Packing a backpack

If you don't know about packing a backpack, your first hike can seem like a daunting task. It is really not that hard once you have a few tips to go by and they will make your hike a lot more comfortable.

The first thing to remember is that different rules apply whether you carry an internal frame pack or an external frame pack. Both sections will be covered below.

The first thing you want to do is when packing a backpack (especially first timers) is lay everything out on the floor. Set everything in groups, you’ll see what items to put where once you read the article, and then start packing.

Let's first cover the internal frame pack since these are more popular.

How to pack a internal frame backpack:

Number one rule: Weight distribution Proper weight distribution is very important to posture and comfort. Your hike will not be near as much fun if you have to bend over or lean backwards to carry your load.

We'll start from the bottom up:
Lighter items like your sleeping bag and some of your clothing should go here. Most packs these days have a separate compartment just for the sleeping bag, which makes for easier access. Some people recommend putting your tent in with it if possible, I don't, because a tent can weigh 2-7 lbs and should be loaded higher. The footprint is fine since they are usually only a few ounces.

When you're packing a backpack your sleeping pad should go on the outside, underneath, if you carry the larger ones. If you carry a smaller compressing pad then put it in with your sleeping bag. We carry the Big Agnes Aircore pad and they fold down small enough to fit in the compartment. That way they are protected from anything cutting it.

Next is the main compartment: Here is where the heavier items go: Tent, stove, cookware and food

If your pack is set up for a water bladder then half the battle is already won. Place your tent, stove, cookware and other heavier items as close to the back of the pack (back being towards your back) as possible and pack it in tight with clothes or other smaller lightweight items. Clothing works best since it will fill in all the small gaps. The tighter the load the better, keeps it from shifting.

When packing a backpack, if your pack is set up with a water bladder compartment, fill the bladder before you load the pack. It’s dang near impossible to get the bladder in the sleeve after everything is packed. The best setup you can have is adapters for your water filter that will let you to fill the bladder after loading. This setup lets you wait to fill up until right before you hit the trail. It also lets you fill the bladder on the trail when you get low and you don’t have to unpack your pack just to do it.

If your pack is not set up with a water bladder compartment, fill your water bottles and put them in plastic bags to keep the condensation from spreading to the other items in you pack.

On top of all this put your food and any other lightweight items that you will want easy access to. Consider putting your small items in a small stuff sack to keep them from falling to the bottom. Gravity tends to do miracles with these items. One trick is to pin the stuff sack to the top lip of your pack on the inside.

In your top lid you will want to put snacks to eat on the go and also your emergency items, survival kit, matches, first aid kit and such. If your pack has exterior pockets or compartments these are excellent places for the emergency supplies. One thing you will definitely want here is your toiletries and hand sanitizers, in case mother nature calls. The best place to put these is in your pockets.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you are walking on rough terrain you will want to move the items around and put your heavier items on the bottom of the main compartment to keep your center of gravity low for more stability.

How to pack and external frame backpack:

External frame backpacks are not as common or popular as they were at one time. Mainly because hiking gear has gotten a lot smaller than in previous years. If you are carrying a big and heavy load I would definitely recommend looking at an external frame pack though.

There's not much difference in the way you pack an external, but there are things that you should know. Most of the principles for the internal frame still apply but you need to move the heavier items closer to the top, right between you shoulder blades.

Put the lightweight stuff down in the bottom, just like the internal, mid-weight items in the middle, and heavy stuff on top. That's the only difference.

Moving the heavy stuff on top in an external centers the weight over you hips and makes it a heck of a lot more comfy. One thing you have to remember is that externals are not made for off trail. The weight can shift very easily when you are trying to scramble over rocks and whatnot. You have to keep in mind that moving the weight up to the top makes the pack a little more top-heavy.

Other than that, not a bad way to go in certain situations

Also See:

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