When exploring the wilderness on a backpacking or hiking expedition a plan should be in place as to the specific route to traverse. Often when well equipped with a GPS, or maps and a compass, the urge to break off the trail and orienteer to your destination will be overwhelming. Usually it’s when the backpacking trail takes an unexpected turn that seems less efficient than the immediate terrain appears that prompts ambitious hikers to contemplate deviating from the trail. As thrilling as trail blazing may seem my advice is resist it. So before all those this you need you pack thing that is important here are some tips for you.
- Things that you need often like water, maps and camera need to go on the outside of the pack, in fanny packs or in an office attached to your shoulder strap for easy access. You don't want to be accessing your main center compartment every hour for these frequently used items.
- Packing your water on the outside compartment will allow access to your water without having to take off your pack off which tends to get old if you have to take it off every hour or so. You can reach the water yourself by reaching around to the side or have your hiking companion get the water out for you
- Store sleeping bag in a waterproof compression sack in the bottom of your pack.
- Heavier items should go in mind to upper region against your back making them easier to carry and balance down awkward declines
- Load first aid kits, toiletries and other mid weight items around.
- In the backpack's lid place smaller items that you may need to grab without disturbing your whole pack such us, bathroom kit, flashlight, pack rain cover, rain gear and quick shelter.
- Items such as rain gear and pack covers that you don't mind getting wet need to go on the outside if possible.
- And the very last thing to strap on is the foam or inflatable sleeping pad and any reflective space blanket you plan on taking to act as the floor for your tent.
After everything has been packed it is always a good idea to make sure the pack is also balance from left to right. A pack heavier on one side will only place more weight on your shoulder. Also try to get most everything packed inside and avoid being the guy with everything strapped on the outside of the pack.