Pack the Perfect Hiking Backpack Relay
A team relay where students pick, from useful and useless items, what they need for a day hike and pack it correctly by weight. Students learn to prepare hiking gear safely while working on speed and group decision making.
How to play
- About 20 yards from each team, place a box with 20 items or item cards: water bottle, rain jacket, cap, sunscreen, first-aid kit, map, headlamp, sandwich, flip-flops, video game, hair dryer, perfume...
- Make 5 teams of 5 in lines with an empty backpack each. Spend 2 minutes explaining packing: heavy items close to the back and centered, things you use often on top or in pockets.
- On the signal, the first runner sprints to the box, grabs one item they think is needed and brings it back. The team decides whether it goes in the backpack or stays out.
- Keep relaying for 6 minutes. Then each team packs its chosen items following the weight rule.
- The teacher checks each backpack: one point per essential item, minus one point for each useless item and two bonus points if it is packed well.
- Play a second round with a new scenario (rainy hike or hot weather) so teams adjust their choices; then each member walks 20 yards with the backpack to check that it is comfortable.
Rules
- Grab only one item per trip.
- Run in separate lanes and never with the backpack on.
- The team decides together whether an item goes in, not just the runner.
- Adjust both shoulder straps before walking with the backpack.
Variations
Easier
Use only 10 items with very clear differences between useful and useless.
Standard
Use 20 items and a day-hike scenario.
Harder
Set a limit on total weight or number of items and add scenarios such as an overnight camping trip.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student is in charge of packing and checking the weight distribution at base.
- Autism: provide a picture list of categories (water, warmth, protection, navigation) to guide decisions.
- Lower fitness: shorten the relay distance to 10 yards.
Learning goals
- Select the essential gear for an outdoor outing.
- Pack a backpack safely and with balanced weight.
- Make team decisions and explain the reasoning.
Equipment for a class of 25
- backpacks: 5
- assorted equipment: 100
- cones: 10
Teacher tip
Use real items whenever possible so students feel the weight. Take the chance to talk about proper footwear and always carrying water and sun protection on outings.
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