Keeping your pack contents secure, convenient, and as small as possible…

How to pack General Tips: Sleeping bag on the bottom Most big packs have a special spot for it Try to place heavy stuff nearer your back for better balance General rule: women can center the weighty stuff towards the lower back, men a little higher (but it’s a matter of personal taste) Compression straps and how to make use of them Tent poles, sleeping pads, jacket (extra layers, whatever can fit!

How to pack General Tips cont… Pack the stuff you will need on the trail most, last Eg.’s rain gear, compass, snacks, knife, water Keep small stuff separate Easier to find, harder to lose ‘Staging’– make a list, lay everything out before packing

Dividing Equipment Different strokes… Split the load to spread heavy items throughout the group Food bag, gear bag, etc.

How to pack Keeping out the elements Pack cover Some come with one Garbage bag can work just fine Inside the pack Drysacks/wetsacks Garbage bags Grocery bags Ziploc bags

How to pack Making space just because you got that shiny new 80L pack doesn’t mean you have to fill it! (75% rule) Best way to cut down on space…Don’t pack it! Rolling, rolling, rolling things take up less space (more wrinkles though  ) Compression sacks Really handy for sleeping bags Clothes as well

Food Weight Matters Unless you’re car camping or going on a weekend trip consider leaving the fresh foods at home. Canned & ‘space’ (boil in a bag) foods pack well but add weight and garbage you must carry out. Alternatives:  freeze dried prepared backpacking foods (available at outfitters like MEC)  Dehydrated foods like oatmeal & other cereals, dried fruit, instant milk & beverages, instant rice, pasta, instant soups, dried beans etc.  Dense breads like bagels or rice cakes  Energy bars & gels

Food

Meal Prep & Planning Organize & store your meals by type (breakfast, lunch & dinner) Keep your snacks (especially for day one) accessible Ration & label your foods by day– ration generously, but be sure to make calculations so that you’re not carrying excess weight Dividing foods into individual meal containers is a good idea (i.e. you may be eating oatmeal twice, but two ziplocks full of oatmeal labelled “day one” and “day two” will help you not to run out) Do your prep at home Ex. chop, dehydrate & combine dehydrated ingredients for an instant chilli at home