How to Pack a Backpack

Packing a backpack is essential in ensuring that your hiking expedition runs smoothly. A backpack can hold the essential items you will need throughout the course of the trip--from supplies, food, and gear to first-aid equipment and maps. Packing the backpack lightly and correctly will guarantee an enjoyable trip, keeping all of your supplies within close reach.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Gather all of your supplies and the other items you want to place in your backpack and lay them out on a table or the ground. Sort them by size, weight and required care (segregate breakables or items that can be crushed).

Step 2

Remove as many unnecessary items as possible (as well as duplicates) and set them aside. These items can be added later if there is room in the backpack to accommodate them.

Step 3

Load the heaviest objects into the backpack first, including cooking equipment and extra bottles of water. (You should have two 8-oz. bottles per person.) Load the remaining heavy objects--such as sharp camping utensils, rock-climbing equipment and other metal objects--directly above the others. Fill in the sides with medium-weight objects like first-aid kits and ropes. The top should hold lightweight and fragile objects like cell phones and food. Fill in empty areas with unnecessary items you left out earlier.

Step 4

Fill in the sides and outer compartments with read- to-use items, such as sunglasses, sunscreen, Swiss army knives, bottles of water, cameras and extra lightweight clothing.

Tips & Warnings

Before leaving for the trip, ascertain that the backpack is a good fit. Make sure it is not too heavy or ill-situated on your back. If the backpack is not packed correctly and the weight is not shifted properly, damage can result--to both the backpack and the person carrying it.

Try to purchase a backpack that has several compartments. This will make organizing your supplies much easier.

Purchase a backpack for the correct occasion. If you are going hiking and camping, you may need a bigger model, so you can carry all of your camping and hiking gear. If you are going on a short day trip, a smaller backpack with less space will typically suffice.

Try to purchase durable lightweight backpacks that are ergonomically designed to contour to one's back and shoulders.

If you suffer a strain or pulled muscle from carrying your backpack, remove it immediately and seek medical attention.

Article Written By Julie

Julie is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer. She enjoys hiking and camping the North Woods of Michigan, as well as remote regions of Canada. She spends her free time backpacking and exploring new and unchartered territory on all of her outdoor expeditions.

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