Packing a Backpack

Packing a Backpack is a vital Skill.

Most Common Issues

• Didn't pack everything

  • A packing list will help

  • Don't forget your 10 essentials

• Packed too much

  • Can't carry backpack long distance because it has a bunch of stuff you don't need

• Can't find something

  • Common if mom or dad packed your pack

• What I need is at the bottom of my pack

  • Pack items you commonly use or will need urgently where is it easy get to them

• Pack doesn't feel right

  • May need to be adjusted

  • May be the wrong size

  • You packed the heavy stuff on the bottom 

  • You have stuff hanging off your pack and it swings around as you walk

What to Pack

What to pack depends on several factors

• How are you getting there

  • Backpacking mean choosing wisely what you will carry

  • Canoe trips require waterproofing

  • Car camping allows you to bring extra gear - like a camp chair

• Weather and Terrain

  • A trip to the beach requires different gear than a snow outing

  • A desert trip may require more shading and more water

• How long will you be there

  • Day trips allow you to pack light

  • Longer outings require more clothing and food as well as shelter

• What are you doing there

  • Do you need special gear for a special outing or for special training

• What are you eating and how will it be prepared

  • A sandwich and snacks may be OK for a day hike

  • Some backpacking trips can be done stoveless

  • Meat will require something to keep it cool and cook it

Your trip leader should provide you with a packing list.  

If you are the trip leader, start with our recommended Packing Lists Page.  Then adjust as needed for your specific trip.

How to Pack

Rules of Packing

1. Pack items you will urgently or commonly need where it is easy to get to

2. Pack heavy items Center for internal Frame Pack and High for External Frame Packs

3. Only pack what you need; leave everything else at home

Internal Frame vs External Frame Backpacks

Most backpacks nowadays are internal frame.  These are sleeker and lighter than external frame packs and are just what you see more of.  Each has its pros and cons, and each should be packed differently. 

Internal Frame Backpack

• Often designed mainly as a sack loaded from the top

• Hugs your back

• More stable for climbing

• Optimize stability by placing heavier items towards the middle

External Frame Backpack

• Uses an external frame to support weight of pack

• Generally designed to carry heavier loads

• Top heavy pack is less stable when bouldering or climbing

• Allows you to stand straighter due to weigh distribution 

• May allow ventilation to your back

• Bulky gear can be strapped directly to frame

• Place heavier gear higher to optimize weight distribution

Internal Frame Backpack Packing

• Bottom Zone

  • Pack bulky gear used at camp

• Core Zone

  • Place heavier/denser items

• Top Zone

  • Bulkier essentials needed on the trial

• Accessory pockets

  • Items used often or urgently

• Tool loops and lash-on points

  • Use if you have items that won't fit in pack

Bottom Zone

• Sleeping Bag

  • Your pack may have a separate compartment for your Sleeping Bag

  • If not, pack at bottom of pack

• Sleeping pad 

  • If it compresses and will fit

  • Otherwise, this may need to get strapped on outside of pack

• Clothing for sleeping and for camp

  • Camp shoes 

  • Down booties

Core Zone

• Food 

  • Main Meals (not snacks)

• Cooking System

  • Stove

  • Pot

• Water reservoir if used

• Bear canister

  • Food

  • Scented items

  • Filler 

Top Zone

• Rain Gear

• Insulated jacket or sweater

• Thermal underwear

• First-aid kit

• Water filter or purifier

• Toilet supplies 

  • Trowel

  • TP

  • Ziplock for used TP

Pockets

• Map

• Compass

• GPS

• Sunglasses 

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm

• Headlamp

• Bug spray 

• Snacks

• Water bottles

• Raincover

• Car keys (look for a clip inside one of the pockets)

• ID and cash stash

Strapped to Outside

Avoid if possible and use sparingly 

• Large sleeping pad

• Tent poles

• Trekking poles

• Camp stool or chair

• Ice axe

• Crampons

• Climbing rope

External Frame Backpack Packing

• Bottom Zone

  • Pack bulky gear used at camp

• Middle Zone

  • Place bulkier trail items mid and away from back

• Top Zone

  • Place heavier/denser items high and near back

• Accessory pockets

  • Items used often or urgently

• Tool loops and lash-on points

  • Use if you have items that won't fit in pack

Putting on Your Backpack

Use proper technique to put on your backpack so you don't hurt yourself.

Resources

• Philmont Preparation Sessions: Episode 2 - Packing for a Philmont Trek 

• Philmont Preparation Sessions: Episode 6 - Fitting a Backpack 

• UK Scouting - Pack a Rucsac