Backpack Tips & Tricks You Should Know
Backpacks have a long history—ever since humans needed to carry things, the concept of a backpack was born. From frameless designs to external frames, and now the mainstream internal frame packs, there are literally thousands of backpack models on the market today. It can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—despite the wide variety, there are many useful tips that can be applied universally across different brands. Here's a curated list of commonly used backpack hacks. Master these simple tricks, and your outdoor adventures will become much more enjoyable and efficient!
1. Use a Large Plastic Bag Inside Your Backpack
Mountain weather can change in the blink of an eye, with sudden downpours catching hikers off guard. Even if your backpack uses water-resistant materials, it’s still made with stitched seams, which water can penetrate. Rain covers help (aesthetics aside), but water can still seep in through the back panel and straps.
To ensure your gear stays dry, place a large plastic bag inside your pack, like a backpack liner. Load your gear into the liner, twist and fold the top shut—it’s a simple and cost-effective method that offers near-total protection. For river trekking or situations where the whole pack might get submerged, consider using a roll-top dry bag for easy sealing, or improvise with a thick plastic bag (or two layers), twist the opening, tie it tightly with a cord, and fold it over for extra protection against water ingress.
2. Align the Pack's Center of Gravity with Your Body
For a backpack to feel comfortable, its center of gravity needs to be as close to your body’s core as possible. When packing, make sure the left and right sides are balanced in weight; otherwise, you may feel lopsided while wearing it. A well-balanced pack helps reduce the risk of tripping or losing your balance on tough terrain. Even with the same total weight, different packing methods can make a big difference in comfort!
3. Keep the Backpack’s Shape Smooth and Compact
After packing, use the compression straps to tighten and shape your pack. This keeps the load stable and the shape streamlined—not just for looks, but for safety too. A smooth backpack is less likely to snag on branches or rocks, reducing the risk of accidents in the wild.
4. Buckle the Waist Belt When You Take Off the Pack
Here’s a lesser-known weak point of backpacks: the buckles. When you’re tired and drop your pack carelessly, the waist belt buckle might end up lying flat on a busy trail. During a break, someone might accidentally step on it. Since these buckles are plastic, they can crack under pressure. If a buckle breaks, your carrying system loses its effectiveness, and the rest of your hike becomes much harder. So when removing your backpack, always clip the waist belt and place the pack away from foot traffic to reduce the risk of damage.
* Also, avoid tossing or sitting on your pack—these habits can damage the suspension system over time.
5. Don’t Scrub Your Backpack to Clean It
Backpack fabrics are often treated with a waterproof coating. Using rough brushes can damage this layer and shorten the lifespan of your pack. For general dirt and dust, just wipe the surface gently with a damp cloth. For oil stains, use a mild detergent like diluted soap. After all, backpacks are meant to get dirty in the outdoors—if they’re too clean, they probably haven’t seen much action!
6. Use Packing Cubes or Bags for Organization
Backpack compartments are usually fixed, but your gear will vary depending on the trip. Use different sizes of pouches, stuff sacks, or even plastic bags to create your own internal storage system. Categorize your items and pack them in the order you'll need them. This way, no matter how much you’re carrying, you’ll always be able to find what you need.
These are just a few helpful backpacking tips we’ve put together. If you have your own secret tricks, feel free to share them too !
