Backpacks: Parts of a Pack

Backpacks: How to Load Loading a backpack is pretty simple. If possible, first load your backpack at home. You can spread out your gear on a clean floor, visually confirm you've got everything and feel less rushed as you load up. Use a checklist to ensure you've got everything you need.

The Basics of Pack Loading The Bottom of the Pack Most backpackers shove their sleeping bag into the bottom of the pack. On some packs, there is a zippered opening at the bottom (known as the sleeping bag compartment) for this purpose. The bottom of the pack is also a good place for other items you won't need until you make camp at night eg: sleepwear, a pillowcase, sleeping mat

Next: Heavy Items Your heaviest items should be placed 1)on top of your sleeping bag and 2)close to your spine. Usually these items will be: Your food stash, Your water supply, Your cook kit and stove might also go here, though both could be wedged into the periphery of the load if small and light enough.

The Periphery Wrap softer, lower-weight items around the weightier items to prevent heavier pieces from shifting. What items are these? Your tent body, rainfly, an insulation layer, a rain jacket. These items can help stabilise the core and fill empty spaces. Stash frequently used items within easy reach.

Other Tips Fill up empty spaces. For example, put utensils, a cup or a small item of clothing inside your cooking pots. Fill up your bear canister. Split the weight of large communal items (e.g., tent) with others in your group. You carry the main body, for example, and your friend can carry the poles and rainfly. Tighten all compression straps to limit load- shifting.

The Desired Result Ideally, a well-loaded pack will: Feel balanced when resting on your hips. Feel cohesive, a whole unit, with nothing shifting or swaying inside. Feel stable and predictable as you walk, at one with your upper body.

Beyond the Basics Now you now know the fundamentals of loading a backpack. But here are some additional points of interest. Q: Where should I pack long, rigid items such as tent poles, not-in-use trekking poles or a rolled-up sleeping pad?

A: Packs typically provide external straps, loops and sleeve-like side pockets where such items can be lashed or stashed. Tent poles: If your pack offers elasticized side pockets, place the poles down one side of the pack, behind one or more compression straps, with one end of the poles in the pocket. Sleeping pad: You may need an extra set of straps to attach it. Another option: Put it beneath your top pocket (lid) and the top opening of the pack, then tighten the lid to the pack. Note: It's fine to carry tent poles and a sleeping pad inside a pack if you have the space.

Q: How do I know if my gear can fit into a new pack?

A: There are different sized packs for different purposes Also, pack your gear into your backpack at home. Do I have everything? Do I NEED everything?

Q: Should I organise all items in stuff sacks, or shove them in loosely and independently?

A: It’s a personal preference Some prefer to pack everything tightly, taking up every little bit of space Others, of course, may prefer the low- chaos/easy-organisation approach. Experiment with your own gear and decide which method most appeals to you.

Other Packing Tips Carry a packcover Though some backpacks are made with waterproof fabric, they have seams and zippers that are vulnerable to seepage during a downpour A packcover is worth its weight when rain becomes persistent

Other Packing Tips Bring a few repair items. Wrap strips of duct tape around your water bottles or trekking poles; in case a strap pops or some other disaster occurs, a quick fix could keep you going. Take along a few safety pins in case a zipper fails.