HOW TO PACK A BACKPACK

Before packing, spread everything you plan to take on the floor in front of you. Leave behind those things you may not really need, and make sure you haven't forgotten any essentials.   Imagine that your pack is made up of three zones, like those shown in the diagram.

  • Zone 1 -- Put light items, like your sleeping bag, at the bottom of your pack.
  • Zone 2 -- Always pack heavy items, such as water, food, climbing gear, tent, etc. closest to your back. Use a sleeping pad or a fleece as a buffer between sharp-cornered items and your spine.
  • Zone 3 -- Place medium-weight or bulkier items toward the top or down the front of the pack. Your objective is to avoid having either a top-heavy pack, which would pull you backwards, or a bottom-heavy pack, which will make you feel like you are being dragged down. Packing heavier items close to your centre of gravity (middle of the back) will help you keep your balance and make the load feel more natural.

 

  • Make sure the weight is evenly distributed between the left and right sides.
  • Place frequently used items in an easy-to-access place, such as external pockets.
  • When hiking on easy terrain, pack heavier items a little higher up your back for better posture.
  • On harder terrain, put heavier items a little lower down for better balance.
  • Stuff sacks allow you to quickly pack and unpack your gear and find what you need. The highly organized put each category of items (first aid, kitchen, etc.) in differently coloured bags for even faster retrieval. Try not to stuff the sacks completely, as a little play makes them easier to squeeze into gaps.
  • Avoid wasting space by using your pots as hard metal stuff sacks, and protecting delicate items, such as eggs or soft vegetables, inside.
  • Pack your food above your fuel bottle, just in case of leaks.
  • Always use your compression straps to bring the load closer to your body and keep everything in place.

 

A few more tips:

  • Whether you have a Down Sleeping Bag or a Synthetic Sleeping Bag, it should go into a stuff sack lined with a garbage bag (To keep it dry) or a waterproof stuff sack. It should then go into the bottom of your backpack since it is one of the last items you will need during the day.
  • Items that you may need in a hurry should be at the top of your pack. For example, first aid kits and rain gear should always be handy.
  • Other items that will be frequently used should also go near the top of your pack. For example: map, compass, snacks, sunscreen, a warm layer, camera, iodine tablets, etc.
  • Break down larger items into smaller parts. For example, pack the tent body, the fly, and the poles all separately rather than in one large sack.
  • Stuff the tent body and tent fly into the empty spaces that are left in between other items in your pack. The best way to do this is to simply start with one corner of the fly or tent and start cramming it into the bottom of the pack where there is a lot of empty space.
  • Leave no dead space. Fill containers such as cook pots, bowls, and mugs with food or spare clothing. For protection and to save room it is a good idea to pack your stove into your cook pot if it will fit.
  • For internal packs, try to keep everything inside the pack. You will have a more balanced pack. Things are less likely to come up missing, and it just looks better.