How to Use the RikSak for Organized Ultralight Packing
By Gossamer Gear | take less. do more. | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to pack your RikSak efficiently for day hikes, travel, and everyday carry. Get step-by-step tips to organize gear without adding weight.
Quick Answer
Use the RikSak as a packable daypack by layering your lightest, most-used items on top and securing heavier items close to your back. Follow these steps to keep your load organized and comfortable.
Why the RikSak Needs a Different Packing Strategy
The RikSak is an ultralight, packable backpack with no frame, hipbelt, or internal organization pockets. That simplicity keeps it under 3 ounces, but it also means your packing method determines comfort and accessibility. Without structure, a poorly packed RikSak can sag, shift, or dig into your shoulders.
The trade-off is deliberate: you gain a bag that stuffs into its own pocket for travel, but you lose the padding and compartments of a traditional daypack. The solution is smart layering and using external attachment points for bulky items.
How to Pack the RikSak: Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Flatten and Load Heavy Items First: Place your heaviest items (water bottle, camera, rain jacket) flat against your back. The RikSak has no frame, so a flat load prevents the pack from bulging outward and pulling you off balance. Common mistake: stuffing a round water bottle in the middle of the pack. It creates a lump that digs into your spine. Use a soft-sided bottle or lay it horizontally.
- Step 2: Layer Medium Gear on Top: Add mid-weight items like a spare layer, snacks, or a map on top of the heavy layer. Keep items you need frequently (e.g., phone, sunscreen) near the top opening or in an external pocket. Checkpoint: If you can't reach your phone without unpacking everything, you packed too deep. Use a small zippered pouch clipped to the daisy chain for quick access.
- Step 3: Secure Bulky Items Externally: Use the RikSak’s daisy chain or compression straps to attach a jacket, tripod, or wet tent fly. This frees internal space and keeps the pack’s center of gravity close to your back. Common mistake: trying to cram a puffy jacket inside the pack. It compresses poorly and wastes volume. Clip it to the outside instead.
- Step 4: Cinch and Balance the Load: After packing, pull the drawcord closure tight and use the side compression straps (if available) to snug the load. A tight pack moves with your body; a loose one swings and causes shoulder strain. Checkpoint: Walk a few steps and check for swaying. If the pack shifts side to side, redistribute weight by moving heavy items higher and closer to your back.
- Step 5: Stow When Not in Use: When you reach camp or your hotel, stuff the RikSak into its built-in pocket. It compresses to roughly the size of a fist, making it easy to store in luggage or a larger backpack. Common mistake: forgetting to remove the rain cover or attached items before stuffing. Always detach accessories first to avoid losing them.
Product Facts
- RikSak: The RikSak is back and better than ever. This packable backpack is perfect for any minimalist traveler. You can stash it in luggage or a larger pack and pull it out for day hikes, market runs, or sightseeing without carrying extra bulk.
RikSak
