Most people often seem to have huge problems loading their camping rucksack. No matter how big you never seem to have enough space and if you after a long struggle get everything into your pack getting it on your shoulders almost tips you over because the weight is placed wrong in the. What to do?
One thing which is the far most important thing is having a proper fit. Having a backpack which does not fit perfect can cause big problems later on. Therefore be sure that you try out the camping rucksack with a full load before buying. After the right fit there are two things you need to have as your primary goals when loading a camping rucksack it’s to keep the stuff/gear you have to bring along at a minimum – It’s always a matter of how much luxury you need, the more luxury you need on your camping trip the more things you need to carry. In the long run you will be better of cutting down on the luxury and keeping what you have to carry at a minimum and most people can live without all that luxury.
The other thing is to load your camping rucksack the right way.
Some people try to be more organized than others, but it’s very important to make every inch count. Everyone has their own system of loading their pack but there are a few universal guidelines about weight and gravity which is good to know.
A very well designed rucksack will keep the load close to the center of your gravity, making it easier for you to move, change directions and it will make you feel free. A properly loaded backpack is far more comfortable than an improperly packed one. Try out both things and you will easily feel the difference.
To load your camping rucksack start out by loosening all the pack straps, all the inside dividers.
The fit for various packs can be very different but keep in mind when loading the pack that the heavy stuff need to be closest to your back and preferably on the middle and upper back. The most common thing for a lot would be to put your sleeping bag in the bottom and make sure the sleeping bag is well compressed and not taking up more space than needed. Next, place your medium weight gear; try to keep everything in a square so nothing sticks out from the sides, back etc. Above that you will place the middleweight things, but no higher than your shoulders, you should pack your heaviest items such as food, fuel, water filter, etc.
Next on top of this, but away from your back, should be lighter items, like clothing. Usually it is nice to use the side mesh pockets for water or fuel bottles, tent poles and fly rods. Keep items which you need quickly or frequently near access points or outside pockets. That way you do not need to take of the camping rucksack every time you need something. Make sure when you buy the camping rucksack that the pack has enough outside pockets, it is too much of a hassle getting into the larger parts of your pack when it is on your back.
Henrik Eiberg is former stuntman now working as a CEO with a medium sized company in Denmark. His passions includes the outdoors, endurance running, traveling, personal development and things that brings him to the edge of life.