How to properly pack your pack in preperation for an amazing backpacking trip

Getting ready to go backpacking and don't know how to pack? Was the awesome-ness of your last trip diminished due to an uncomfortable/loosely packed backpack? In your inexperience, did you pack everything in a messenger bag, only to kill your shoulders by the first day? No? Only me? Well then...

After hours of HEAVY-DUTY(!) Google-ing, I think I can safely say that I can advise you, the marvelous outdoors-loving how-to fan that you are, to properly pack your pack.

LET'S BEGIN.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Im still getting pictures and will be updating this instructable shortly. I only published it unfinished to show a teacher and a friend.

FIXED! Now with pictures!!

I made the FRONT PAGE!! :D Cross that off my bucket list!

Step 1: Gear: The Pack

First, you must decide on a backpack. You'll have to look at your trip plan (how many days/nights will you be out, how many people are coming, how many miles you're hiking) and decide how much gear you'll need to bring. Then, pick a pack from there.

For a light hike, a "fanny pack" or something like a "sack pack" (the ones that are just bags with a draw string that you can put on your back) will do.

For an overnight stay, you'll need a larger pack. Also think about if youre bringing a tent, a sleeping bag, maby a hammock, because you may want lashing options on the pack for that.

For multiple nights, you'll want a more serious pack. look for one with a capacity of 60 to 80 liters, again, depending on what your trip looks like.

Comments

[macpower]

I used to disappear into the Catskills and the Berkshires for weekend treks. The only thing I can add to this 'ible is that if you're going overnight, put the tarp, tent, and cordage on top!

Once you got that up it doesn't matter how you pack/unpack.

Let's all be careful out there!

[Terranan]

I put the shelter stuff on bottom, because thats the stuff I'll need latest in the day. the most frequently used items are on top for ease of acess. This works perfectly well in fair weather, however, if I'm expecting rain, tarp goes on top. Just in case.

[Xthinker]

How much does your pack usually weigh? It just seems like you packed a few unnecessary things, like the hatchet... It has to weigh at least 5 pounds, but the handle is pretty sweet!

[Terranan]

I can usally keep it under 10-12 lbs with food and water for a short trip. I like my hatchet alot (made the handle myself!), but I don't usually bring it, 'cause its so heavy.

[bamboojim]

you got to much junk

[ArcticHI]

The Kettle Moraine? :P You from Wisconsin too? :D

[Terranan]

Yep! I live like 20 miles from kettle moraine. Its my favorite forest! :D Ever been there?

[ArcticHI]

Yeah :D Live right by it haha

[Terranan]

Lol, thats so awesome. :p

You goin out there this fabulous summer?

[ArcticHI]

Oh yeah xD I wanna go hiking a lot more :)

[instructables1234567]

The first thing that I had noticed about your atrical is the picture of someone who looks to be blowing fire?! is that right? thats really cool. how did he do it, or how did you do it? this artical is really helpful and i wish i had the time and money. i cant wait for the "how to backback with you dog" you were talking about..well done Terranan!![:

[Terranan]

Thats a picture of me making a campfire. I made a little ember and put it into my tinder bundle and blew on it to get it going.

:) Im glad you like my instructable, ill deffinatly be making more!

[kmpeace13]

well done Terranan, I never knew there was a need for so much stuff..especially all the first aid kit! i hope to read more of your articals soon! hopefully you got an A+ in this project!!(:

[canucksgirl]

Well Done! Some great tips. ;-)

[Terranan]

Thanks! And thanks for following. :p im working on a follow up: how to backpack with your dog!