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The trip is right around the corner, so what do you pack?
The packing part takes on a different meaning if you’re a backpacker. We do not have the luxury of valet services, we must carry what we pack on our backs, and yet packing is the most important part of your trip because what you do and take affects your enjoyment of the trip. So many times you see packers out on the trail suffering and struggling because they have over-packed and most items they have are not entirely necessary.
Pack Down and Save your Back.
The method of packing your pack depends on what type pack you use. The external frame pack distributes the weight differently than an internal frame pack, so depending on what type you use, it could make all the difference in weight distribution during your hike. For the external packs you want the weight to sit low. This distribution helps you with balance while hiking the trails.
Internal Frame packs are made to hug the body more than the external frames. For this reason you want to place the heavier items in your pack close to the middle of your back close to your body. This process helps the center of gravity, which is located at the waist area. When you have most of the weight at your center of gravity this makes it easier to turn and pivot, and it also makes the weight easier to haul long distance.
The two bulkiest items in tow will be your sleeping bag and tent, if you use a tent.
One surefire way of storing your sleeping bag to make it as compact as possible is getting a compression bag. This allows the size and bulk to be reduced for easier packing. Once you have reduced the size of the bag you can easily store and anchor it to the bottom of your frame on your pack.
When packing your tent, you may consider splitting it up into parts; tent body, poles, and rain flap. The poles can be tied to the sides of your pack and then the tent body can be stuffed into the top of your pack just as easily. The rain flap then can be stuffed in also.
Never fold your tent. Folding it can weaken the waterproofing on the outsides and cause it to crack. it is easier and better for the tent if you bunch it up and stuff it.
Clothing can fit just about anywhere inside your pack. Be creative and bunch, roll or fold the clothing as small as possible to make room for everything to fit in. Camping items usually are odd shapes and sizes and are not as compact or are totally unfoldable, so you must utilize the outsides of your pack. Hang metal items from the back and sides.
Always have your rain gear stowed at the top of your pack for easy access.
Also have your toilet paper in a handy and easy to get to spot in top. Make sure that you have bagged the items inside your pack to keep them from getting wet in case of rain. The best way to do this is to wrap items in garbage bags. Smaller items can be stowed in Ziploc bags: always make sure to pack extras of both.
I always make sure to have a nice hip belt with holsters so I can stow my water bottles and lunch for easy access. Also some are very roomy and have more than enough holsters, so stow away small useful items that you need to have easy access to, such as flashlights, lip balm, sunscreen and bug repellant.
Always include a nice waterproof tarp in your pack. Tarps have a million and one uses so never be without one.
Any sporting goods store will sell you anything and some of these things are really of no use in the field.
Disposable toilet: I say NO. They are compact, yes, but convenient they are not. Forget them.
Special biodegradable toilet paper: All paper will degrade after time, so this is an expensive and totally unnecessary item.
Head Lamps: They are great but they do need battery power and the batteries are expensive, plus you don’t have the control of a headlamp like you do directing a beam on a regular flashlight, so unless you don’t mind the expense, leave them at home.
Just remember, keep what you take to a minimum and pack easy and take only what you know you’ll need. The trails and wilderness are not places for modern day conveniences, so just go natural and leave the stuff you don’t need. You cannot take it all and if you did you would be so weighted down you would never get up the trail. Be careful and have a safe and wonderful trip.
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