Pack an Internal Frame Backpack

Packing a backpack is one of the most important parts of a hiking trip, since an uncomfortable backpack will result in an uncomfortable hike. This article will tell you how best to pack your backpack, starting at the bottom and moving up.

Steps

  1. Pack softer and more bulky objects near the bottom of the pack. Keeping softer objects (clothes, sleeping bag, camp towel, etc.) near your body will create a cushion between your body and the harder things you may have packed. Since a sleeping bag is both bulky and soft, that should be put in first, near the bottom and close to the small of your back. Packing bulky objects near the bottom of the pack will also improve your balance with the pack, since a heavy object high in the pack will raise your center of gravity, making you less well-balanced.
  2. If you use a Camelbak (water bladder), that should also be close to your back, preferably in a pouch. Keeping your water bladder near your back will make it easier to extend your tube out of the backpack, thus make drinking easier.
  3. Pack "middle weight" objects around the middle of the pack. These items should not be as bulky and may include things such as: a cooking kit, stove, dining fly, pots (which should be placed around the middle even though they're bulky, since a hard pot against your back is obviously not comfortable), and water filters.
  4. Lighter objects that may need to be accessed quickly should be near the top of the backpack. These are are the things that are light or delicate, things that may need to accessed immediately in an emergency, or things that may be pulled in and out often. They may include: first aid kits (which may still be placed near the top of the middle section of the backpack), flashlight, maps, camera, and toilet paper, as well as rain gear for both you and your backpack.

Clothes and other soft things

  1. Be sure to compress all things such as your sleeping bag and clothes into as small a package as possible. If your sleeping bag does not include a stuff sack, you should consider buying one that is both strong and waterproof. Your sleeping bag is one of the things you must not get wet, especially if you have a down sleeping bag.
  2. Consider using ziplocs for your clothes. These will ensure that clothing is kept both waterproof in their airtight insides, as well as helping you to compress the clothes. Keep in mind that your clothes should be synthetic, since they will wick away moisture which will keep you warm at night; such clothes are also usually light and porous, which will keep you cool when it's hot and not be a heavier burden in your backpack.
  3. Keep your rain gear, which should include a rain jacket, in an outside pocket or at the top of your backpack. Keeping rain gear on the outside will allow for easy access and for air drying. (Rain pants may not be necessary since your regular pants should be synthetic and dry quickly)
  4. Pack an extra set of sleep clothes. Having a clean set of clothes to sleep in will definitely be a plus on the trail. It will keep you feeling fresh even though you most likely will not shower.
    • Remember: Clothes should not make up the majority of your backpack––there may be 2-3 pairs packed for two weeks including a set of sleep clothes.

Group gear

  1. If you're carrying something such as a pot that is shared by the group, pack things inside of the pot to conserve space.
  2. Try to establish a gear sharing partner before the hiking trip, so that you can divide personal gear between the two of you. For example, one person would bring the sunscreen, while the other brings the bug spray. More importantly, if one person is considerably stronger than the other person, they can carry heavier objects while the less strong person can carry more of the lighter items that might be taking up space otherwise.
  3. Finished.

Personal gear

  1. If you have a Camelbak, be sure to protect it at all times. If you can fit the bag that accommodates your water bladder into your backpack, that will greatly reduce the chance of a burst water bladder.
  2. Pack your tent with the poles on one side of your backpack, so that they will take up less space. The tent itself, rain cover, and stakes should be together for organization purposes, or if you're sharing a tent with someone, you can distribute the tent parts. Keeping the poles to one side will also allow you to slide the poles into and out of the backpack more easily than if they were in a different location.

Tips

  • Internal frame backpacks should be used by those with more backpacking experience, since there are fewer areas to attach things than on external frame backpacks. Less experienced backpackers tend to attach the majority of their gear to the frame. External frame backpacks tend to be used for larger loads and challenging back country trails which require more gear. However, given the preponderance of internal frame packs over external, this may not be an issue for you, unless you're using an older pack.

Warnings

  • If you carry the stove fuel make sure the lid is secured, and keep the fuel closer to the outside of the backpack, in case the fuel ignites.
  • Keep all (sheathed) knives in an individual, external pocket, or with things that will not be damaged by the knife. Follow the same rules concerning lighters.

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