Suggestions As To What To Pack And Where To Pack It
This check list is offered as a near minimum for a safe and
comfortable backpack outing. Using an adequate pack and sleeping bag the
weight should be under 20 lbs. You will need to add 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. per
man per day for dehydrated food and 2 lbs. per quart of water. You
should be able to pack in for a week carrying under 30 lbs.
When buying ANYTHING for camping or backpacking, wait until you can
afford quality equipment, buying something "for now" will only cost you
allot more in the long run. Don't buy just for camping if you ever plan
on backpacking, camping equipment is no good on a backpack trip, but
backpacking equipment is perfectly fine for a camp out.
The lighter the equipment and the less room it takes up, the more
it will cost. However, the quality usually is much, much better and you
can have it a lifetime if taken care of properly.
NOTE: This list is not intended to be
considered the best or only way to pack a bag. As you gain experience
you can shift around to suit your own idea.
- A - FLAP POCKET: Maps, fire permit, notebook, pen, fishing license, identification, guide book.
- B - UPPER LEFT POCKET: Canteen, stove fuel, rain gear.
- C - UPPER RIGHT POCKET:
Plastic bowl, matches, plastic bags, cup, lunch, sun glasses, rubber
bands, tablespoon, trail snacks, nylon cord 30 ft., toilet kit:
toothbrush & paste, soap, dish cloth, toilet paper.
- D - UPPER COMPARTMENT:
Cook kit, pot tongs, food, stove, water bag, tent or tarp, ground
cloth, sleeping pad, condiment kit: salt, pepper, milk, sugar, coffee or
tea (adults only), flavorings.
- E - LOWER COMPARTMENT:
Cap, underwear, trousers, windbreaker, wool shirt or down jacket,
socks, shirts, gloves, swim suit, bandanna, food (if not in D).
- F - LOWER LEFT POCKET:
Sun screen, lip balm, water purifier, bug repellent, pack & tent
repair kit, extra pack pins & rings, needles, thread, buttons, flash
light & batteries.
- G - LOWER RIGHT POCKET: First aid kit.
- H - STUFF SACK: Stuff in your sleeping bag and small pillow. Sleeping pad if not in D.
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CARRY ON YOUR PERSON: Compass, pocket knife, Medic Alert bracelet or pendant (if used), waterproof matches.
PACK ITEMS IN SMALL STUFF BAGS: For easy access to your gear, pack
all your gear in small stuff bags then pack the backpack. Plastic zip
lock bags make excellent small and medium stuff bags especially to keep
items dry. Large zip lock bags can be used to pack clothing.
Zone Method Of Packing A Backpack
The Zone Method of packing a backpack can make the difference between drudgery and enjoyment during the time spent on the trail.
A few simple principles which are often overlooked can make a
difference. Technically speaking the body has a center of gravity
located directly over the ankles. When standing normally there is very
little forward of the body. However, when a pack is placed on the back,
the body leans forward to bring the pack's center of gravity directly
over the ankles. Consequently, it is advantageous to keep the pack's
center of gravity as close to your back as possible to prevent
unnecessary forward lean. As a result the following method is
recommended to load a backpack.
ZONE A: This area is the closest to the back and should carry
equipment of the greatest density like stoves, tent hardware, water, etc
ZONE B: This middle area should be packed with medium density objects.
ZONE C: The area farthest away from the body's center of gravity should be filled with the lightest equipment.
HEAVY - HIGHER and LIGHT LOWER
There is also a benefit in placing the densest weight high in the
pack as it will be more directly over the center of gravity. A tent
should be either distributed in Zone A of the pack or strapped on top.
The sleeping bag can be stuffed in the bottom toward Zone C or strapped
to the bottom of the pack.