, larger wind-exposed areas or wetness, attach as little as possible to the outside of the backpack, and keep this as compact as possible.
- In general, ensure an even weight distribution, especially for side pockets.
- Packsacks, providing they are not bulging and thus creating dead space, keep the inside tidy. Waterproof packsacks offer a very secure alternative to a rain cover.
Important to know

A trained person can wear a maximum of 20–25% of their body weight over a longer period of time. The German Federal Armed Forces pushes this figure up to 33%. For them, touring with a backpack is notoriously extremely strenuous!
Wrong!

The backpack is pulling backwards – i.e. the backpack’s COG is too far from that of the body. Heavy weights quickly turn walking into a misery because the body has to work against the weight of the backpack. The shoulder straps put more stress on the shoulders than normal. In difficult terrain, the wrong packing technique can become a safety risk.
In light terrain

In light terrain (hiking trails, flat paths), the COG of the load should be packed higher up.
In difficult terrain

In difficult terrain (mountainous regions, steep paths), it should be somewhat lower and, thus, closer to the body’s centre of gravity. With this packing technique, you tend to bend forwards slightly as you walk to compensate, but it is also easier to keep your balance than it is with a high centre of gravity.
Packing lists
The same rule applies to any trip: take as little as possible – but as much as necessary!
Together with the certified mountain guides from the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides and from the OASE Alpin Centre, we have amassed a wealth of experience that we can share with you in the form of packing lists. Please note that all weights are only recommendations and may deviate.
In general, one can assume: the higher quality the equipment, the lighter it is.
item
|
weight
|
---|---|
on the body | |
Functional underwear and socks
|
- |
Functional jacket | - |
Ski trousers | - |
Touring ski boots | - |
Touring skis | - |
Telescopic poles with snow baskets | - |
Avalanche transceiver | - |
Hat | - |
Thin gloves | - |
Backpack, about 26–34 litres | 1,460 g |
Indispensable | |
Spare top (short/long-sleeved) | 150 g |
Water and wind-proof jacket | 400 g |
Warm down jacket | 500 g |
Warm gloves | 150 g |
Avalanche probe | 200 g |
Avalanche shovel with handle | 440 grams |
Bivouac sack | 270 g |
First aid kit with personal medication | 280 g |
Thermos flask with tea | 800 g |
Snack | 300 g |
Ski crampons | 100 g |
Climbing skins | 300 g |
Ski helmet | 500 g |
Ski goggles | 120 g |
SPF 50 sunscreen with lip balm | 30 g |
Sunglasses | 30 g |
ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag | 60 g |
Smartphone incl. emergency numbers and altimeter | 140 grams |
Small flashlight/head torch | 70 g |
Recommended | |
Nuts, dried fruit, bars as needed | 150 g |
Tissues | 10 g |
Pocket knife | 60 g |
Without mountain guide | |
Maps | 80 g |
Ski guide | 100 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Optional | |
Water bag, Thermo bag, tube insulator, 1 litre water | - |
Camera | - |
Repair kit: cable ties, wire, adhesive, wax | - |
DAV Snowcard | - |
Powerbank | - |
Sweater/fleece | - |
TOTAL WEIGHT (reference value) | 6,920 g |
All weights are only recommendations. We assume no liability for completeness and correctness. deuter Sport GmbH in cooperation with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides e.V.
Is this list helpful to you? Then download the PDF:
item
|
weight
|
---|---|
on the body | |
Ankle-high hiking shoes with profile soles
|
- |
Functional hiking trousers | - |
Functional top | - |
Functional jacket or vest | - |
Backpack | 1,550 g |
Indispensable | |
Short-sleeved spare top | 150 g |
Water and wind-proof jacket | 900 g |
Water and wind-proof trousers | 300 g |
Hat or headband | 60 g |
Hat or buff | 70 g |
Thin gloves | 70 g |
SPF 30 sunscreen with lip balm | 60 g |
Sunglasses | 30 g |
Drinking bottle or bag with min. 1 litre liquid (route-dependent) | 1,190 g |
Electrolyte/magnesium tablets | 150 g |
First aid kit (S or M) with blister patches and personal medication | 150 g |
ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag | 40 g |
Small flashlight/optimal: head torch | 80 g |
Mobile phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Nuts, dried fruit, bars as needed | 200 g |
Short, functional trousers | 220 g |
Pocket knife | 60 g |
Telescopic poles | 460 grams |
Without mountain guide | |
Maps | 80 g |
Hiking guide, tour descriptions | 210 g |
Compass | 80 g |
or GPS | 220 g |
Optional | |
Snack, if no managed huts on route | - |
Sweater/fleece | - |
Camera and/or bag | - |
TOTAL WEIGHT (reference value)
|
6,480 g
|
All weights are only recommendations. We assume no liability for completeness and correctness. deuter Sport GmbH in cooperation with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides e.V.
Is this list helpful to you? Then download the PDF:
item | weight |
---|---|
on the body | |
Ankle-high hiking shoes with profile soles | - |
Functional hiking trousers | - |
Functional top | - |
Functional jacket or waistcoat | - |
Backpack | 1,700 g |
Indispensable | |
Short-sleeved spare top | 150 g |
Long-sleeved spare top | 200 g |
1–2 short/long underpants | 100 g |
Functional socks | 60 g |
Water and wind-proof jacket | 900 g |
Water and wind-proof trousers | 300 g |
Hat or headband | 60 g |
Hat or buff | 70 g |
Thin gloves | 70 g |
Short functional trousers | 220 g |
SPF 30 sunscreen with lip balm | 60 g |
Sunglasses, preferably self-tinting | 30 g |
Drinking bottle or bag with min. 1 litre of liquid (route-dependent) | 1,200 g |
Electrolyte/magnesium tablets (tubes) | 150 g |
Muesli, dried fruit, nuts, bars as needed | 150 g |
First aid kit M with blister patches and personal medication incl. survival blanket | 320 g |
ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag | 40 g |
Hut sleeping bag | 250 g |
Wash bag (travel shower gel, toothbrush/toothpaste, small functional towel, tissues, earplugs) | 280 g |
Small flashlight (optimal: head torch) | 80 g |
Mobile phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Telescopic poles | 460 grams |
Pocket knife | 60 g |
Lightweight trousers | 200 g |
T-shirt for hut (cotton) | 150 g |
Hut shoes | 180 g |
Plastic bag (for lightweight trainers, hut shoes, dirty underwear, etc.) | 20 g |
Without mountain guide | |
Maps | 80 g |
Hiking guide, tour descriptions | 210 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Bivouac sack | 280 g |
TOTAL WEIGHT (reference value) | 8,500 g |
All weights are only recommendations. We assume no liability for completeness and correctness. deuter Sport GmbH in cooperation with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides e.V.
Is this list helpful to you? Then download the PDF:
item | weight |
---|---|
on the body | |
Long jersey/arm warmers | |
Trousers/leg warmers | |
Wind breaker jacket/vest | |
Gloves | |
Helmet | |
Biking shoes | |
Socks | |
Sunglasses, if possible self-tinting | |
Backpack | 1,150 g |
Indispensable | |
Long jersey (spare jersey)/arm warmers | 70 g |
Long trousers (spare trousers)/leg warmers | 80 g |
Wind breaker jacket/vest | 150 g |
Hard shell rain jacket | 250 g |
Rain-proof trousers | 200 g |
Hat/Buff/Headband | 50 g |
Cycling gloves long | 60 g |
Sun cream | 60 g |
Water bag with min. 1 litre of liquid (route-dependent) | 1,150 g |
Electrolyte/magnesium tablets (tubes) | 150 g |
Energy supply: power gel, muesli, dried fruit, nuts, bars, as needed | 150 g |
First aid kit M (with survival blanket) | 290 g |
Personal medication | 100 g |
Headache tablets | 20 g |
Multitool | 260 g |
Tool: | |
- Spare tube | 220 g |
- Hand pump | 200 g |
- 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 |
Tool, if not already integrated in the multitool: | |
- Tyre lever | 100 g |
- Chain lock | 10 g |
- Spoke wrench | 30 g |
ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag | 40 g |
Wash bag (travel shower gel, toothbrush/toothpaste, small functional towel, tissues, earplugs) | 320 g |
Hut sleeping bag if necessary | 250 g |
Recommended | |
Underwear | 50 g |
Undershirt | 100 g |
Spare socks | 100 g |
Lightweight trousers | 300 g |
Hut shoes | 180 g |
T-shirt | 120 g |
Detergent | 70 g |
Lubricant, adhesive tape | 100 g |
Pen | 15 g |
Light | 20 g |
Without bike guide | |
Biking map | 150 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Head torch | 150 g |
Air pump | 400 g |
Mobile phone with emergency numbers | 115 g |
Bivouac sack | 280 g |
Expert tip | |
Chamois cream | |
Optional | |
Snack, if no hut stop is planned on the trip | |
Sweater/fleece | |
Camera and/or bag | |
Replacement batteries (light, camera, etc.) | |
TOTAL WEIGHT (reference value) | 8,020 g |
All weights are only recommendations. We assume no liability for completeness and correctness. deuter Sport GmbH in cooperation with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides e.V.
Is this list helpful to you? Then download the PDF:
item | weight |
---|---|
on the body | |
Functional trousers | |
Functional top | |
Functional jacket or vest | |
Ankle-high hiking shoes with profile soles | |
Backpack | 1,320 g |
Indispensable | |
Climbing belt | 230 g |
Climbing kit | 520 g |
Climbing shoes | 120 g |
Lockable carabiner clasp | 95 g |
Climbing helmet | 320 g |
Short-sleeved top | 150 g |
Water and wind-proof jacket | 900 g |
Water and wind-proof trousers | 300 g |
Hat or headband | 60 g |
SPF 30 sunscreen with lip balm | 60 g |
First aid kit M | 280 g |
Blister plasters | 20 g |
Headache tablets | 20 g |
Drinking bottle or bag with min. 1 litre of liquid (route-dependent) | 1.190 g |
Electrolyte/magnesium tablets | 10 g |
Nuts, dried fruit, bars as needed | 150 g |
ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag | 40 g |
Head torch | 80 g |
Mobile phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Sunglasses | 30 g |
Short functional trousers | 220 g |
Belt loops | 40 g |
Climbing shoes (tour-dependent) | 530 g |
Multitool | 150 g |
Without mountain guide | |
Tour description, possibly copied from book | 80 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Safety rope, short | 1,000 g |
Bivouac sack | 280 g |
Expert tip | |
Folding poles | |
Optional | |
Snack, if no hut stop is planned on the trip | |
Sweater/fleece | |
Camera and/or bag | |
TOTAL WEIGHT (reference value) | 8,625 g |
All weights are only recommendations. We assume no liability for completeness and correctness. deuter Sport GmbH in cooperation with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides e.V.
Is this list helpful to you? Then download the PDF:
item | weight |
---|---|
on the body | |
Ankle-high hiking shoes with rigid profile soles, preferably for use with crampons | |
Functional hiking trousers | |
Functional top | |
Functional jacket or vest | |
Backpack | 1,800 g |
Indispensable | |
Short-sleeved spare top | 150 g |
Long-sleeved spare top | 200 g |
1–2 short and long underpants | 100 g |
Functional socks | 60 g |
Water and wind-proof jacket | 900 g |
Water and wind-proof trousers | 300 g |
Hat and/or headband | 60 g |
Thin gloves | 70 g |
Thick gloves | 280 g |
Short functional pants | 200 g |
Hat or buff | 70 g |
SPF 50 sunscreen with lip balm | 60 g |
Sunglasses/glacier glasses, preferably self-tinting | 30 g |
Drinking bottle or bag with min. 1 litre of liquid (route-dependent) | 1,200 g |
Electrolyte/magnesium tablets (tubes) | 150 g |
Muesli, dried fruit, nuts, bars as needed | 200 g |
First aid kit M (incl. survival blanket) | 280 g |
Blister plaster | 20 g |
Headache tablets | 20 g |
Telescopic poles | 460 grams |
Hardware for high-tours: | |
- Climbing belt | 230 g |
- Lockable carabiner x 2 | 190 g |
- Prusik slings: 4m x Ø 6 mm, x 2 | 100 g |
- Webbing loops | 40 g |
- Ice pick | 630 g |
- Crampons | 1,000 g |
- Climbing helmet | 320 g |
ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag | 40 g |
Hut sleeping bag | 250 g |
Wash bag (travel shower gel, toothbrush/toothpaste, small functional towel, tissues, earplugs) | 280 g |
Head torch | 80 g |
Mobile phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Thermos flask | 560 g |
Flashlight | 50 g |
Multitool | 150 g |
T-shirt for hut (cotton) | 150 g |
Lightweight trousers | 200 g |
Gaiters | 120 g |
Plastic bag (for rubbish or wet laundry) | 20 g |
Without mountain guide | |
Maps | 80 g |
Hiking guide, tour descriptions | 210 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Bivouac sack | 280 g |
Hardware for high-tours: | |
- Rope: tour-dependent 35/50 metres | 2,700 g |
- 2 ice screws | 340 grams |
- Depending on the tour: Wedges + Friends | 700 g |
Optional | |
Snack, if no hut stop is planned on the trip | |
Sweater/fleece | |
Camera and/or bag | |
Batteries/replacement batteries (head torch, camera, GPS, etc.) | |
TOTAL WEIGHT (reference value) | 15,750 g |
All weights are only recommendations. We assume no liability for completeness and correctness. deuter Sport GmbH in cooperation with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides e.V.
Is this list helpful to you? Then download the PDF:
item | weight |
---|---|
on the body | |
Ski or snowshoe equipment | |
Functional ski trousers | |
Functional top | |
Functional jacket or vest | |
Cap | |
Lightweight gloves | |
Avalanche transceiver, batteries must be checked before the trip! | |
Backpack | 1,290 g |
Indispensable | |
Probe | 300 g |
Shovel | 750 g |
Ski crampons (ski tour) | 190 g |
Spare long top | 200 g |
Thick gloves (spare gloves) | 280 g |
Water and wind-proof jacket | 450 g |
Water and wind-proof trousers | 300 g |
SPF 30 sunscreen with lip balm | 60 g |
Sun or glacier glasses, if possible, self-tinting | 30 g |
Drinking bottle or bag with min.1 litre of liquid (route-dependent) | 1,200 g |
Electrolyte/magnesium tablets | 10 g |
First aid kit S incl. survival blanket | 190 g |
Blister plasters | 20 g |
Headache tablets | 20 g |
ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag | 40 g |
Head torch | 80 g |
Mobile phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Nuts, bar as needed | 200 g |
Ski goggles | 140 grams |
Gaiters (snow shoes) | 120 g |
Ski wax (ski tour) | 20 g |
Repair kit (screwdriver, cable ties, tape, etc.) | 180 g |
Pack sack | 50 g |
Without mountain guide | |
Maps | 80 g |
Tour guide | 210 g |
Altimeter | 60 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Expert tip | |
Multitool | |
Optional | |
Snack, if no hut stop is planned on the trip | |
Sweater/fleece | |
Anti-balling spray | |
Camera and/or bag | |
Cap | |
TOTAL WEIGHT (reference value) | 7,360 g |
All weights are only recommendations. We assume no liability for completeness and correctness. deuter Sport GmbH in cooperation with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides e.V.
Is this list helpful to you? Then download the PDF:
item | weight |
---|---|
on the body | |
Ski snow equipment | |
Functional ski trousers | |
Functional top | |
Functional jacket or vest | |
Hat | |
Lightweight gloves | |
Avalanche transceiver, batteries must be checked before the tour! | |
Backpack | 1,880 g |
Indispensable | |
Probe | 300 g |
Shovel | 750 g |
Ski crampons | 190 g |
Spare long top | 200 g |
Long underwear | 160 grams |
Spare ski socks | 80 g |
Water and wind-proof jacket | 900 g |
Water and wind-proof trousers (overtrousers) | 300 g |
Thick gloves (spare gloves) | 280 g |
Hat or headband | 60 g |
Hat or buff | 70 g |
SPF 50 sunscreen with lip balm | 60 g |
Sunglasses / glacier glasses, preferably self-tinting | 30 g |
Drinking bottle or bag | 190 g |
Thermos flask | 560 g |
Minimum 1 litre of liquid (route-dependent) | 1,000 g |
Electrolyte/magnesium tablets (tubes) | 150 g |
Nuts, dried fruit, bars as needed | 200 g |
First aid kit M | 280 g |
Blister plasters | 20 g |
Headache tablets | 20 g |
ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag | 40 g |
Hut sleeping bag | 250 g |
Wash bag (travel shower gel, toothbrush/toothpaste, small functional towel, tissues, earplugs) | 280 g |
Head torch | 80 g |
Mobile phone with emergency numbers | 130 g |
Recommended | |
Ski goggles | 140 grams |
Multitool | 150 g |
Repair kit (screwdriver, cable ties, tape, etc.) | 180 g |
Pack sack | 50 g |
Lunch box | 130 g |
Without mountain guide | |
Snowcard | 50 g |
Maps | 80 g |
Tour guide | 210 g |
Altimeter | 60 g |
Compass | 80 g |
GPS | 220 g |
Bivouac sack | 280 g |
Expert tip | |
Chamois cream | |
Optional | |
Snack | |
Sweater/fleece | |
Wax (ski tour) | |
Gaiters (snowshoe tour) | |
Camera and/or bag | |
Replacement batteries | |
Additional equipment for glacier crossing without mountain guide | |
Rope: tour-dependent 35/50 metres | 2,700 g |
Climbing belt | 230 g |
Lockable carabiner x 2 | 190 g |
Prusik slings: 4m x Ø 6 mm, x 2 | 100 g |
Webbing loops | 40 g |
2 ice screws | 320 g |
Ice pick | 630 g |
Crampons | 1,000 g |
Depending on the tour: Wedges + Friends | 500 g |
TOTAL WEIGHT (reference value) | 16,200 g |
All weights are only recommendations. We assume no liability for completeness and correctness. deuter Sport GmbH in cooperation with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides e.V.
Is this list helpful to you? Then download the PDF:
Do you have everything now?
If not, you can take a look at our backpacks, sleeping bags, bags and accessories!