The Right Way To Pack a Backpack

Ruthless Practicality- The True Key to Backpack Efficiency

Backpacking is beginning ever more popular on our hiking trails and campsites. The aim is to be self-sufficient with the gear on you back. Trouble is, if you are not ruthless in your decisions on what you absolutely must have in your backpack it is pretty easy to try to throw in everything.

It is very easy for the weight and bulk to build up rapidly. It is a sad fact that if you try to walk with a poorly balanced, over sized or too heavy backpack you are going to end up with injuries. Paramedics report that knee strains and back pain is very common amongst backpackers.

In this article from Wes Siler we see the proper way to pack a backpack.

Read the article now.

How To Pack A Backpack

Wes Siler

Don’t be this guy. Carrying a backpack so large that it extends over your head and outside the width of your back makes for a long, arduous day on the trail. Instead, choose what you need wisely, then pack the bag efficiently for a lighter, more comfortable load. Here’s how.

A typical checklist for backpacking:

Tent

Sleeping Pad

Sleeping Bag

Layers

Flashlight

Stove and fuel (we recommend a cat food can and denatured alcohol)

Metal mug w/lid

Lighter

Knife

First Aid Kit

Spare Socks

Sunscreen

Food

Map

Compass

Hand sanitizer

Trash Bag

Trowel

Baby Wipes

Toothbrush and paste

Doesn’t sound like an awful lot, does it? Each individual trip may necessitate some additions to that basic list, but we’re talking one or two items, not the kitchen sink. Paring your needs to the absolute minimum is the most effective way to keep weight down. Because you’re taking so few items, you’ll want each to be reliable, multi-use and light. Don’t carry a two D-cell MagLite, carry a 1xCR2 headlamp that doubles as your keychain light.

The standard recommendation is no more than 1/3 your bodyweight on your back. I’m 190lbs and 1/3 my bodyweight is an absurd 62lbs. Typically, I target 25 or 30lbs for an all-up weight. Doing so makes hiking not just easier, but actually fun.