SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS

Gear Highlights

Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more. Get Started

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.

Return to the Backpacking 101 home page.
Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Reader Rating: -

READERS COMMENTS

junk...
Posted: Aug 24, 2008 mofoho

Anyone who is going to refer to this page needs much more info, including packing an internal v. external frame pack.
Posted: Aug 21, 2008 Joan

They should be able to come up with more than that!
Posted: May 09, 2008 Anonymous

I sent in a mailer out of a magazine for a subscription for my friend and i he recieved his mag but i still havent. please send TL eubanks pobox 847 kamas ut 84036
Posted: May 08, 2008 tl eubanks

seems to me, if you click on the link, you are looking for answers....very straight-forward no frills article. thanks backpacker
Posted: May 08, 2008 flash

yeah I kind of clicked this link expecting to get to read something.. disappointed.
Posted: May 07, 2008 landon

DITTO! SHAME ON BACKPACKER!
Posted: Apr 28, 2008 Kelly

Thats not much of an article, just common sense.
Posted: Apr 13, 2008 Anonymus

ADD A COMMENT

Your Name:

Comment:

My Profile Join Now

Most recent threads

The Political Arena
Uneven Forum Moderating: Here is Proof
Posted On: Sep 04, 2008
Submitted By: prosecutor
Trailhead Register
Roll call
Posted On: Sep 04, 2008
Submitted By: Ohiohiker84
Gear Finder

Find the Outdoor Equipment You Need

Find a retailer

Special sections - Expert handbooks for key trails, techniques and gear

Get Fit for Any Hike
No gyms, no weights–and, with our easy-to-follow plan–no bonking on the trail.
Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide
Learn how to make your gear last forever with our guide to the 55 most common repairs and maintenance musts.
Sleeping Bag Center
Our guide to sleeping bags fit for all occasions and sleep tips guaranteed Lafuma Logo to give you a good night's rest.

YES! Please send me my 2 FREE trial issues of BACKPACKER
and my FREE Classic Trails digital booklet

Your subscription includes the FREE Classic Trails, a digital booklet that take you through the 36 top hikes along the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails. It's a must-have for any adventurer!
NAME
ADDRESS
ADDRESS 2
CITY
STATE
ZIP CODE
EMAIL (req)

If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $14.95 and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 67% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.

SUBMIT MY ORDER