With so many different designs, packing a backpack will vary considerably. Generally though, the key to packing your backpack is to achieve even weight distribution. Packing your heavy items at the top will pull you backwards ? packing your heavy items near the base will drag you downwards. Therefore ensure that your heavy items are packed relatively in the middle to balance the weight.
You can achieve this by dividing the pack into three areas
Area 1
Area one, at the base of your pack should contain your lighter items. Pack your sleeping bag here (many packs have a separate compartment for sleeping bags).
Area 2
Area two should contain the heavy items such as food and cooking equipment. You can pack any small clothes you don't mind getting wrinkled in any spare space.
Area 3
The rest of your clothing should be packed in area three. You can still take advantage of the space saver bags, but remember while they save on space, the weight remains constant. Pack all your other items anywhere there is space.
Other pointers:
? Pack spare of the moment items or items you will require often in easy-to-access side pockets. If it starts raining, you don't want to have to unpack everything to get to your raincoat.
? Store any fuel upright and away from food incase there is a spillage.
? Roll up your mattress and carry it outside of your pack. You can also use your mattress as a buffer between sharp cornered items and your back.
? Use your pots to protect delicate items such as cameras etc.
Once you've packed everything, take it with you for a long walk. If you're unable to cope with the weight you should reconsider what you have packed.
Article Copyright © 2005 Travel J - Traveler's Resources & Information - http://www.travelj.com
Sarah Moore has been in the travel and tourism industry for over 20 years and is currently working with one of the worlds largest coach networks. Sarah is also the webmaster of TravelJ - A Traveler's Resources & Information Network - http://www.travelj.com
1st day : Airport / Amman, O/N Our representative will... Read More
We weren't planning to go rock and arrowhead hunting in... Read More
It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More
Spring:Essential items when preparing for a walk-Compass-First aid kit -... Read More
With so many different designs, packing a backpack will vary... Read More
Welcome to Bragg Creek! Bragg Creek is located in the... Read More
Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th... Read More
You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More
When it comes to birding, Acadia National Park is a... Read More
Zambia is Africa's best kept secret as far as safaris... Read More
Rafting through the Grand Canyon is the experience of a... Read More
A saddle is a static object, but your horse is... Read More
Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland... Read More
Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping... Read More
No one can truly say... Read More
When you look at a river, what do you see?... Read More
Are you sick and tired of not knowing what to... Read More
An African honeymoon safari is the perfect way to celebrate... Read More
WHAT TO SEE, TO DO AND WHERE: Mount McKinley is... Read More
Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the... Read More
If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More
Paul Scott Mower once said, "There is nothing like walking... Read More
It is the end of the season for the year... Read More
Western Australia ? South-West Coast driving holiday. Great Australian Road... Read More
Thousands of golfers flock to the Carolinas each spring and... Read More
Important information about camping stoves...What type of camping, hiking, or... Read More
Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland... Read More
We think that Cape Town has some of the best... Read More
Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th... Read More
"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More
"Do you know about Wal-Mart camping?" We didn't know, but... Read More
This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire... Read More
The Northern Circuit is probably Africa's most dramatic wildlife area.... Read More
Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful.... Read More
When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More
The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More
Back from our family's vacation to Costa Rica, I am... Read More
Mystic Seaport celebrates the seafaring past of New England. Known... Read More
If you've been dreaming of traveling the highways in your... Read More
1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though... Read More
Stay warm or die. That's what it comes down to... Read More
Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More
How to get discount lift tickets for popular ski resorts... Read More
Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More
As any keen mountain biker will know, there are some... Read More
Having traveled from state to state and every city in... Read More
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More
Block Island is a seaside jewel lying 12 miles off... Read More
Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer... Read More
Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
Outdoors Outdoors |