Askare Hip Pack: Day Hike Packing Tips
By Savotta – Load carrying equipment and sustainment systems | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to pack the Savotta Askare hip pack for a day hike. Get practical tips on organization, weight distribution, and attaching it to a backpack.
Quick answer
Pack your Askare hip pack by placing heavier items closest to your body, using external attachment points for bulky gear, and leaving the main compartment for frequently accessed essentials.
Why the Askare works for day hikes
The Askare hip pack's 7-liter capacity and numerous external attachment options make it a versatile choice for carrying day hike essentials without a full backpack. Its simple, durable design keeps weight close to your hips, reducing strain on your shoulders. The pack's military origins mean it's built to handle rugged conditions, but its layout works equally well for civilian hiking.
Trade-off: limited internal organization
The Askare has a single large main compartment without built-in dividers. This gives you flexibility to pack bulky items, but small gear can get lost at the bottom. Use small pouches or stuff sacks to group items like first-aid supplies, snacks, or a multi-tool. External MOLLE webbing lets you attach additional pouches if you need more organization.
How to pack your Askare hip pack for a day hike
- 1. Load the heaviest items against your back: Place your water bladder or a full water bottle in the compartment closest to your body. This keeps the weight centered and prevents the pack from bouncing. A common mistake is putting a heavy item on the outside, which pulls the pack away from your hips and causes discomfort. Check that the pack sits snugly against your lower back after loading. If it tilts, redistribute the weight.
- 2. Use external attachment points for bulky or wet gear: Strap a lightweight rain jacket, a folded map case, or a small stuff sack of extra clothing to the MOLLE webbing or compression straps. This saves internal space for items you need to reach often. Avoid attaching anything heavy or sharp that could dig into your back when you move. Test the attachments by walking a few steps. If anything swings or rubs, re-secure it.
- 3. Organize the main compartment by frequency of use: Put snacks, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit on top or in a separate pouch. Keep a map or phone in an easy-access external pocket if your Askare has one. A common mistake is stuffing everything in randomly, forcing you to unpack the whole bag for one item. Use a small zippered pouch for tiny items like lip balm or a whistle so they don't sink to the bottom.
- 4. Attach the pack to your backpack when not needed: If you carry a larger pack but want the hip pack for summit scrambles or town stops, attach the Askare to your backpack's shoulder straps or hip belt using the MOLLE loops or a simple strap. This keeps it secure and accessible without adding bulk to your load. A common mistake is leaving it dangling, which can catch on branches. Make sure the attachment is tight enough that the Askare doesn't swing when you walk.
Product facts
- Askare hip pack: The Askare hip pack has a seven-liter capacity and numerous external attachment options, originally designed for sniper teams but versatile for many tasks. The 7L size is enough for a day hike's core items (water, snacks, layers, first aid), while the external attachment points let you secure bulky or wet gear outside the main compartment.
Askare hip pack
