how to pack a hiking backpack
The first thing I noticed upon putting on a good fitting backpack was how comfortable it felt. As a dayhiker I was used to straps cutting into my shoulders. Feeling the weight on my hips was a wonderful new dimen - sion. That was the moment I began to think that maybe this backpacking business wasn’t such a mule-ish, masochistic endeavor after all.
Backpacks have a rigid supporting frame.This enables a hiker to carry more than with a typical daypack which usually dangles from shoulder straps. The frame distributes the weight off the shoulders to the hips. A hipbelt is necessary.
There are two kinds of backpack frames:
Alan’s external frame (left) has a rigid metal or plastic support on which the bag hangs.
Alison’s internal frame has metal stays constructed inside the pack.
The external frame supports the pack away from the body.
This allows the air to evaporate the sweat from your back. Since it rigidly holds the load away from your body, it doesn’t move precisely with your motion. It can sway and throw you off balance. If you hike on trails this is not a problem. But for offtrail, rock scrambling or stream crossings it can be.
Compared to the internal frame the e xternal frame costs less, is easy to fit and easy to load.
The internal frame fits close to the body.
Originally designed to work off-trail in demanding terrain, this pack moves with a hiker’s motion and many hikers like that. Internals are somewhat complicated and can be more difficult to fit.Without a support to hold the pack open, it is more difficult to pack. Internals are more expensive than comparable external-frame packs.
If you’re going to climb, thrash and wade off-trail, the internal frame is your pack.
Fitting
Try on both styles with a load. Most of the weight should settle on the hips. In fact, your shoulder straps should carry only about 20% of the weight. Fingers should slip easily underneath. If they cut into your shoulders, something’s wrong. There is adjusting to do! The pack must fit your torso length (base of neck to top of hip) as well as your waist and hips. Look for adjustable models in your size (yes, many pack models come in sizes) and to fit your specific body type. There are packs specifically designed for women as well as men. A good fit feels good on your back. Expect the 40 pounds or so to settle you down a bit, but comfortably.You may be amazed at just how easily your hips support a fully loaded pack. I certainly was.
Stick with the major brands (see “labels” at end of chapter) to ensure quality. Insist on knowledgeable help. You will need it to adjust the pack to your body.
Size
Pack size is measured in cubic inches. External frames of 4,000 to 5,000 cubes will carry a week’s worth of gear and grub. Internal frames of 4,500 to 6,000 cubes will do the same.They are larger because the sleeping bag is packed inside the pack.The bag is lashed outside external-frame packs.
Daypacks
Anything under 20 pounds can be comfortably supported by your shoulders.There are a number of simple, quality daypacks to choose from.There aremodels with hipbelts as well. Consider using a fanny pack for light loads.
It’s your back
Packing too much is apparently a common practice. I’ve heard of packs weighing 60 pounds or more and I don’t understand that at all. I lug about 45 pounds or so and that’s it. I’ll eat the bark off trees before I carry any more than that.We met a young lady once who was out by herself with a pack that must have weighed 75 pounds. She had food packaged in the same glass jars they came in as well as a teddy bear to snuggle with at night (not that teddies are heavy, but they can be bulky hence space consuming). On the same trip we heard about a fellow who was so exhausted from his burden that he discarded brand-new gear to lighten his load. In contrast, we encountered someone later on who didn’t have 25 pounds on his back. He thought himself a wuss for carrying that much.
What should you carry? Exactly what you need, and you won’t know that (exactly) until you’ve done it a few times. But trust me, you can leave teddy at home.
Parting words
● Purchase or rent a name brand pack that fits well when fully loaded.
● Make sure your backpack rests on your hips comfortably. Your shoulders carry maybe 20% of the weight. The straps should not dig.
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