by Ken Preston

Created on: November 08, 2010

Comfortable Hiking - How to Pack a Backpack

Experienced hikers know that having a comfortable backpack is essential to realizing a pleasant camping experience.  However, contrary to what many may think, packing a backpack well does not require a wealth of knowledge.  All it requires is that you pay attention to the four key attributes of a well organized backpack – lightness, efficiency, compactness and balance.

Lightness is the most important trait of a good backpacker.  After all, when it is carried on your body, every ounce counts.  Skilled campers first lay out their gear and then consider what’s important to take and what they can do without.  And if it is important, they will seek the lightest quality version of it they can find, be it clothing, sleeping bags, packs, tents, stoves, food and other gear.

The next good packing trait on the list is efficiency.  Being efficient means that frequently used or readily required items will be kept on top or in the side pockets or pouches.  This prevents having to unpack to find for example a map when unsure of the path or rain gear when the weather changes.  Other items to be kept at the ready include water, sunglasses, jacket/warm clothing, snacks, first aid, headgear and repellent.

Compacting is the third positive trait and squeezing all of our gear to the smallest size possible will tighten the space inside the pack while helping to reduce movement of gear and clothing.  The best way to begin is by laying out everything you plan to take.  Then begin by rolling clothing to take up less space, stuffing smaller items like socks next to large items to limit shifting, stuffing smaller items into others to eliminate wasted space and taking air out of bags.  The more space inside the backpack the less likely that gear will have to be carried on the outside and the less likely gear will get snagged by trees or rocks or fall off and be lost.

Last on the list is balance, which simply means that the weight inside the pack has been distributed evenly, both horizontally and vertically, thus allowing the hiker to maintain center of gravity when walking or climbing.  Heavier items are typically packed toward the bottom of the backpack and closer to the body, but lighter items can be pack throughout while keeping an eye on even distribution of weight.  Good packers typically start at the bottom and rear of the backpack and working their way to the front and up.

Before taking off with the backpack, try it on and make the necessary strap and belt adjustments to ensure that the pack rests properly over the center of the body and that the weight will primarily be carried by the hips.  Pay attention to how it feels.  Remember - our ultimate goal is comfort and a pleasurable camping trip.

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