Spend some time practicing packing your backpack, practice makes perfect
Different gear in different positions
1. Medium gear and frequently used items
e.g sunglasses, headlamp, rain coat, army knife
2. Heaviest gear
e.g. tent, food, water, fuel
3. Lightest gear
e.g. towel and cloth for changing
4. Light gear
e.g. sleeping bag, sleep mat
Large items like tents can be packed into your backpack separately. Inner and outer are fabric which can fold into smaller size. Tent poles can be put into the corner of the backpack, and can fully utilize the space inside the backpack.
Some tips
Whether you are a new or experienced camper/hiker, keep in mind ABCS:
- Access
- Balance
- Compression
- Streamlined
Accessibility
Depending on their characteristics, gear should be placed in different positions. Sleeping bags, slippers, etc. that are not used when hiking can be placed at the bottom of the backpack. Raincoats and warm clothes that need to be taken out frequently can be placed on the top of the backpack.
Balance
Balancing is very important in all directions; left and right, up and down. The center of gravity of your backpack should be close to your back, but not higher than shoulders. Sleeping bag and sleeping mats are placed at the bottom, followed by the tent. Water and food are placed against your back. The side pockets can hold a small water bottle while the tent poles can be placed on the other side, balancing left and right.
Compression
Compress everything to save space. Loose items wobbling in your backpack while walking can be rather uncomfortable. When the backpack packs perfectly, the gear inside should not move.
Streamlined
The packed backpack should be as wide as your body and fit against your back. Anything attached outside your backpack can get caught easily on branches or hit someone nearby, causing danger when walking. Remember that the width of the packed backpack must not exceed the body.
