We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More \u203a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you\u2019ve ever found yourself unpacking half your kit in a hurry\u2014to find your rain cover during a squall, mosquito repellent in early evening, first aid kit after a nasty fall\u2014then you understand why an efficient packing job is so important.\u00a0<\/p>\n A poorly packed backpack can lead to unnecessary back and shoulder strain, resulting in a less enjoyable trip. Let\u2019s take a look at how to pack a backpack in a way that maximizes both accessibility and weight balance.\u00a0<\/p>\n Repeat after me: Sleeping bags go inside backpacks<\/em>. INSIDE<\/em>. Not strapped to the bottom using compression straps, not squashed between the top lid and the main cavity. Definitely not attached to the side using bungee cords. Inside.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are two reasons for this. The first is that you aren\u2019t going to need your sleeping bag until the end of the day, after you\u2019ve set up your tent. So it doesn\u2019t need to be accessible. The second, and more important reason, is that it will help keep your sleeping bag dry in the event of rain, water bottle spills, and deeper than expected river fords. Afterall, keeping your sleeping bag dry should be one of your top priorities.\u00a0<\/p>\n But before we add our sleeping bag to our backpack, we\u2019re first going to add a pack liner to be doubly sure that no moisture sneaks in (this is especially important if, like me, you backpack in the PNW). Now, you can purchase a liner specially designed for backpacking backpacks<\/a>, but I recommend using a trash compactor bag<\/a> instead\u2014you\u2019ve got better things to spend your money on. Plus, when the plastic starts to wear down you can just swap the trash bag out for a fresh one. Keep in mind that the sleeping bag compartment on some backpacking backpacks<\/a> will not protect your gear from unwanted moisture, and is in most cases, an unnecessary feature.\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to your sleeping bag, we\u2019re also going to add the rest of your sleep system, including your sleeping pad, camping pillow, and sleep clothes. I also like to add my book, along with clothing I don\u2019t plan to use during the day, including extra socks and underwear, and sometimes my puffer coat. After that, roll down the top of the bag so that the inside is a closed system. Whatever you choose to add, keep in mind that the goal is to not open this bag again until your tent is set up for the evening.\u00a0<\/p>\n The one exception to the above is if you are using a closed-cell foam pad instead of an inflatable sleeping pad.<\/a> Closed-cell foam pads, which are often used as sit pads at breaks or for lunch, can be carried either using the compression straps at the bottom of your pack or between the top lid of your pack and the main compartment. While these pads are essentially waterproof (and virtually indestructible), check for any errant moisture before adding to the rest of your sleep system at the end of the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n Adding 20 to 30 pounds to your back is no joke. Loading the top of your pack with too much weight can throw off your balance while adding too much to the bottom can put unnecessary strain on your shoulders. For that reason, you want to add your heaviest items to the middle of your pack, closest to your back, which will help reduce strain over the long haul.\u00a0<\/p>\n For most people, the heaviest items in their pack will be their food bag (minus that day\u2019s snacks) and cooking supplies\u2014particularly if you are using a bear can\u2014but if you are headed out overnight it might be your tent. When packing your backpacking tent<\/a>, first take the poles out of the larger stuff sack and set them aside. Those are going someplace else.<\/p>\nStep 1: Bottom of Your Pack<\/h2>\n
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Step 2: Middle of Your Pack<\/h2>\n
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