Sac à dos de randonnée : quoi prendre et comment l’organiser?

Hiking backpack: what to bring and how to organize it?

La Cordée

August 14, 2025

6 minutes

Did you choose your next hiking trail? It’s now time to get your hiking backpack ready. Whether it’s for a day hike or a multi-day hike, it’s important to have all the essentials within reach. With our list of hiking equipment, you’ll be sure to have everything you need once in nature.

The necessary equipment to add to you hiking backpack

Having enough water for the whole duration of your hike is important to stay hydrated. Bring one or more water bottles or even a hydration reservoir if your backpack allows it. Energy snacks are also very important, they’ll help you preserve your energy all the way to the summit.

Add water treatment tablets to your bag, a water bottle equipped with a water filter or even a portable water filter. It’s primordial to purify and filtrate the water collected in nature to eliminate suspended solids and pathogens.

Always carry a waterproof jacket in case of bad weather. A warm shirt is also a must to add to your bag, it can sometimes be windy on top of the mountains. Don’t forget to check the temperature before leaving!

For outdoor outings, sunscreen is necessary to be protected from UV rays. Mosquito repellent will be your best ally in the forest to avoid mosquitos bites. Don’t forget bite relief cream, it will calm any itching in case you get bitten.

Be ready for anything with a survival kit. Fire starter, whistle, pocketknife, head lamp and multi-tool are some of the essentials to bring with you. A first aid kit should also always be in your bag to treat the injuries that need immediate attention.

For the harder hikes on steep trails, get equipped with hiking poles. They’ll help you for your ascents and descents.

Make sure to never lose your way with a compass and a trail map. If you ever lose cellular service, they will help you get home.

For a multi-day hike

If you’re leaving for a multi-day hike, you’ll not only need all the equipment mentioned above, but you’ll also need some extras. For a comfortable and restful sleep, you’ll need a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and a pillow. A small toiletry bag will also be necessary. For your meals, bring freeze-dried food. You’ll be able to eat tasty and nutritious meal without carrying heavy food. Don’t forget a stove kit and kitchen equipment to savour your meals.

How to organize your hiking backpack

The bottom: start with the bulkier equipment you won’t need during your hike like spare clothes, a sleeping and a sleeping pad.
Along the back: prioritize the heavier equipment like your tent, your stove kit and all the other kitchen equipment.
At the top of the bag: place the light equipment you'll need during the hike, such as your raincoat, sunscreen and food.
The side pockets: store the lighter equipment you’ll need during the hike like a waterproof jacket, sunscreen or snacks.
The waistband pockets: these pockets are perfect for item you’ll use regularly like energy snacks, sunglasses or even a cellphone.
Outside the bag: take advantage of the attachment points for your hiking poles or even your sleeping pad if your backpack allows it.
The remaining pockets: organize the remaining pockets according to your needs with the equipment left.