A well-packed backpack can be the difference between pleasure and pain when you're out in the wilderness. It is worth spending some time at home loading your pack with the gear you expect to take on different trips just to see how it fits and how the comfort level of your pack changes when your pack is configured differently.

Here are some tips which will help with getting the weight and position configuration correct: 

Sleeping Bag and Mattress

• Pack your sleeping bag in its stuff sack at the bottom of your pack. It is the last item you will need each day. The soft bulk of the bag will not dig into your hips and provides a firm platform on which to load your other equipment. Your sleeping bag is essential to having a good night's rest in the backcountry and for this reason, it should be protected as best as you can. Consider extra waterproofing in the form of Compression Dry Sacks. We strongly recommend that you do not strap it to the outside of your pack where it can be easily damaged or rained on.
• Folding, rather than rolling, your sleeping mat and loading it vertically against the frame on the inside of the pack helps prevent the contents of your pack from digging into your back. Alternatively, you can roll the sleeping mat loosely around the interior of the pack as if it were lining the pack and place the rest of your items inside the roll.

Heavy Gear

• Pack heavy items towards the frame of the pack. This keeps the centre of gravity close to your back. Stoves, fuel, food, and similar items are ideally placed here. Try to keep the weight central so as not to overburden one side of your back.
• Large heavy gear, such as your tent, should be arranged near your back and about shoulder height or lower but without too much stuff on top. Having your tent easily accessible is convenient when you stop to set up camp, especially if it's raining.

Rainwear and Quick Acess Items

• Gear which is needed frequently or quickly should be easy to access. Lid pockets and front pockets are perfect for snacks, gloves, cameras, maps, compasses, first aid kits, and rainwear. Remember that pockets are usually the least waterproof areas of the pack and use dry sacks to protect your gear where necessary.
• Stuff your rainwear into a pocket. If your rainwear is too bulky to fit into a pocket it should be tucked under the lid of the pack where it can be quickly retrieved.
• Utilise all available space by packing small items such as underwear or socks inside other items or filling the small voids between bulky items etc.

External Items

• Try to avoid attaching equipment to the outside of your pack. In the bush, it is easy to damage or lose gear from the outside of your rucksack by snagging it on dense scrub. If you are travelling using a travel pack, gear hanging off the outside of the pack is an easy target for thieves, and can be damaged or lost during transit. 
• The exception to the above is, of course, skis or mountaineering equipment. Skis are best carried on a pack by lashing them to the sides with compression straps or straps in plastic lash tabs. Secure them tightly to the pack, as they are prone to shift about while walking. Alpine packs often have reinforced fabric patches on either the lid or front panel, designed for attaching crampons. Face crampons points towards each other so as to limit any damage to the pack fabric.

For tips on how to properly fit your pack for maximum comfort check out our guide here.

A well packed backpack can be the difference between pleasure and pain when you're out in the wilderness. It is worth spending some time at home loading your pack with the gear you expect to take on different trips just to see how it fits and how the comfort level of your pack changes when your packing is configured differently.

As a general rule it is best to avoid attaching gear on the outside of your pack, instead packing everything inside of your pack protects your gear from damage and water. If you’re going to bother carrying it all that way, you want it to work when you need it.

Tips for Effectively Loading Your Pack
 

Pack your sleeping bag in its stuff sack at the bottom of your pack

You will not need to access your sleeping bag throughout the day and the soft bulk of the bag comfortably sits across your lower back. Note that packing your sleeping bag deep in your bag will not necessarily keep it dry, in wet conditions a pack liner or waterproof stuff sack may be necessary.

Pack heavy items against the frame of the pack

This ensures your centre of gravity is close to your back. Stoves, fuel, food and similar items are ideally placed here. Try to keep the weight central so as not to overburden one side of your back.

Keep your tent accessible

Your tent should be arranged near to your back at about shoulder height or lower and without too much gear on top. Having your tent be easily accessible is convenient when you stop to set up camp, especially if it's raining.

Utilise all available space

Pack small items such as underwear or socks inside other items or fill the space between bulky items. Gear which is needed frequently or quickly should be easy to access. Lid pockets and back pockets are perfect for snacks, gloves, cameras, map, compass, first aid kits and rainwear. Remember that pockets are the least waterproof areas of the pack and use dry sacks to protect your gear where necessary.

Keep your rainwear at the ready

Ideally, stuff your rainwear into an accessible pocket. If your rainwear is too bulky to fit into a pocket it should be tucked under the lid of the pack where it can be quickly retrieved.

Avoid attaching equipment to the outside of your pack. 

In the bush, it is easy to damage or lose gear from the outside of your rucksack by snagging it on dense scrub. If you are traveling using a travel pack, gear which is hanging off the outside of the pack is an easy target for thieves, and can be damaged or lost during baggage handling.

Lash skiing or mountaineering equipment to their designated areas

Skiing or mountaineering equipment is exempt from the rule above. Skis are best carried on a pack by lashing them to the sides with compression straps or straps in plastic lash tabs. Secure them tightly to the pack, as they are prone to shift about while walking. Alpine packs often have patches of reinforced fabric on either the lid or front panel, which are designed for attaching crampons. Face crampon spikes towards each other to limit any damage to the pack fabric.