60L Hiking Backpack Packing Guide for Beginners
Packing your first 60L hiking backpack? Start here. This step-by-step guide shows you what to pack, what to skip, where to put everything, and how to avoid overpacking.
Packing Your First 60L Hiking Backpack? Start Here.
What Kind of Trip Are You Preparing For?
Focus: Select a trip type above for tailored packing advice.
First — Understand What a 60L Backpack Actually Means
60L = approximately the backpack’s storage volume. It doesn’t mean you should carry 60 kg, fill every compartment, or automatically need 60L for every trip. Actual requirements depend on trip duration, weather, shelter, sleeping system, food, water, personal equipment, and gear size.
7 Things You Actually Need
🏕 Shelter
Tent or appropriate shelter
😴 Sleep
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
👕 Clothing
Layers and weather protection
🍚 Food
Meals and snacks
💧 Water
Water containers and treatment
🧭 Navigation
Map and navigation tools
🩹 Safety & Personal
First-aid and personal essentials
Exact equipment depends on your destination and conditions.
Essential or Optional?
Click an item to see if it’s essential, optional, or best left at home:
Step-by-Step — Empty Your Backpack First
- Put your backpack on the floor
- Lay every item beside it
- Group similar items
- Remove duplicates
- Check the weather
- Check the route
- Only then begin packing
Your 60L Backpack Has Zones
Step 1 — Put Your Sleeping Gear at the Bottom
If you only need it when you stop for the night, it doesn’t need to be at the top. Sleeping bag → bottom; sleeping pad → lower/main compartment; sleep clothing → nearby.
Step 2 — Add Your Heavier Equipment
Keep dense/heavier items reasonably close to your back and around the middle of the pack. Examples: compact cooking equipment, dense food, other heavier compact equipment. REI’s packing guidance recommends positioning heavier items close to the back and around the middle of the pack.
Weight Demonstration
❌ Heavy Gear Here
Far from the back → Backpack tilts backward → Unstable
✅ Heavy Gear Here
Closer to the back → Load becomes more centered → Stable
Step 3 — Pack Your Clothing
Don’t bring your entire wardrobe. Start with: hiking clothing, base layer, warm layer, rain protection, sleep clothing where appropriate, spare socks. Ask: “Do I really need another outfit?” If not, leave it home. Use soft clothing to fill reasonable gaps around larger items.
Step 4 — Pack Your Tent
Keep externally attached equipment secure and protected from snagging, abrasion and weather.
Step 5 — Pack Food
Step 6 — Put Water Where You Can Reach It
Water is heavy, so route planning and water availability matter.
Step 7 — Keep Rain Gear Easy to Reach
Before leaving, check the National Weather Service forecast for your destination.
Step 8 — Use Small Pockets for Small Things
Beginner Packing Formula
Don’t Fill All 60 Liters
A 60L backpack is a maximum capacity—not a target. Unused space can help with extra food, changing layers, trip-specific gear, resupply, and flexible organization.
Question every item, but don’t remove genuine safety essentials simply to save space.
Beginner Packing by Trip Length
🥾 1 Night
Shelter, sleep, food, water, basic clothing
🏕 2–3 Nights
More food, additional clothing, more personal supplies
🌲 4+ Nights
Food volume, resupply, weather, gear bulk
Summer Packing vs Cold-Weather Packing
☀️ Summer
Less bulky clothing. More available space.
❄️ Cold Weather
Potentially bulkier: insulation, sleeping system, extra layers.
Same 60L, Different Trip
☀️ Summer
More free space
🏕 Multi-Day
Moderately packed
❄️ Cold Weather
More densely packed
Beginner’s Guide to Weight Distribution
What NOT to Put at the Bottom
If you may need it during the hike, don’t hide it under everything else.
What Should Stay Outside?
External attachment depends on backpack design. Potential examples: trekking poles, suitable compact gear, items designed for external attachment. Don’t attach anything that can snag, fall off, become unstable, or create a hazard.
Beginner’s 60L Packing Checklist
How to Test Your Packed Backpack
- Put it on
- Adjust the hip belt
- Adjust shoulder straps
- Adjust sternum strap
- Walk around
- Check for excessive movement
- Check pressure points
- Repack if something feels wrong
The National Park Service recommends preparing and testing equipment before outdoor trips, including practicing with a loaded backpack.
Is My Backpack Ready?
Common Beginner Mistakes
60L vs Smaller Backpack
What If 60L Isn’t Enough?
- Remove unnecessary gear
- Reorganize
- Check whether equipment is unnecessarily bulky
- Consider your food and water requirements
- If essential equipment still doesn’t fit, consider a larger pack
Interactive FAQs
What should beginners pack in a 60L hiking backpack?
Start with shelter, sleeping equipment, clothing, food, water, navigation and safety/personal essentials.
Where should I put my sleeping bag?
Usually near the bottom because it’s generally not needed until you stop for the night.
Where should heavy items go?
Generally close to your back and around the middle of the pack, depending on the pack design and load.
Where should I put my rain jacket?
Keep it in an easily accessible location rather than burying it under your main gear.
Should I fill the entire 60L backpack?
No. Capacity is available space, not a target.
How do I make my backpack lighter?
Remove unnecessary items, avoid duplicates and reconsider bulky equipment.
Where should water go?
Side pockets or a compatible hydration system can provide convenient access.
How many days can I pack into a 60L backpack?
There isn’t one fixed number. Gear size, food, water, weather and personal requirements all affect the answer.
Is a 60L backpack good for beginners?
It can be a useful multi-day capacity, but beginners should make sure the size matches their actual gear and trip.
What if my 60L backpack is too full?
Remove unnecessary items, reorganize the load and reconsider bulky equipment. If essential gear still doesn’t fit, another capacity may be more appropriate.
Remember These 7 Rules
Where the AdventureSupplier 60L Backpack Fits
If you’re a beginner looking for a reliable 60L backpack, the AdventureSupplier 60L Adventure Backpack is worth comparing. For deeper guidance, see The Complete Guide to 60L Hiking Backpacks and Complete guide to choosing a 60L hiking backpack.
For more expert advice, REI’s backpack guide and REI fit adjustment are excellent. The National Park Service hiking safety page and US Forest Service offer valuable preparation tips. The American Hiking Society and Leave No Trace provide additional trail insights. Always check weather conditions and NOAA for environmental updates before heading out.
Your First 60L Backpack Doesn’t Have to Feel Complicated
You don’t need to become an expert backpacker before packing your first 60L hiking backpack. Start with the essentials, organize your equipment by how often you’ll need it, keep dense gear appropriately positioned, protect your important items and test the loaded backpack before your trip.
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