Folks, when you open up a 60L beast before a heavy‑load trek, does it feel like a bottomless pit? You just throw everything in, only to end up carrying what feels like a wobbly sack of dynamo, or having to unpack your entire life just to find a single energy gel…
Don’t panic! Today, I’ll use my trusty Mardingtop 60L Tactical Pack as an example and share a foolproof, step‑by‑step packing system for heavy loads—so you can organize your entire “outdoor home” with military precision.
📍 Know Your Zones: Your Mobile Fortress Has 5 Layers
1️⃣ Bottom Zone – The “Bedroom” / Bulk Storage
What goes here: Sleeping bag, down jacket, spare clothes—light items you won’t need until camp.
🔑 Pro tip: Compress your sleeping bag tight—it forms a stable base and supports the load from below.
2️⃣ Core Middle Zone – The “Living Room” / Weight Center
What goes here: Tent (poles can be strapped outside), cookware, food—your heaviest gear.
🔑 Pro tip: Keep weight close to your back. The Mardingtop’s tower‑loading design and padded back panel are built to hug these heavy items snugly, so you walk upright—not leaning backward.
3️⃣ Top Zone – The “Hotel Front Desk” / Quick‑Access Station
What goes here: Trail snacks, headlamp, first‑aid kit—things you might need on the go.
🔑 Pro tip: Use a mesh ditty bag for small essentials. Grab what you need in seconds—no more deep‑sea treasure hunts.
4️⃣ Lid Pocket & Stretch Mesh – The “Convenience Store” / Emergency Counter
What goes here: Rain cover, map, tissues in the lid; softshell or damp socks in the front stretch pocket.
🔑 Bonus: This pack’s lid pocket is huge—it can hold a full day’s worth of essentials, like a ready‑to‑go emergency kit.
5️⃣ Side Pockets & External Attachments – The “Tool Shed” / Grab‑and‑Go
Side pockets: Water bottle on one side, water filter or tripod on the other. They’re deep and secure—nothing bounces out.
MOLLE Webbing System: This is where tactical packs shine! Use accessory pouches or loops to securely attach trekking poles, ice axes, or tripods. The webbing lets you customize like Lego—far more flexible than traditional hiking packs.
💡 Finally, Remember This Packing Mantra:
“Light on top, heavy low, stiff in the middle;
frequent‑use gear outside where it’s easy to fiddle.
Balance left and right, tighten every strap—
a well‑packed bag saves your back from a slap.”
A properly packed bag can save you 30% of your energy on the trail. Hope this “map” helps you and your giant pack move as one through the mountains!
