Backpacking

When preparing your backpacking gear for a camping or hiking trip, properly loading your backpack is nearly as important as the gear you take. A well-loaded backpack improves balance and weight distribution, allowing you to carry more gear with less effort. Your body will appreciate a properly loaded backpack, so use this handy guide whenever you’re preparing for any kind of backpacking excursion!

Preparing your Backpacking Gear

Before you begin, assemble all the gear you’re planning to bring. Whenever possible, place smaller items inside larger ones if they won’t be needed until you make camp. For example, putting your backpacking food inside your cooking pot will help maximize the space inside your backpack. It will help if you separate your gear into three weight groups: light, medium, and heavy.

Plan to keep at least one water bottle or canteen in a readily accessible location for when you get thirsty on the trail!

Loading your Backpack

When packing your backpack, be sure to keep the weight evenly distributed from side to side. If one side of your pack is heavier than another, it will significantly inhibit your balance.

The following packing information is geared more toward an external pack. For more information on packing methods, food ideas, tips and how-to's , as well as backpacking gear reviews, go to thebackpacker.com . And, for information on how to lighten the load, you might want to check out backpacking.net .

Start packing your pack from the bottom up, and from the “back” out. The “back” refers to the part of the backpack that will rest against your back (meaning “out” refers to the part of the backpack closer to you when loading). You will want the heaviest items packed in such a way that the weight is supported by your skeletal structure rather than your muscles. Refer to the diagram below for assistance.

Pack your sleeping bag at the bottom of your backpack. Depending on the model of backpack, you may have a compartment specifically for your sleeping bag. If you have an external frame backpack or a pack without a sleeping bag compartment, you may to tie your sleeping bag to the bottom of your backpack.

Load the remainder of your backpack as indicated by the diagram below. Remember that your lightest items should be the furthest from your back to prevent unnecessary stress and torque on your skeletal structure.

Lightest Items: clothing, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Medium Items: camping stove, lantern, cooking utensils
Heaviest Items: fuel, food, water, small tent

Remember to avoid loading anything that may shift into the top part of your pack, as this may cause you to lose your balance. You may want to use extra socks or similar soft goods as filler to keep loose items from shifting.

Before setting out, try your pack on to make sure there are no items sticking in to your back.

BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT

Bedding	__foam pad, self-inflating mat	__wool cap (winter)	__groundcloth
	__sleeping bag	__6x8 tarp, tent liner	__fly
	__tent	__tent stakes	__tent poles
Footwear	__liner socks	__boots	__in-camp shoes
	__wool socks	__extra lacing	__water shoes
Clothing	__shirts, sweater, sweat shirt, fleece	__hat, earband, hood, neck gaiter, balaclava	__jacket, coat, parka
Must be proper for the weather!	__pants, shorts, sweats	__underwear	__gloves, glove liners, overmitts
Rain gear	__poncho, rain suit	__gaiters	__hat, hood
Eating	__cup	__bowl	__spoon
	__salt, pepper, spices	__waterless hand cleaner	__fork, knife
	__2 quart pot	__small fry pan	__potlifter, etc.
	__stove	__fuel bottle (filled!)	__matches, firestarter
Food	__breakfast, lunch, dinner	__gorp, trail snacks, bars	__bedtime snack
	__bear bag & rope
Sanitation	__toilet paper, baby wipes	__trowel	__soap (biodegradable)
	__wash cloth, bandannas	__towel	__toothbrush
	__comb	__metal mirror	__toothpaste
Miscellaneous	__knife	__first aid kit	__50 feet of cord (3/16")
	__compass, GPS	__maps	__sewing kit
	__canteen, hydration pack	__water bottles	__duct tape
	__flashlight, headlamp	__spare batteries	__spare bulb
	__watch	__camera, film	__DEET
	__small notebook	__pencil, indelible pen	__emergency coins
	__hiking stick	__whistle	__FRS radio
	__sunblock	__pack cover	__BSA Handbook, field guides