Backpacking and Tent Camping

When loading a backpack you will want to load it properly to ensure that the bag remains comfortable as you hike. There are two types of backpacks available including external frame and internal frame packs. Heavy items should be distributed amongst the group to reduce the weight that one person would carry. The weight should be under 20 pounds.

When loading your gear in an external frame pack begin with placing the lightest gear near the outside and bottom of the pack. Your sleeping bag will go under the pack. Your midweight gear such as clothing and pots should be placed in the middle. Load heavy gear such as stoves, water bottles and tents against the frame and near the top of the pack, near the shoulders. A woman will want to load her pack with the weight lower and the sleeping bag attached to the top. This is because they carry their center of gravity lower than men.

When you load your internal frame pack, make sure that it is loaded for safety and comfort. Build from the sleeping bag up. Keep heavy items close to the back of the pack and against the frame. Midweight items can go in the middle and light items should be on the outer edges and top of the pack.