Exploring The Great Outdoors

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When preparing for a backpacking trip, most people are concerned with what to pack. However, how you pack and carry your backpack is just as crucial for a successful hike.

If you are wearing your backpack correctly, nearly all of the weight should be resting on your hips, through the use of the straps that tighten around your waist. These are the most important straps and should be very snug. If the backpack you are using doesn’t have waist straps, it might be time to invest in one that does. It makes a world of a difference on longer hikes. The only function of the shoulder straps should be to keep the bag close to you. You can check this by leaving the waist strap secured while removing the shoulder straps. There should be very little shift in weight, except that the bag may start to tip away from you. If you do notice that you were carrying some of the weight on your shoulders, tighten the straps around your waist.

The way you pack your backpack is also a critical thing to note. All heavier items should be placed as low and as close to your body as possible. Packing heavier items away from your body and higher up in the pack will cause the load to feel heavier than it is. (Imagine carrying your suitcase or purse at the end of a stick that you were holding instead of directly in your hand.) This will also save the lighter items from being broken or deformed under the weight of other objects. You will want most of the weight near your center of mass; this will make it easier to balance and prevent falls while climbing. This is why most backpacks designed for overnight hikes provide a place to secure your sleeping bag underneath the bulk of the pack.

Properly wearing and packing your backpack will help prevent unnecessary shoulder or back pain associated with hiking. It also allows you to comfortably hike for a longer distance, because weight on your waist doesn’t really feel like weight at all. Pack smart, hike happy.