How to Pack a Backpacking Bag

Allow for access to the most needed items in your backpack. Rain gear, extra layers, maps, water, sunscreen and trail snacks should be in small outer pockets or in the top lid pouch. Pack things that you won't need until you are setting up camp like stove, fuel and sleeping bag deep inside the bag.

Distribute the weight of your items evenly so that the brunt of the weight is against your spine between your shoulders when on the trail and between the small of your back when off trail or on flat terrain. If you pack your heaviest items near the top of your pack it will be top heavy and disturb your balance and if it is packed too low it will cause you to bend over too far and hurt your back. Pack the heaviest items close to your back. Always pack your food bag above things like stove fuel or soap to prevent contamination.

Line your pack with a heavy-duty white trash bag (45 gallon size) so that your gear is protected from moisture. Use a white trash bag because it allows you to see the stuff in your bag more easily than a black one does. White reflects light and black absorbs it.

Pack small items such as toothbrush, knife, and extra lip balm inside a small stuff-sack so they don't get lost in the body of the pack.

Fill up as much dead airspace in your pack as possible. Do not pack everything in separate stuff sacks or you will end up with a lumpy bag like a sack of potatoes and will not be taking advantage of your pack's full volume. Pack your spoon and spice kit inside the bowl you will use for eating, stuff extra layers and socks in between the gaps of your sleeping bag in the bottom and pack a bag of food like your flour or oatmeal inside your cooking pot to fill those nooks and crannies.

Keep as much of your gear inside your pack as possible. Do not be one of the trail tinkerers with things swinging and jangling off of your pack. Not only is this unprofessional but it is inefficient. Things can get caught on branches and fall off without your knowing. Try to get everything inside your pack but if you do need to pack something on the outside of your pack like a sleeping pad, attach it securely with straps, vertically to your pack so that you don't have anything jutting out from either side of your pack.