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Home >> Travel Logistics >> How to Pack a Backpack

How to Pack a Backpack

Simple advice on how to pack a backpack for long-term travel

No matter how many trips I take, I always seem to learn something new when it comes to packing. Traveling with a backpack for extended periods of time can become a love-hate relationship, wherein you love your backpack is your home, but you hate carrying your backpack everywhere you go. Here’s how to pack a backpack so that it will remain as light as possible.

Packed heavy objects high in close to your body. Ideally, you want to have the heaviest items in your backpack up against your spine in between your shoulder blades. This helps to raise your center of gravity, and places the majority of the weight on your hips. Make sure that the heavy items don’t slide to either side, as this will negatively affect your balance.

Note: if you are trekking over loose terrain, pack the heavy items as low as possible in your backpack. This will lower your center of gravity, helping you to maintain your balance on steep trails.

Pack infrequently used items at the bottom of your backpack. These items may include a sleep sack, toiletries, and hiking boots. Seeing that you won’t use them until the end of the day (or not at all)it makes sense to pack it deep into your backpack.

Pak frequently used items at the top of your backpack. The same logic applies here, as it is much easier to access the top of your pack than the bottom.

Packed plenty of Zip-Loc bags. I’ll usually bring close to a dozen plastic bags with me on any given trip. There are great way to water proof your clothes and toiletries, as well a separate clean and dirty clothes.

A few multifaceted tools include dental floss (doubles as a fishing line, string or clothing line) and duct tape (doubles as a seam sealer, compression socks, and string). Another useful tool is a universal drain stopper, which you can use for doing dishes or laundry.

Well, there you have it, the definitive checklist on how to pack a backpack. Happy travels!