You found the perfect backpack and even know how to fit it properly. Now the question is, how do you get all this equipment inside that backpack? Packing a pack properly is easy and can make a big difference in your overall backpacking experience.
Packing a Pack
Each backpack has a unique design affecting how and where you should pack different items. Deciding where things go should be influenced by two main factors: weight distribution and item accessibility.
Weight Distribution
Where you put items in your backpack affects the comfort and stability of your pack. Imagine your pack having three “areas”: bottom, middle, and top. The best weight distribution looks something like this:
- You want the bottom of your bag filled with lightweight, bulky items. This usually means your sleeping bag and warm clothing.  If you place heavy items in the bottom, it puts the weight more on your shoulders and less on your hips, which you don’t want.
- The middle section is where the heaviest items go, like heavy food items and water. You want these things as close to your back as possible, to get as much weight over your hips as possible. If these heavy items are too far from your back, they could cause you to lose balance.
- The top section is for medium weight items like kitchen supplies, snack food, and maybe an extra layer. Beware of putting really heavy items high in your pack as this’ll make you top-heavy, and more likely to fall over.
Also consider left/right balance. If there is more weight off to one side of your pack, it’ll create back and hip pain over time. As you pack, try to distribute weight so that the pack’s evenly balanced on both sides.
Read More: How to choose a tent
Item accessibility
Accessibility is all about planning. If you plan, you’ll spend less time unpacking and repacking your pack. Keep things you’ll need often at the top of your pack, or in accessory pockets on the side–things like maps, water, snacks, a multitool, sunscreen, lip balm, a headlamp, and an extra layer. A few tips on packing a pack for accessibility:
- Don’t pack all your food in one place. For example, at breakfast time, set aside what your group will eat for lunch and pack the lunch food near the top of one person’s bag. This way you can easily find it when you’re hungry, saving time and energy. The rest of the food you can pack further down and not worry about having to get it out.
- Small stuff sacks or ziplocs can help to keep like items together (like a toiletries kit). This way it’s easier to find small items, since unpacking and repacking your bag doesn’t involve pulling out dozens of items.
- Think of your pack like you think about your day–the top of the pack representing the beginning of the day, the bottom representing the end. So put in the gear you need for sleeping and dinner (sleeping bag, pad, extra clothes, food, etc.) first, at the bottom Next, put in what you need to set up camp (tent, water filter, stove, etc.) Work backwards through the day to figure out the order.
Read More: How to choose a sleeping bag
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Miscellaneous Packing Tips:
- Roll (don’t fold) extra clothing and place it in a compression sack (or a dry bag is even better). This saves space and helps keep your clothing dry. Keep out an extra layer near the top of your bag for when you first roll into camp or for breaks on the trail.
- Deflate package food items (pasta, snacks, etc.) and re-seal them. This saves space and prevents “exploding” due to altitude change.
- Practice. Lay out all your gear, then strategize using our “planning backwards” tip above–don’t wait until the night before. Pack, unpack, and repack your bag a few times to get used to where things fit and how it will all come together.
- Be careful with liquid fuel. Pack liquid fuel on the outside of your bag or at the bottom of your bag, never above food, in case it were to spill. Always pack it standing up, not sideways, and make sure the cap is on properly.
- Although backpacks often have external attachment points, limit the things you have hanging from your backpack. Swinging items on the outside of your pack can cause imbalance, hit people, or get snagged on branches. If possible, get everything inside your backpack.
- As a finishing touch, don’t forget to use the compression straps built into your pack. This compresses everything and pushes more weight “in” towards your back, creating a more stable pack.
Using our guide along with a little time and practice, packing a pack will become second nature. Any favorite tips of yours we missed? Let us know!
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