How to pack a backpack - 200 easy steps

[storl]

OK, there are only 10 steps, and some can be skipped.

I have seen a few people ask about packing a backpack, so I wrote a wiki article on a common method that backpackers use. It is, of course, just a starting step, but it should help point you in the right direction. Feel free to edit the article and add your own tips or correct my horrible writing.

One quick note: a couple of people have pointed out that it a good idea to take a trash bag or other storage bag for your tent when it is wet so it does not get the rest of your gear wet. I use dry sacks for everything in my pack, so I never worry about it, but it is a good idea if you do not waterproof the rest of your gear.

 

[brians]

A lot of backpackers, myself included, securely strap their tent to the back of the pack so that it can be assembled in bad weather without having to open your backpack and expose gear and drysacks to water, mud, snow, etc while retrieving the tent.

 

[Elen]

A lot of backpackers, myself included, securely strap their tent to the back of the pack so that it can be assembled in bad weather without having to open your backpack and expose gear and drysacks to water, mud, snow, etc while retrieving the tent.

Yes... I can't think of any reason why one would ever want to carry the tent inside the backpack, when it can be much more conveniently carried outside it. That's the way I've always done it. No reason to put the tent in the pack using up perfectly good room, when it can be carried outside it, strapped to the pack. Most decent backpacks have purpose built attachment straps for this purpose exactly: so you can carry sleeping bags and tents outside the pack and never have to open the backpack to get the tent out. Perhaps someone can enlighten me, though - maybe I have missed some really good reason to put the tent inside the pack.

 

[Brian Jones]

Agreed on keeping the tent outside of the pack, especially if you're doing a 5-day or longer trip and need the room for provisions, etc.

Also, might be a good idea to mention - in the wiki - how the weight should sit when the pack is on: supported so it "sits" the hips and waist, and not higher (you do mention not putting heavy stuff above the shoulders, just might want to add a little more).

~B.

 

[akennedy73]

Perhaps someone can enlighten me, though - maybe I have missed some really good reason to put the tent inside the pack.

A tent is a relatively heavy item - and heavy items should be as close to your center of gravity as possible which is inside the pack at the base of your spine. Strapping heavy items to the exterior of the pack will require more energy in balancing the pack over rocky, steep terrain.

The revolution of internal frame packs over external frame packs was based on the need to get the load nearer the person's center of gravity to make packing over difficult terrain more efficient.

I'm not saying don't put the tent on the outside of the pack - there may be other items that are heavier that should go inside near the base of the spine. But for some treks the tent may be one of the heavier items.

If you're hiking over level terrain on nice trails then how you pack your pack in terms of your center of gravity doesn't matter so much.

 

[storl]

A tent is a relatively heavy item - and heavy items should be as close to your center of gravity as possible which is inside the pack at the base of your spine. Strapping heavy items to the exterior of the pack will require more energy in balancing the pack over rocky, steep terrain.

The revolution of internal frame packs over external frame packs was based on the need to get the load nearer the person's center of gravity to make packing over difficult terrain more efficient.

I'm not saying don't put the tent on the outside of the pack - there may be other items that are heavier that should go inside near the base of the spine. But for some treks the tent may be one of the heavier items.

If you're hiking over level terrain on nice trails then how you pack your pack in terms of your center of gravity doesn't matter so much.

Nicely said.

The way packs are designed, putting anything other than lightweight items, like trekking poles or a fishing rod, will throw off the balance. As far as easily accessing it, when you pack it this way, you can still reach into your pack and pull it out in a few seconds. Keep your different groups of items separated into dry sacks or other bags and you won't have any trouble reaching in and finding it. I guess I should have titled it "how to pack an internal frame pack."

I personally use a hammock, so it goes in the bottom of the pack with my sleeping bag and pad, and I use a bag with a sleeping bag compartment, so I can just reach in and grab it if need be.

Like I said, this is just a starting point. Feel free to join the wiki and add your own suggestions.

 

[storl]

Agreed on keeping the tent outside of the pack, especially if you're doing a 5-day or longer trip and need the room for provisions, etc.

Also, might be a good idea to mention - in the wiki - how the weight should sit when the pack is on: supported so it "sits" the hips and waist, and not higher (you do mention not putting heavy stuff above the shoulders, just might want to add a little more).

~B.

I am working on an article on pack fit, and will be sure to put that in there.

 

[Elen]

A tent is a relatively heavy item - and heavy items should be as close to your center of gravity as possible which is inside the pack at the base of your spine. Strapping heavy items to the exterior of the pack will require more energy in balancing the pack over rocky, steep terrain.

Oh yes, that balance thing. Quite frankly, I've never understood what all the fuss about balance was, although I hear of it every now and then. With the heavier stuff at the bottom of the bag, near the base of the spine, one tent strapped to the outside of the pack seems to make no real difference to me. But then, I'm used to carrying relatively heavy packs with this configuration, so perhaps I'm special. But then pretty much all other outdoor folks in this country would have to be special, too. On the other hand, having to open the pack to get the tent out is a bit annoying, and takes up valuable room - on longer than a week trips, you have to bring a notable amount of gear, and don't really have too much room in the pack to fill with stuff you could carry outside it.

It's pretty seldom that I hike anywhere but in rocky terrain or forests with practically no trails at all (or trails that I don't want to get on because then I'd run into "urban scout" types talking to their cell phones all the time), so it's possible that I've just gotten used to an awkward method of carrying loads. But then, that wouldn't apply to just me, but to most local outdoors enthusiasts - and the military. Old habits die hard, especially when they work.

 

[Brian Jones]

akennedy,

Good points. I tend to use a bivy sack at most in winter, but usually a tarp arrangement - very little weight compared to a tent.

A tent is a relatively heavy item - and heavy items should be as close to your center of gravity as possible which is inside the pack at the base of your spine. Strapping heavy items to the exterior of the pack will require more energy in balancing the pack over rocky, steep terrain.

The revolution of internal frame packs over external frame packs was based on the need to get the load nearer the person's center of gravity to make packing over difficult terrain more efficient.

I'm not saying don't put the tent on the outside of the pack - there may be other items that are heavier that should go inside near the base of the spine. But for some treks the tent may be one of the heavier items.

If you're hiking over level terrain on nice trails then how you pack your pack in terms of your center of gravity doesn't matter so much.

 

[storl]

Oh yes, that balance thing. Quite frankly, I've never understood what all the fuss about balance was, although I hear of it every now and then. With the heavier stuff at the bottom of the bag, near the base of the spine, one tent strapped to the outside of the pack seems to make no real difference to me. But then, I'm used to carrying relatively heavy packs with this configuration, so perhaps I'm special. But then pretty much all other outdoor folks in this country would have to be special, too. On the other hand, having to open the pack to get the tent out is a bit annoying, and takes up valuable room - on longer than a week trips, you have to bring a notable amount of gear, and don't really have too much room in the pack to fill with stuff you could carry outside it.

It's pretty seldom that I hike anywhere but in rocky terrain or forests with practically no trails at all (or trails that I don't want to get on because then I'd run into "urban scout" types talking to their cell phones all the time), so it's possible that I've just gotten used to an awkward method of carrying loads. But then, that wouldn't apply to just me, but to most local outdoors enthusiasts - and the military. Old habits die hard, especially when they work.

It's just a preference thing. I wrote the guide that way, because it is the way I prefer my load to be. It's not a hard and fast rule, it's just something that works well for my style of backpacking. When I have to carry a tent, I don't mind reaching down into my pack, since it only takes a few seconds. I would rather have my pack weight balanced.

It's funny, the tent thing is the one thing that people keep on going back and forth about. I never knew a backpack packing guide would be so controversial.

 

[akennedy73]

Oh yes, that balance thing. Quite frankly, I've never understood what all the fuss about balance was, although I hear of it every now and then.

It's not something you're likely to notice or be conscious about - but it is a matter of physical reality. Take any relatively heavy object and hold it at your belly button - nice and comfortable to walk around with it. Take the same object and hold it out half a meter from your belly button - it will take more energy to hold it there. More energy = more calories = more food you have to bring or less calories you have to burn at night to keep you warm if it's cold outside. It's the same reason babies and bags of groceries are often carried on the hip rather than held out away from the body. Just physics.

Obviously, there are other concerns than saving a few calories here and there - immediate access to shelter can save more calories in the end. So there's a good reason to carry your tent on the outside of a pack. I usually carry a tarp and have it riding in the top of the pack where I can get to it in seconds. :thumbup:

 

[Elen]

It's funny, the tent thing is the one thing that people keep on going back and forth about. I never knew a backpack packing guide would be so controversial.

Well, people are like that, aren't they? I always like to follow the "if it works for you" rule, but sometimes (ok, often times) I slip out of it.

 

[Daniel Koster]

The "heaviest weight at the hip" idea can only work so well.

I do agree with the concept in principal, but unless your bag/tent/pack is flat...you're going to be putting weight out laterally from your hip which can cause lower back pain/strain.

A good internal frame pack with a good hip belt will (IMHO) put 60-80% of the weight of your entire pack on your hip anyway. The shoulder straps should be there mostly for balance, with just 20-40% of the weight of the pack hanging off your shoulders. I've done my fair share of backpacking, but am not a pro.



Good article so far.


The only thing I would add is that it's a good idea to pack the tent poles separate from the tent. Use them to stiffen the pack on the sides - will get better compression on the tent.

 

[Brian Jones]

Daniel,

Agreed, the point being that weight distribution should not be up high. There's a sweet spot that I think we both are talking about here...it's easier to demonstrate than write about!

 

[storl]

The only thing I would add is that it's a good idea to pack the tent poles separate from the tent. Use them to stiffen the pack on the sides - will get better compression on the tent.

Great idea. Feel free to create an account and add that little tidbit, or I can do it if you prefer.

 

[KILLAFORNIA]

Nice Article!!