Preparing for an independent hiking trip is a difficult task, requiring knowledge of the distribution of equipment. The weight should evenly press on the back and hips, without creating inconvenience. Proper packing of a backpack on a hike takes into account the availability of things, their operational use during the trip.
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Backpack packing rules
This article offers packing tips and explains how to properly lift a load when the backpack is full. A loaded bag will be balanced if it rests on your hips and does not shift or wiggle during hiking and hiking. This will help save energy and cover long distances in a day.
The package is divided into three zones and additional space for attachments:
- The lower zone is convenient for overall things and items that are not needed until the end of the trip.
- Middle zone. It contains heavy things that you may need on a hike.
- Upper zone. Used for large essentials.
- Accessory pockets. Suitable for things that are needed constantly.
- External attachment points. Used to fix oversized or long things.
Plan to lay the cable or rope. You need to form rows, not circles: fill in the corners and spaces until there is a solid stable load. Make sure the load is evenly balanced on each side. Tighten the straps to reduce the load and prevent it from shifting as you move.
Bottom part
Their choice depends on the range of the hike and the duration of the trip. Proper packing of a backpack for a hike begins with the selection of these items. They cannot be fragile, as the force of the rest of the load will be exerted on their surface. The equipment can be protected with a moisture-resistant film if the backpack is made of waterproof fabric.
Overall things that are not needed before arriving at the place:
- Sleeping bag. Many models have a bottom compartment for one.
- Pillow for sleep. It is an inflatable type, packed to a small volume.
- Spare clothes, shoes .
- Axes, tent stands, pieces of karemat.
Laying soft things create a shock-absorbing pillow. It will relieve pressure on your back and pelvis. But such a layer lies tightly so that when walking there is no shift in the center of gravity, skew.
Packing the central part of the backpack
Heavy, dense equipment should be located here, which should not be lost during the campaign. Things protected by the top and bottom layers will be safe. These include fragile equipment, with a soft structure. There you can put containers, filling them with products and semi-finished products. Their packing in a backpack for a hike must be done carefully, filling the entire volume of the bag.
In the center is the following equipment:
- Food stock. These are semi-finished products, not ready-made snacks needed during a hiking trip.
- Cooking set – pots, pot, mugs, spoons.
- Water storage tank. In addition to it, you need bottles that are attached to the outside.
- Food container. It contains food, spices, salt, sugar, any items that fill it completely.
Packing heavy items will help create a center of gravity. The load must be directed downwards, not backwards. Too low, heavy equipment causes the backpack to sag; if it is located higher, the load on the back and hips increases.
When carrying liquid fuel, make sure that the lid is closed tightly. Pack the container vertically, it is placed below the layer with food and products. This is needed in case of a spill.
The middle part is placed in a backpack when hiking around a large and heavy object to prevent displacement. Use soft items to fill voids and create a cushioning layer between bulky items and a water tank. To do this, use an awning, spare clothes.
Filling the top of the backpack
This part contains the essential equipment. Before starting an independent trip, you need to check the access to these things after packing the backpack for a hike. It should not be difficult, if necessary, each item is taken freely, without shifting the rest of the load. The rule of packing a backpack on a hike – this should not be hindered by hinged competent – a tent, a sleeping bag, a mat.
At the top are the following items:
- marching jacket;
- spare clothing;
- raincoat;
- first aid kit first help;
- water filter;
- Toiletries, garbage bags.
Some tourists attach a tent from above in order to quickly set it up in bad weather. It should be light so that the center of gravity of the load does not shift. The rods are attached to the side.
External pockets
During an independent hiking trip, part of the equipment should be available without removing the backpack. To do this, the design provides pockets, containers, belts for attaching large items. Some are on the side; some are on the back. You can get the latter only by removing the bag or using outside help. This is done while packing a backpack for a hike so that the equipment does not interfere with walking.
What maybe would need tourist:
- compass;
- GPS;
- glasses from the sun;
- plaster;
- forehead lantern;
- spray from insects;
- food for parking lots;
- water bottles;
- raincoat;
- house or car keys;
- passport, cash money, cards.
Valuable items are packed in sealed pockets. Access to outsiders is limited. For safety, a comprehensive packing of a backpack for a hike is made when the equipment covers money or a passport. This will make it harder for them to fall out or be stolen.
Hanging and bulky things are attached to the outer frame, on belts or special fasteners. These can be parts of a tent, a large sleeping pillow, a table and a chair for the future camp, walking sticks. When planning a trip to the mountains, they take an ice ax, staples, climbing equipment.
Many models have special gear loops, fasteners, or other features to secure items. To carry equipment that does not fit in a bag, pack the backpack on a hike using external modules.
How to lift a loaded backpack
A common mistake beginners make is trying to lift a load with just the shoulder strap. This leads to damage and premature wear of the model, making it difficult to control the backpack when you try to put it on your back.
Instead, follow these steps that will allow you to put even a heavily laden model on your back without assistance:
- Loosen all straps to allow lifting.
- Place the load in a vertical position.
- Stand near the back, legs apart, knees bent.
- Take the top strap – this is the webbing loop at the top of the backpack.
- Raise the load to your hips, keep your hand on the pull loop for control.
- Pass one strap through your arm and onto your shoulder until the shoulder is closed.
- Lay forward and fold the backpack onto your back. Pass the arm that secures the loop through the other shoulder strap.
- Do fit straps, buckle up
Important – such actions will have to be done several times during an independent trip. Therefore, it is better to try it at home so that there are no difficulties during the campaign.