Packing a Backpack - A Guide

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

---

Hiking Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular park in... Read More

The Classy Way to Do WA

Western Australia ? South-West Coast driving holiday. Great Australian Road... Read More

Inflatable Pontoon Boats

Bryce Whitmore designed the modern whitewater inflatable pontoon boat, and... Read More

Traveling To and Around Hawaii, A First-Time Visitors Primer

Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most... Read More

How to Grab a Bite to Eat and Help the Planet

You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More

Stay Out of That Old Mine!

It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world.... Read More

Hiking Trails Mt. Washington Valley NH - Trekking trails USA

Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More

Ultralight Backpacking Versus Traditional Backpacking

Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just... Read More

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More

Your Virgin Bushwalk

Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More

A Fishy Road Trip in Cairns

The Cairns Fishing Adventure A Great Australia Road TripYou love... Read More

On Safari in Northern Tanzania ? Back to The Sixth Day of the Creation

Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled.... Read More

Wildebeest Migration - How To Get The Best Seats In The House

To get the most out of a wildebeest migration safari... Read More

Ten African Safari Tips That You Must Know Before You Go

1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though... Read More

Boondocking America

Boondocking is fun! Boondockers go anywhere they want, at any... Read More

Yachats, OR: An Outdoor Lovers Paradise on the Oregon Coast

There is something about a town tucked between the mountains... Read More

Old Barney -- A Visit to Barnegat Light, New Jersey

Barnegat Light, NJ is the home to "Old Barney" a... Read More

Improving Your Aim

If your aim is not good, or is not quite... Read More

Adventure Travel on Horseback

When you think of "adventure travel," what crosses your mind?... Read More

Bunbury Western Australia

The first recorded mapping of what is now Koombana Bay... Read More

Cochin - Cocktails of Cultures

Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More

Three Classic Hikes Abroad

Paul Scott Mower once said, "There is nothing like walking... Read More

Japanese Garden of Monaco

Have you ever seen an authentic Japanese garden? Well, I... Read More

Inflatable Boat Trailers

An inflatable boat trailer is needed if the user has... Read More

The Kuan Yin Shrine, Bangkok ? the Goddess of Mercy on the Chao Phraya

The Kuan Yin Shrine in Bangkok is in an old... Read More

Camping For Fun

Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the... Read More

Tanzania Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves

Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More

Great Indian Holidays

Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More

Kayak Travel and Trips

If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More

Rafting on the Rogue River in Oregon

Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful.... Read More

Backyard Camping Trip

Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More

Alternatives to Pressurized Fuel

Recently I attended a Boy Scout Leader Roundtable meeting where... Read More

A Review of Inflatable Boat Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers of inflatable boats on the market... Read More