In order to be the most practical packer, it is crucial to bring everything you need, and not one thing more! Here are the five most important things to keep in mind while you are packing for your backpacking trip.
Get The Weight Down In Your Backpack
Try this exercise that always helps travelers pack better. Think about how many clothes you think you need. Okay, now take that mental picture and split it in half. Now buy a small compression bag, and put your clothes in it to make them even smaller. Getting the weight down in your backpack is by far the most important piece of advice. Less stuff to hold is the key to a painless and enjoyable backpacking experience.
The Smaller, The Better
Choosing your backpack is the second most important travel decision. A good rule of thumb is to get a bag that is 1/3 of your body weight when it is completely filled up with your gear. Again, it is important to remember to buy a smaller bag because you won’t be able to fill it up with anything and everything that you don’t need. The point of backpacking is to only travel with what you’ve got on your back. Anything more than that is defeating the purpose.
Weight Distribution
Knowing how to distribute the weight in your backpack could definitely save you from serious back ache. Try to place your heaviest items closest to your back. Your lightest items should be distributed at the bottom and top of your backpack rather than the middle area.
Strapping In
Strapping yourself in well is very important. Make sure that the pack fits comfortably on you by securing all of the straps. You will want to feel weight resting on your hips rather than your shoulders.
Keep Essential Close
It is a huge pain to unpack your entire bag every time you need an essential item. Remember to place your most important and frequently used items in an accessible spot in your pack. The top of your pack or a convenient side strap are both easy places to keep your essentials.
Good luck packing and happy backpacking!