How to Pack Your Bag for a Multi-Day Hike

Packing your bag correctly can make or break your trek. Trust me, when you’re hiking day after day, a poorly packed bag will make every kilometer feel like two.

We’re out here on the breathtaking Sunshine Coast tackling the 88km Cooloola Great Walk. I’m joined by my friends Jack, Matt, and Tay, and we just wrapped up day three—14.2 kilometers in the bag today. We got to camp a bit early, so I thought I’d walk you through how to pack your bag for a multi-day hike.

Let’s dive into the system I use to keep things efficient and comfortable.

 

 

The Basics

I carry an Osprey Aether AG 70L backpack. It’s a bit bigger because I also carry a camera and charging gear for filming, but the principles I’ll share apply to any pack. Jack’s using the same pack and carrying our tent (thanks, Jack!).

Key Rule: Your pack shouldn’t exceed 20% of your body weight. Before you hit the trail, use luggage scales to weigh everyone’s pack—call out the light packers and redistribute the load if needed. For example, my pack started at 28 kilos, which would’ve been unbearable without proper packing.

 

 

Weight Distribution and Accessibility

 

Waist Belt: Position it just under your belly button so the weight is on your hip bones, not your shoulders. I stash quick-access snacks like Cliff Bars and hydrating blocks here.

Top of Pack Tips
    •    Lucy Lantern: Charges on the go via solar power. Perfect for saving headlamp batteries.
    •    Paracord (5m): Multi-purpose—use it for hanging wet clothes, replacing shoelaces, or even as a makeshift belt.
    •    Medical Kit: Lightweight but essential. Includes painkillers, water treatment tablets, and a waterproof pouch.

 

Packing Strategy

Inside the pack:
    1.    Tech Pouch: Camera gear and charging essentials for quick access.
    2.    Food and Nutrition: All meals except tomorrow’s lunch (in the top brain) are in a dry bag. Wet food is a nightmare.
    3.    Cookware: Jetboil, utensils, and coffee gear for breakfast.
    4.    Clothes: In a dry bag for easy tent access at night.
    5.    Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bag, mat, and pillow—packed last but protected in a dry bag.

 

Pro Tips

    1.    Hydration Bladder: Fill it first and place it in the pack before packing anything else. A 2.5L bladder is ideal if you’re carrying 2L of water to avoid excess pressure.
    2.    Muscle Recovery Tool: A lightweight orb roller can work wonders on sore muscles at camp.
    3.    Don’t Overlook the Little Things:
    •    Use the side mesh pocket for a Nalgene bottle with hydrating tabs for easy access.
    •    Dry your boots before the trip and waterproof them. Watching the water bead off is so satisfying!

 

 

End of the Day Routine

After unpacking and setting up the tent, it’s time to relax. Today, we’re planning a refreshing dip in the lake near camp—it’s only 600 meters away. Nothing beats ending a day on the trail with a cool swim and a hot meal.

Hopefully, this guide gives you some tips for your own multi-day hikes. Packing right isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making every day on the trail a little easier.

 

Essential Hiking Gear List

Osprey Aether 70L Mens Hiking Backpack

Ideal for a week on the trail, a gear-intensive weekend or a big adventure, the Aether Plus 70 offers a stable carry to manage heavy loads. A Custom Fit-On-The-Fly Hipbelt and Shoulder Strap allow users to calibrate the perfect fit while a removable top lid quickly converts to a roomy daypack for side excursions. Constructed with high quality bluesign®-approved high-tenacity nylon and PFC-free DWR.

Specifications
Load Range: 14 - 27 kg
Volume: S/M: 4150 IN3 / 68 L; L/XL: 4272 IN3 / 70 L
Dimensions: S/M: 79H X 38W X 36D CM; L/XL: 84H X 38W X 36D CM
Weight: S/M: 2.545 KG; L/XL: 2.8 KG

 

Sea To Summit Toiletry Cell

The Hanging Toiletry bags ultra-lightweight and water resistant Ultra-Sil fabric will keep your bathroom items contained and organised. Multiple internal zippered mesh pockets ensure the convenient organisation of your toiletries without adding bulk. Plus it's light, strong and hangs in your bathroom, on a tree branch or off your vehicle mirror for ease of access.

Specifications
Includes: Shatterproof mirror included
Material: 30D Ultra-Sil CORDURA brand nylon
Pockets: One internal mesh pocket
Waterproof: Water-resistant fabric
Zips: Durable zips with grab tags

Leki Hiking Poles 

The Makalu FX Carbon will support you on your next mountain adventure. The Makalu FX Carbon comes with the newly developed Aergon Air has been improved in countless ways and has been redesigned in terms of comfort and control. 

 

Specifications:

Series: Unisex
Construction: Folding|ELD|Adjustable
Grip: Aergon Air Thermo
Strap: Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0
Segments: 5-pieces
Shaft Diameter: 18|16|14|14|14 mm
Upper section: Carbon (PRC 1000)
Lower section: Carbon (PRC 1000)
Locking System: Speed Lock 2 plus
Basket: Trekking 2.0
Tip: Carbide Flex Tip
Length/Size: 110 - 130 cm
Weight/Pole: 254 g/per pole
Pack Size: 40 cm
Sold as a pair

Luci Lantern 

With a warm, natural glow, the Luci Pro Series: Lux effortlessly combines versatility, durability and elegant design to make every adventure epic. When sunlight is limited, charge it from empty to full in just a few hours and watch it run for 50 hours straight. When outlets aren’t available, give your device an emergency charge with the power of the sun.

Specifications
Dimensions: W 12.7 cm | H 10.2 cm | 3.8 cm collapsed
Weight: 156 g
Includes Two-way 1A USB Port | 1m USB to USB cable
4 modes: low, medium, high, 1 sec flashing
Lasts up to 50 hours
Charges in 14 hours via direct sunlight
Charges in 2-3 hours via USB
Top-up charge a smartphone 30-50% in 2-3 hours
4 LED Battery level indicator
Waterproof: IP67 rating
Operating temp: 15°F 122°F (-10°C 50°C)
1 year warranty

Massage Ball 

Intensive and point-specific against pain & muscle hardening The BALL 08 is perfect for on-the-go recovery while on a multi-day hike. With its 8 cm diameter, it's just what you need for point-by-point self-massage of different areas of the body. Its small and superlight weight for an easy addition to your pack.

Specifications
Diameter: 8 cm
Weight: 22 g

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

The BeFree 1.0L is suitable for frequent use. It is lightweight (63g) and portable for on-the-go adventures.  It is super light to fill. This filter removes bacteria, cysts and sediment with its pore size of 0.1 micron (0.0001 mm). 

Specifications
Output (gal): Up to 2L/min
Technology: Hollow fiber filter 0.1 micron
Weight: 56.7 g

Petzl Head Torch

CTIK® with a rechargeable battery! The ideal rechargeable headlamp to extend your dynamic outdoor activities. Casting 600 lumens, ACTIK® CORE provides powerful and comfortable lighting to go with you when you're running, trekking, or mountaineering. Its phosphorescent reflector makes it easy to find in the dark and red lighting keeps you from blinding those around you when you’re with a group.

Specifications
Brightness: 600 lumens (ANSI/PLATO FL 1)
Weight: 88 g
Beam pattern: Flood or mixed
Energy: 1250 mAh CORE rechargeable battery (included)
Charging Time: 3 hours
Battery compatibility: Alkaline, lithium or Ni-MH rechargeable
Certification(s): CE
Watertightness: IPX4 (weather-resistant)

AMK Medical Kit 

Designed as a bare-minimum ultra-lightweight kit for two people ... weighs just 237g, yet still contains the most essential first aid supplies. A great kit if you are a multi-sport enthusiast looking for a universal lightweight kit. Assembled and made in USA, AMK's Medical Kits products are field tested and approved by the top adventure racers, mountaineers, guides and outdoor athletes in the world and are. AMK are one of the most awarded sports medical kits companies in the market.

Specifications
Group size: 1 - 2 people   
Trip Duration: 1 - 4 days  
Weight:  267g
Size: 17.8 x 12.7 x 6.4cm

 

Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir

The 3-liter Hydraulics reservoir features innovative and ergonomic improvements that make it easier to carry, fill, load up and use-whether you're buzzing around town, travelling or hitting the trails. This version features a lightweight yet sturdy backer plate that helps reduce bending or buckling while loading, making it ideal for internal or external pack hydration sleeves.

Specifications
Size: O/S
Volume: 100 IN3 / 3 L
Dimension: 39H X 18.5W X 8D CM
Weight: 0.31 KG
FABRIC: TPU film

 

Katadyn Filter Tabs 

Fast and effective water disinfection for clear water. Essential item for any traveller to avoid contaminated water (e.g. brushing teeth, drinking water). Preserves water for up to 6 months by using silver ions. Use in combination with a filter in turbid water. Perfect for camping, travelling and hiking.

Specifications
Effective against: microorganisms
Active ingredient: Sodium dichloroisocyanurate 99.8 mg/g; silver 1.8 mg/g
Contact Time Bacteria: 30
Contact Time Virus: 30
Contact Time Cysts: 120
Content: 100
Dosage: 1/1 l
Form: tablets
Shelf life (years): 5
Content Sufficient For: 100 L

 

Osprey Pack Liner 

Shaped to fit seamlessly with your pack, the large Ultralight Pack Liner is designed to protect the gear you carry inside your pack from the weather outside, giving you extra peace of mind in wet and rainy conditions. Perfect for 70-100 liter packs.

Specifications
Large: 76L / 72H X 39W X 34D CM
Medium: 58L / 61H X 37W X 31D CM
Small: 36L / 47H X 31W X 26D CM

Sea To Summit Dry Bags

Keep gear reliably dry and organised inside your pack. The Ultra-Sil Dry Bag set won the sought-after Backpacker Editors' Choice award in 2006 and remains the ideal dry bag system for backpacking and travel. Made with lightweight, waterproof bluesign approved 30D Ultra-Sil fabric featuring Cordura yarns, it's the perfect choice to organise your gear inside your backpack or duffle like a pro. An excellent choice for lightweight backpacking, cycle touring and travel.

Specifications
Dimensions: [3L] 20.7 x 17.1cm [5L] 36 x 19.1cm [8L] 36.8 x 19.1 cm 
Closure: Non-wicking hypalon roll-top closure
Shape: Oval base

Nalgene Wide Mouth 

Nalgene bottles are now made with a revolutionary resin powered by new recycling technology that transforms plastic destined for landfills into high-performance BPA/BPS-free bottles. This material is derived from 50% waste plastic (using ISCC certified mass balance), further offsetting the use of fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Specifications
Lid Type: Wide Mouth
Bottle Volume: 1000ml
Cap Diameter: 6.3cm
Weight: 177.25g
Height: 21cm
Country of Origin: USA

 

Got questions? Don't hesitate to come in-store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! We’ll see you outdoors. Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.

 

About the contributor:
Photography became a passion for Nathan when he first picked up a “real” camera and began to learn how to capture a unique view of the world through his eyes. You can find him hanging from cliffs in strange positions to get the right angle, putting up new climbing routes or simply making a fool of himself on the existing ones! Follow his adventures @setinstonemedia.