Packing Methods For Your Backpack

How To Pack a Soft Pack:

Now that nearly all packs have internal or external frames, many campers discount the importance of proper packing. This is unfortunate, for any pack - and your back - will benefit by doing it right.

Here’s the proper procedure:

1. Set the pack on its back. Insert along its length all the soft items that won’t gouge your back.
2. Weight should be kept as high as possible. Pack lightweight gear (except crushables) on the bottom. Heavyweight items go on top.
3. For ease of identification and speed of packing, everything should be stored in nylon bags. For example, I commonly keep my extra clothing in a lobster red nylon stuff sack.

   My lightweight camp mocs go in an orange bag, stove in a yellow bag, repair kit in a zippered canvas case, rain gear in a powder blue sack etc.

   The nylon material of stuff sacks may be waterproof, but the stitching and mouth of the bags are not. So don’t depend on waterproof nylon bags to rainproof your outfit.

   Instead, line your pack (in summer or winter) with a plastic bag and waterproof items by the double bag sandwich treatment.

4. Most tents have poles that are too long to fit the confines of a packsack. Consequently tents and poles should be packed separately as follows:

• Stuff your tent (don’t roll it - rolling takes too much time and identically creases the fabric) into its nylon tent bag. Pack pole and stakes into a special heavy-duty pole bag with drawstring closure. Sew a loop of nylon webbing to each end of the bag and attach lengths of parachute cord to the loops.
• Place your stuffed tent inside your pack and set the pole bag horizontally under the pack flap. Snake the closing straps of the pack through the loops in the cord end. Now your poles can’t possibly fall out of your pack!

Macpac Glissade 75L Backpack - Internal Frame - 75L - $199.95 (Save 32%)
Has a removable lid converts to a hip pack for day hikes. Quantum harness system helps to spread the weight around.

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