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Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

How to Organize a Backpack

By loading your backpack properly you protect your gear and prevent back issues--plus it's easy to find the gear you need.

by: The Backpacker Editors


Use multiple small, waterproof stuff sacks to speed loading and keep gear dry. Put the sleeping bag at the bottom, and stash heavy items like stove and food near the center of your back, as close to the frame as possible. Distribute the tent and clothing along the sides and top. Sunscreen, headlamp, and snacks go in the lid pocket. Stash bottles of white gas in a lower exterior pocket, in case of a leak. Cinch compression straps to stabilize the load.

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Reader Rating: Star Star

READERS COMMENTS

novice
Oct 11, 2012

Good for starts but needs more details and more info!

novice
Oct 11, 2012

Good for starts but needs more details and more info!

Jason
Aug 27, 2012

As a beginner, I think this article gives me a good starting point, I think everybody's methods very a little. I believe as long as it feels good to you go with it, organize how you see fit. These aren't laws there just suggestions from people that have been doing this longer than me.

Novice
Jan 03, 2012

I would like to say that I thought the article was a great start. I am new to backpacking and now have a great start to load distribution. It gets me thinking of where to put items and to test the load of my pack before going out on the trail.

Novice
Jan 03, 2012

I would like to say that I thought the article was a great start. I am new to backpacking and now have a great start to load distribution. It gets me thinking of where to put items and to test the load of my pack before going out on the trail.

chuckle
May 17, 2011

to add to the actual content. packing the loose gear used freaquently i usaly have mesh bags to acess and find quickly ie...headlamps, spare chapstick seems to alwayse go missing, bic liters and other sorts that dont compres or retain water..

Matt
May 07, 2010

I wouldn't say this article is useless... just incomplete IMO.
This is a great START to an article. As someone stated REI has a very good article on pack loading. This piece needs to be finished with diagrams, ideas for when the weight doesn't fit where you want it to, some mention of different pack types effecting packing, etc.

Matt
Apr 23, 2010

@Gill
Actually REI has an excent article that better takes into account the fact that external and internal frame packs are loaded differently, and that basic weight distribution varies depending upon wither you are hiking on or off trail.
Sure people will develop personal preferences but this 'article' is still way to light.

Gil
Apr 13, 2010

Really people? The article is exactly what it should be, the basics on how to distribute weight. Anything beyond that is gonna be personal preference.

Globetrekker
Mar 16, 2010

Struth - stop the moaning people ! Thanks for the articel BP. Brief, to the point and informative.

Brett Adams
Aug 21, 2009

I figured out real quickly that the only way to learn to load your pack correctly is to load it, get out there and then figure out HOW to load it. This little article is a perfect way to describe fitting that inital load. Why do people comlain so much?

dnari
Aug 20, 2009

BP -May I suggest ya rewrite this article...a shout to the hater comments -yes...the article is disappointing...the write up could have a few more suggestions or illustration examples for various gear and pack types...Hey BP! We buy ur mags & read the website because ur a goto resource for generally good advise...please remember as everyday passes there's always another outdoor enthusiast of various skill level that wants good advise to up their knowledge... rewrite the the article for the complainers that obviously need help with there skills.lol-just a jab guys-don't whine some more-please consider a more constructive use of the commentary in the future...the rest of ya with useful comments keep on participating-it helps...BP please make this right.

Mr. Bojangles
Aug 09, 2009

I think if you took the time to say shame on backpacker.. you could take the time to find an article on how to get a life.

DH
Aug 04, 2009

I don't think it is much more complicted than what they have described. Do you guys need a 3D diagram of the shoelace knot?

phil
Jul 31, 2009

Maybe you guys should refer to wikepedia. There are no see through blow-ups or placement of items details, I guess you were too busy backpacking to write complete article.

Shame Shame
Feb 02, 2009

Horrible article

tMac
Dec 27, 2008

I am dissapointed in the fact that they did not mention the best way to pack the electric razor and toaster.

hammer
Oct 04, 2008

u suck

Wayne
Sep 17, 2008

Really disappointed in the info. There's more than one type of backpack out here and you assumed that everyone has the same type. Guess I'm a non-conformist, cause my pound and a half pack has no pockets. Not going to ask where I should put some of my some of my "frequent-use" items.

mtblrg
Sep 11, 2008

What they should have done is link to their own video on the subject: http://backpacker.com/pack_like_a_pro_pt_ii_week_trip/destinations/dvideos/45

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