6 Space Saving Backpacking Packing Tips
When you’re getting ready to pack for a trip, you might take a glance around the things you plan on bringing and think “Yeah, that’ll fit!”. Inevitably once you start shoving items into your backpack, you will realize you might need to leave a few things behind. Maybe you don’t need that many socks or an extra sweatshirt after all… Or maybe you need to try one of our space saving backpacking packing tips.
If you find yourself without enough space in your pack for everything you need, don’t panic. There are plenty of tricks that you can use for shrinking down your clothing and supplies. Taking the time to be creative with your packing can keep you from having to make those tough decisions about which items to leave behind.
This is especially important if you are headed out on the trail alone. On a solo hike, you can’t share the burden of necessary supplies with someone else. You need to bring everything you can.
Luckily, you can maximize the space in your backpack by rolling, stuffing, squeezing and smashing different items to make them fit in a tighter space.
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1. Stuff All Open Space
Are you brining a camp mug, stove, pot, cup, or any other item that is intended to hold something once you get to the campsite? Utilizing the space inside of these items is a classic space saving backpacking packing tip.
For example, I always bring my camp mug for a morning cup of coffee before hitting the trail. It is about 3” in diameter and 4” tall, so it is not large. However, the space inside that empty mug is precious space that should not be left empty. I’ll stuff my instant coffee packets, coffee creamer, and some snacks inside of that mug before I tuck it inside my pack.
If you have a camp stove, there is plenty of space inside of it to utilize. Stuff some of your food supply in there for safe keeping. If you are using a small propane tank, see if it will fit inside the stove. There are plenty of opportunities to fill any open and unused space in your backpack. Just get creative with it!
2. Roll Your Clothes
Rolling your clothes rather than folding them is a classic packing hack. Rolling clothes tightly can keep them compressed and tight so they take up less space. It also makes it easier to shove them into the corners and crevices of your backpack. That way you don’t have to skimp as much on your clothing supply.
If you’ve ever tried it, it’s clear to see how much space you save by rolling your clothes versus folding them. You can easily fit 4-6 extra articles of light clothing by using the roll method. It will also reduce the space that bulkier items take up because it compresses some of the excess air that gets trapped in them.
A useful trick for rolling clothes that can save time and energy in the morning is to roll complete outfits together in a bundle. Do this by laying your shift, pants/shorts, and underwear in a stack, then tightly roll them together into one little log. You can even tuck the roll into a pair of socks to keep it compact. That way when it is time to change into some fresh clothes, you can reach for a pre-prepped clothing bundle rather than shifting through your backpack for each article of clothing.
Not sure what to wear for backpacking? Read this!
3. Utilize Pockets and Minimize Bulky Fabric Bags
Toiletry bags can be unnecessarily bulky for a backpacking trip. If you want to stay organized by bundling together certain items, utilize the pockets in your backpack or use small compact bags.
Most backpacks will have several pockets on the outside that are perfect for storing your toiletries or first aid supplies. Utilizing plastic bags for further separation are handy without the extra bulk of a full fabric bag. They will also contain messes more effectively if your toothpaste or soap spills.
If you are trying to be earth-friendly, there are plenty of small reusable bags available online. These have all the convenience and lightness of a regular plastic bag, but without the waste. You can find our favorite reusable plastic baggies by following this link.
Stuff sacks are also a great option. They keep your items contained while minimizing the space they occupy. A bonus – some of them are waterproof, so they keep your things dry!
Click here to find the waterproof stuff sacks we trust.
4. Strap Gear to The Outside of Your Backpack
Another great space saving backpacking packing tip – strap things to your pack! If you have bulky items such as a tent, foam sleeping pad, or sleeping bag that takes up a lot of space, grab some straps or carabiners and secure it to your pack.
A tent and a sleeping bag can be two major space hogs when you put them inside your backpack. Once you put them in the main pocket there is barely any room left for the rest of your gear. Your backpack would be roomier without them.
Many backpacks will have straps with buckles near the bottom of the back for this purpose. Wrap the straps around your tent or sleeping bag, buckle them in, and tighten the straps snugly. Make sure it doesn’t shift or bounce significantly as you walk, or it is going to add extra strain to your back.
Learn more packing tips and backpack anatomy here!
If you have a sweater or jacket that takes up too much space in your backpack, you can tie this around your bag as well. Tie the arms of the jacket together around one of the straps on the top of the bag and let it drape comfortably on the outside. This can come in handy when the weather is unpredictable or when you’re gaining significant elevation. You have easy, convenient access to a jacket when you need it.
5. Embrace Travel-Size
Forget the full-size deodorant, toothpaste, and soap. Get travel size versions of your toiletries and shave off valuable inches in your backpack.
Travel sized toiletries may cost a little more per ounce than buying the full or bulk size. If you go on trips frequently and want a budget-friendly hack, there are ways around buying a new one each time.
Save up your mostly- empty tooth pastes for use when you are backpacking. With only a small amount of paste in the tube, you can roll it up tightly to save space. Buying refillable travel-size containers for soap is a great way to save money over time and reduce plastic usage. Check out these travel sized containers.
Bringing only the amount of product that you will use is a simple but effective space saving backpacking packing tips. It saves you some pack weight, too!
6. Compress Before You Pack
It’s incredible how small you can make things if you compress it correctly. I noticed this during my first trip, comparing my “compressed” sleeping bag next to my friends’… I wasn’t being patient with my rolling technique and it showed.
There is a right way and a wrong way to compress your items before packing them up. The best method is to start with a small roll and continuously compress as you gradually make your way down the item. Here are a few rules of thumb to follow when rolling and compressing your sleeping bag, mat, pillow, or other items.
- If it is inflatable, start rolling from the end opposite of the valve so that air escapes as you roll.
- Start the roll as small as possible. Really squeeze it down in your first rotations.
- Use your knee to flatten the surface as you roll and tug it tight.
- Don’t rush!
Inflatable options are always best when it comes to backpacking space. If you’re looking to save room, get an inflatable sleeping pad and an inflatable pillow.
Check out Backwoods for great prices on inflatable pad and pillows!
Conclusion
Every inch of backpack space is precious when you’re going on a lengthy trek. That’s why space saving backpacking packing tips are so valuable!
You want to make sure all your gear has a place so you aren’t forced to leave something behind. If you keep these backpacking packing tips in mind the next time you pack, you’ll be able to fit everything more easily! If you need help figuring out what to bring, check out our backpacking pack list!
Cover photo by Jeremy Chen on Unsplash
Photo 2 by Ravindra rawat from Pexels
