Backpackbackpack2Backpacks

 

 

 

FIT

After getting the pack on make sure you have plenty of room for head movement. The hip belt should rest on your hipbones not your waist. The shoulder straps should meet the pack just below the top of your shoulders, wrap around your shoulders and return to the pack about 6" below your arm pit, leaving no gaps between the straps and your shoulders. The strap between the two shoulder straps (known as the "sternum strap") should be snug but have adequate room for tightening and loosening. The small straps from the shoulder straps to the top of the pack (known as the "load levelers") should attach to the pack near you ears at an angle around 45 degrees. Most packs now come with frames that allow tinkering with the back curvature, change this only when necessary.

TIPS

Get an idea of the required size before looking to purchase a new pack by measuring your torso. Have an idea of the needed capacity, 2500 cubic inches is a fairly large day pack, while 4500 cubic inches is a small pack for weekly adventures. If you like things organized look for a pack with a few extra external compartments. Make sure your water bottles fit into the water bottle holders on the pack or buy a pack with a bladder built into the pack. Loosen all compression straps prior to loading your pack, and tighten them when finished packing, pull down hard on all straps to compact the load. Keep all food out of your pack at night, rodents can chew through the pack to get at food or if possible hang your pack but keep it away from your food. Make sure you pack all sharp edged items high in the pack and away from your back. You don't want to have a tent pole sticking in your back during the trip. Pack items in sealable plastic bags or waterproof stuff sacks if you will be hiking during bad weather or crossing rivers. Use old curtain holders to clip things to your pack.

WEIGHT

When packing all your stuff into your pack, weight should play a significant role. You should pack heavier items lower in the pack and closer to the body for rugged terrain, as trails get easier heavier items can be carried higher in the pack where it is easier to carry. Lowering the weight in your pack allows for a lower center of gravity, allowing you to have better balance along the trail. Balance is also very important and you should try very hard to keep the weight balanced from left to right. To lighten the load: remove all extraneous parts from your equipment, use plastic parts instead of metal whenever available, when purchasing products look for the lightest equipment, and scrutinize all equipment before loading into your pack. Also, look at your clothing for non-essential weight. Your pack should never weigh more than 1/3 of your body weight and less is better. The less weight you carry, the more you will enjoy your trip.

LOCATION

Where items are in your pack, will make you hike much more enjoyable. Put the items used most nearest to the opening in your pack, like water (if not carried on the outside) should be very excessive. Your rain gear, camera, snacks should go near the top of a pack or in a side compartment.

CARE

Keep sharp object from rubbing against your pack, this will prevent holes in your pack. Dry your pack thoroughly when you get home to prevent mildew from damaging the pack. You can lightly scrub your pack with a mild detergent (Ivory flakes is good) to clean it, then let it air dry before putting it away. Inspect the pack frequently and repair any damage before letting it get worse.

RAIN COVER FOR YOUR DAYPACK

Start with a sheet of rip stop nylon about two feet wider and longer than your daypack. Fold over the edges and sew them down while leaving a tube all the way around; leave an entry point open. Thread a small diameter nylon cord through the cloth tube you've made. Leaving two ends about five-inch long each hanging out. If desired, use a nylon/plastic toggle cord lock (you can just tie and untie). If the nylon is not already treated, use a spray-on or wash-in waterproof treatment. To use, place over the pack. Pull the cord tight to secure the edges around the pack. Resume hiking in the rain.

Weight Distribution PhotoHow to Pack Your Backpack

You've planned, shopped and prepared. Now it's time to load up and head out. What's the smartest way to get all that gear into your backpack?

It depends on what you're carrying (internal-frame pack or external?) and where you're going (on-trail or off-trail?).

Internal-Frame Packs

Whether you're traveling on- or off-trail, keep your heaviest items close to your back, centered between your shoulder blades.

For on-trail travel, keep heavy items higher inside your pack. This helps focus more of the weight over your hips; the area of your body best equipped to carry a heavy load.

For off-trail exploration, reverse the strategy. Arrange heavier items lower in the main compartment, starting again from the spot between your shoulder blades. This lowers your center of gravity and increases your stability on uneven terrain.

Stuff your sleeping bag into its lower compartment first. Squeeze in any additional lightweight items you won't need until bedtime (pillowcase, sleeping shirt, but nothing aromatic). This will serve as the base of the main compartment, which you'll fill next.

Tighten all compression straps to limit any load shifting.

External-Frame Packs

As with an internal, keep your heaviest items close to your back, near your shoulder blades.

Externals are recommended for on-trail travel only. Load heavier items high inside your pack and close to your body. Doing so centers the pack's weight over your hips and helps you walk in a more upright position.

Pack your sleeping bag in its stuff sack. Finish loading your main pack bag, and then strap the bag to the lash points on the bottom of the pack bag. If rain seems likely, consider stuffing your sleeping bag inside a second stuff sack or wrapping it in plastic.

Tips for Either Pack Style