Fjällräven Classic
Reading Time 7 Minutes
How to pack for a multi-day trek
At the start of every Fjällräven Classic is a scale where participants can weigh their backpacks. Having been at Fjällräven about a decade, Global Events Manager Carl Hård af Segerstad (call him ‘Calle’) has taken part in many of these treks, and seen his fair share of wide eyes as participants take in the weight of their backpacks for the first time.
A too-heavy backpack can happen to anyone – new and experienced trekkers alike. That’s because, as Calle says, ‘Packing what you need is essential to the success of your trek, but packing what you want is easier.’ There are communities dedicated to lightweight trekking, which can be of interest when you need inspiration, but he cautions that reducing weight comes with pros and cons. While a light backpack is a pro, reducing weight while accounting for safety and comfort in nature should come from experience. As he says, ‘Packing light is equal parts the gear you choose and knowing how to use it for maximum functionality.’ He’s here to help you become more aware of the ways you can save on weight and make your backpack a little bit lighter.
A too-heavy backpack can happen to anyone – new and experienced trekkers alike. That’s because, as Calle says, ‘Packing what you need is essential to the success of your trek, but packing what you want is easier.’ There are communities dedicated to lightweight trekking, which can be of interest when you need inspiration, but he cautions that reducing weight comes with pros and cons. While a light backpack is a pro, reducing weight while accounting for safety and comfort in nature should come from experience. As he says, ‘Packing light is equal parts the gear you choose and knowing how to use it for maximum functionality.’ He’s here to help you become more aware of the ways you can save on weight and make your backpack a little bit lighter.
Tip 1: Weigh out needs and wants
The pack list for any multi-day trek includes non-negotiables, which allow you to be self-sufficient in nature. He explains:
‘Being self-sufficient in nature means satisfying important things. First, you’ve got to have protection from the elements and insulation from the cold. You also need to stay energised and hydrated. Finally, you need to be prepared for emergencies. If you’ve satisfied these in your packing list with the right garments, food, water, cooking supplies, and first-aid gear, that’s a complete backpack. Anything else is a matter of personal comfort.’
Calle’s non-negotiables include the category he calls ‘The Big 3’, which are his tent, sleeping bag, and the backpack itself. These take up the highest percentage of the overall weight, so it is worth considering options made for lighter weight performance where possible. For example, while our Kajka Backpack is beloved for its hardwearing Vinylon F material and wooden frame, it may feel too heavy for a first-time trekker. Here, Abisko gear shines. It's been developed for lightness, packability, and versatility, and with his Abisko Hike 35 backpack, Calle saves valuable grams.‘Having a lighter backpack also opens up the possibility to bring additional items that enhance your trek, like a camera or binoculars.’
Though Calle doesn’t include it in the base weight of his backpack, food is of course essential, and you want to make every gram of it count by packing calorie-rich foods. Dehydrated meals, which save on weight, are also a staple in Calle’s backpack and what we provide to trekkers for Fjällräven Classic.
The pack list for any multi-day trek includes non-negotiables, which allow you to be self-sufficient in nature. He explains:
‘Being self-sufficient in nature means satisfying important things. First, you’ve got to have protection from the elements and insulation from the cold. You also need to stay energised and hydrated. Finally, you need to be prepared for emergencies. If you’ve satisfied these in your packing list with the right garments, food, water, cooking supplies, and first-aid gear, that’s a complete backpack. Anything else is a matter of personal comfort.’
Calle’s non-negotiables include the category he calls ‘The Big 3’, which are his tent, sleeping bag, and the backpack itself. These take up the highest percentage of the overall weight, so it is worth considering options made for lighter weight performance where possible. For example, while our Kajka Backpack is beloved for its hardwearing Vinylon F material and wooden frame, it may feel too heavy for a first-time trekker. Here, Abisko gear shines. It's been developed for lightness, packability, and versatility, and with his Abisko Hike 35 backpack, Calle saves valuable grams.‘Having a lighter backpack also opens up the possibility to bring additional items that enhance your trek, like a camera or binoculars.’
Though Calle doesn’t include it in the base weight of his backpack, food is of course essential, and you want to make every gram of it count by packing calorie-rich foods. Dehydrated meals, which save on weight, are also a staple in Calle’s backpack and what we provide to trekkers for Fjällräven Classic.
Tip 2: Pack less clothing than you think
The one thing that Calle sees people overpack most often is clothes. His list is so refined because it ensures he has everything needed for his comfort with proper layering technique, while aiming for multi-functionality in garments. As he says, ‘Using and caring for my garments properly, I can stretch this list for 28 days (or more).’
This comes with experience, but Calle has some basic guidelines. First, he treks with two sets of base layers. That way, one stays dry and clean for base camp. Add to that a thermal mid layer, insulating layer, and shell garment, and you have a layering system that will keep you covered down to 0°C. Knowing how to use these layers also helps reduce what you need to bring, because they’ll stay cleaner, longer. For example, removing insulation layers when you’re moving, and wearing shell layers only when the weather is wet or windy prevents sweat. If you must trek in a full rain set, pace yourself to avoid overheating and sweat.
Regarding the two pairs of underwear and socks for 28 days, you might think to yourself, ‘Really, Calle?’ and he gets it. If you need to bring more for hygienic purposes, or a matter of personal taste, that’s okay! ‘It’s a chance to find ways to save weight in other ways,’ he says.
The one thing that Calle sees people overpack most often is clothes. His list is so refined because it ensures he has everything needed for his comfort with proper layering technique, while aiming for multi-functionality in garments. As he says, ‘Using and caring for my garments properly, I can stretch this list for 28 days (or more).’
This comes with experience, but Calle has some basic guidelines. First, he treks with two sets of base layers. That way, one stays dry and clean for base camp. Add to that a thermal mid layer, insulating layer, and shell garment, and you have a layering system that will keep you covered down to 0°C. Knowing how to use these layers also helps reduce what you need to bring, because they’ll stay cleaner, longer. For example, removing insulation layers when you’re moving, and wearing shell layers only when the weather is wet or windy prevents sweat. If you must trek in a full rain set, pace yourself to avoid overheating and sweat.
Regarding the two pairs of underwear and socks for 28 days, you might think to yourself, ‘Really, Calle?’ and he gets it. If you need to bring more for hygienic purposes, or a matter of personal taste, that’s okay! ‘It’s a chance to find ways to save weight in other ways,’ he says.
Tip 3: Share gear (and the experience)
One of the most effective ways to pack lighter is to split gear with fellow trekkers. Tent, kitchen supplies, gas, and a first-aid kit are all items that can be easily shared, allowing two (or more) of you to lighten up. Sharing gear in this way also allows you to split responsibilities and typical campsite chores. Making camp, for instance, goes a lot faster when one of you is pitching the tent and the other is cooking. Plus, if you’re new to trekking, sharing gear is a good way to learn how to use it by watching others.
Using gear this way also enables you to share the experience of trekking, which Calle is all for: ‘Solo trekking has its own appeal, but there’s something charming about the communal feeling of joint effort.’
One of the most effective ways to pack lighter is to split gear with fellow trekkers. Tent, kitchen supplies, gas, and a first-aid kit are all items that can be easily shared, allowing two (or more) of you to lighten up. Sharing gear in this way also allows you to split responsibilities and typical campsite chores. Making camp, for instance, goes a lot faster when one of you is pitching the tent and the other is cooking. Plus, if you’re new to trekking, sharing gear is a good way to learn how to use it by watching others.
Using gear this way also enables you to share the experience of trekking, which Calle is all for: ‘Solo trekking has its own appeal, but there’s something charming about the communal feeling of joint effort.’
Tip 4: Use and weigh your gear at home
These days you wouldn’t head to the airport without weighing your suitcase beforehand. We should give our backs and shoulders the same consideration. To avoid surprises, Calle suggests weighing your backpack at home. If it’s too heavy, you can pack and repack your gear until you hit the number you’re comfortable with. Doing so also helps you figure out how to organise your gear for optimal accessibility during a trek.
Furthermore, practicing packing in this way gives you the chance to test your gear and refine how you use it. Lightweight equipment, for example, often comes with the trade-off that it can be less sturdy and require more precise use. If you aren’t mindful with a lightweight tent, for instance, it would be more prone to breakage. ‘That can have major consequences if you are in a remote area and the weather turns,’ says Calle. ‘But learning how to use these products and pack light is just a matter of practice.’ At this point you can also find multiple uses for your gear. Calle, for example, will use his Long Johns as an insulation layer when it’s very cold, as well as extra trousers if his others get wet.
These days you wouldn’t head to the airport without weighing your suitcase beforehand. We should give our backs and shoulders the same consideration. To avoid surprises, Calle suggests weighing your backpack at home. If it’s too heavy, you can pack and repack your gear until you hit the number you’re comfortable with. Doing so also helps you figure out how to organise your gear for optimal accessibility during a trek.
Furthermore, practicing packing in this way gives you the chance to test your gear and refine how you use it. Lightweight equipment, for example, often comes with the trade-off that it can be less sturdy and require more precise use. If you aren’t mindful with a lightweight tent, for instance, it would be more prone to breakage. ‘That can have major consequences if you are in a remote area and the weather turns,’ says Calle. ‘But learning how to use these products and pack light is just a matter of practice.’ At this point you can also find multiple uses for your gear. Calle, for example, will use his Long Johns as an insulation layer when it’s very cold, as well as extra trousers if his others get wet.
Tip 5: Aim for less than 20% of your body weight
For a well-equipped multi-day trek, the rule of thumb is to ensure your backpack weighs no more than 15 to 20% of your body weight. This, however, depends on your physical condition, experience, and comfort level. If you’re a beginner, Calle suggests trying to go lighter than that, but qualifies this by saying ‘I think the most important question to ask yourself is “How much should this weigh?” and aim for that.’ What is considered a ‘right weight’ backpack is very personal. Calle’s ideal weight? Fifteen kilograms.
Ultimately, it’s about what makes you feel most at home on the trail. As you’re trekking, you’ll notice what you don't use and can weigh out what the difference will be when you remove those items for your next trek. As Calle says, ‘You always learn what you can leave at home next time. The important thing is that you keep trekking!’
For a well-equipped multi-day trek, the rule of thumb is to ensure your backpack weighs no more than 15 to 20% of your body weight. This, however, depends on your physical condition, experience, and comfort level. If you’re a beginner, Calle suggests trying to go lighter than that, but qualifies this by saying ‘I think the most important question to ask yourself is “How much should this weigh?” and aim for that.’ What is considered a ‘right weight’ backpack is very personal. Calle’s ideal weight? Fifteen kilograms.
Ultimately, it’s about what makes you feel most at home on the trail. As you’re trekking, you’ll notice what you don't use and can weigh out what the difference will be when you remove those items for your next trek. As Calle says, ‘You always learn what you can leave at home next time. The important thing is that you keep trekking!’
Calle’s multi-day-trek pack list
Get started with Calle’s own pack list, which has been honed over decades. In it, you’ll find his recommendations for gear that isn’t as light, but does the same job with sturdier materials and constructions.
Get started with Calle’s own pack list, which has been honed over decades. In it, you’ll find his recommendations for gear that isn’t as light, but does the same job with sturdier materials and constructions.
- Non-negotiables: 4,494 g
- Gear I'm carrying: 2,979 g
- Clothes I'm wearing: 1,408 g
- Base weight (not including food and gas): 8,881 g
Non-negotiables (a.k.a. ‘The Big 3’): 4,494 g
- Abisko Hike 35 M/L backpack 1,400 g (or, try the Abisko 48 M/L at 2,560 g or Keb 52 at 2,260 g)
- Abisko Lite 1 tent 1,380 g (go bigger with the Abisko Lite 3 tent at 2,200 g for two people)
- Keb Three Seasons Long sleeping bag 1,230 g
- Sleeping mat 484 g
Gear I'm carrying: 2,979 g
- High Coast Hydratic Trail Jacket M (shell layer) 374 g
- High Coast Hydratic Trail Trousers M (shell layer) 298 g
- BergtagenThinwool LS M long-sleeve base-layer top 223 g
- BergtagenThinwool Long Johns M 193 g
- Expedition X-Lätt Jacket M (insulating layer) 300g
- Fjällräven Wool Socks 50 g
- Gloves 30 g
- x1 underwear (wool) 88 g
- Pump sack /electric pump 60g
- Foam pad 81 g
- Pillow 37 g
- Kitchen kit (burner, pot, cup, spoon) 350 g
- Water bladder (2l) 75 g
- Towel 100 g
- Toothbrush 4 g
- Toilet paper 200 g
- Knife scissors 50 g
- Repair patches 200 g
- Carabiner 80 g
- Map 20 g
- Waterproof pack bags 26 g
- First-aid kit 140 g
Clothes I’m wearing – 1,408 g
- Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers M 318 g
- Abisko Day Hike LS M long-sleeve base layer 160 g
- High Coast Wind Anorak 230 g
- Abisko Hike Lite Cap 45 g
- Underwear 88 g
- Fjällräven Wool Socks 50 g
- Altra Mont Blanc trail shoes 342 g
- Mobile 175 g
Consumables (can’t be weighed in advance)
- Food
- Gas
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