A backpack can hold an incredible variety of items if it is packed properly. What then, goes where? The best approach to packing is subjective. Layout all of your equipment at home, then experiment with various loading techniques to see which one suits you the best.
Use a minimalist packing list to make sure you have everything you need, and after each trip, add comments on your list on what went well (or not).
This article describes how to lift your pack while it’s full and includes packing advice. When it’s balanced on your hips and being carried by you as you trek, a fully laden pack won’t waver or move.
In addition to peripheral storage, packing may be divided into three zones:
- Bottom zone: Useful for large equipment and supplies that won’t be required until camp.
- Core zone: Ideal for heavier, denser goods.
- Top zone: Ideal for larger necessities you could need while hiking.
- For often needed or urgently needed necessities, accessory pockets are ideal.
- For big or excessively lengthy things, use tool loops and lash-on points.
Imagine cordwood being stacked. Instead of creating columns, you are setting down rows: Make sure the weight is evenly distributed on both sides and fill crevices and nooks until you have a sturdy, steady load.
Compression straps should be tightened to consolidate your weight and stop it from moving while you’re hiking.
How to Pack a Backpack
Bottom-of-Pack Items
Before setting up camp, avoid carrying heavy objects like:
bags for beds (many packs have a bottom compartment sized for one)
(especially if it rolls into a tiny shape)
Any layers that you intend to sleep in, such as long underwear, camp shoes, or down booties
This sort of soft, bouncy gear works as an internal shock-absorption system for your back and your pack by being packed at the bottom.
Core-of-Pack Items
During your journey, you won’t need to access the following bulky, heavy equipment:
food reserve (entrees, not snacks)
Cook kit
Stove
hydration (unless you prefer bottles for hydration)
Bear box for bears (containing food and all other scented items, plus whatever bulky items help fill it to the brim)
The centre of gravity is stabilized and the weight is directed downward rather than backward by packing heavy materials in this area. Heavy equipment that is positioned either too high or too low makes a pack seem unstable.
Carrying liquid fuel?
- Verify the tightness of the fuel container cap. In the event of a spill, pack the bottle upright and put it underneath (apart from) your meal.
- To keep heavy equipment from moving, think about wrapping soft objects around it. To fill up spaces and act as a cushion between heavy objects and a water reservoir, use these soft objects:
- Tent frame Tent trace
- Rainfly
- additional attire
Top-of-Pack Items
Tip: It won’t be easy to fit a full reservoir into a full pack. Fill the reservoir before you put it in your pack, even if it has a separate compartment.
Bulky hiking necessities are useful here:
insulated outerwear
fleece pants and a jacket
a raincoat
First-aid supply
A water purifier or filter
sanitary equipment (trowel, TP, used TP bag)
Some people also choose to store their tent at the top of the bag for quick access if inclement weather sweeps in before they’ve set up camp.
Accessory Pockets
Packs differ in what they provide—lid pockets, front pockets, side pockets, and hipbelt pockets. Some pockets even have a lot of smaller pockets inside. All of these options help you organize smaller essentials:
- Map
- Compass
- GPS
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Headlamp
- Bug spray
- Snacks
- Water bottles
- Raincover
- Car keys (look for a clip inside one of the pockets)
- ID and cash stash
Tool Loops and Lash-On Points
Among the most popular items to fasten to the exterior of your bag are:
hiking sticks
tent stakes
extensive sleeping pad
Camp chair or stool
Snow axe
Crampons
ascending rope
For some of this equipment, many packs offer dedicated tool loops, fasteners, or other storage options. Equipment that just cannot be transported anywhere else may be wrangled using daisy chains, lash patches, and compression straps.
However, you should limit the amount of goods you carry on the exterior of your pack since this gear may catch on branches or scrape against rocks.
How to Hoist Your Loaded Pack
- Lifting a rucksack by the shoulder strap is a beginning error that is often performed. This not only puts unnecessary strain on your shoulder harness, but it also makes it difficult to drag your pack over your back while maintaining control of it.
- Instead, adhere to these instructions to effortlessly lift even a highly laden rucksack on your back:
- To make the pack simpler to put on, gently loosen each of your straps.
- Set your rucksack on the ground with its lid erect.
- Knees should be bent when you stand close to the back panel with your legs wide apart.
- Pick up the haul loop (the webbing loop at the top of the back panel on your pack).
- Keep your hand on the haul loop for control as you raise and lower the pack until it is resting on your thigh.
- When the padding on one shoulder strap has completely encircled your shoulder, insert your second arm and shoulder through it.
- As you stoop forward, swing the bag onto your back. The hand holding the haul loop should now be inserted through the other shoulder strap.
- Put on your seatbelt and adjust the fit as normal.
How to Hoist a Backpack
At home, get comfortable lifting a backpack. You may stretch out tired muscles and continue your trek with greater energy if you can simply un-hoist (and hoist again) your pack at each rest area.
Speak to a backpacking specialist at REI if you have any concerns about how to pack or how certain aspects of your pack operate.
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