Packing your Backpack
Here are some useful hints for hikers starting out on their first backpacking trails and could serve as reminders to those who have been hiking for many years.
A well-packed pack will feel more comfortable allowing for better balance and will serve more as a companion than a burden.
Limit the weight of your pack as far as possible. The objective is to pack only what you need while ensuring you’ll be well prepared on the trail. The weight of your pack should never exceed a third of your body weight.
Substitute with lightweight items where possible. A plastic mess-kit is not only lighter, it can also help avoid noisy rattling sounds while hiking. Pack dehydrated foods (available for sale at hiking shops) as apposed to heavy canned goods.
Plastic bags are lightweight and can serve various purposes on the trail. Before packing, line your backpack with a large rubbish bag or a “sack liner”. This will keep the contents dry if you’re caught in the rain during your hike. Although most quality packs do stand up to their claim of being waterproof, water will sometimes seep through the seams and zips and older packs which lose their waterproof coating.
Pack a few plastic bags to line your plate. This will avoid having to wash the plate while out on the trail. The bags can also double as garbage bags, soap and toiletry storage or a convenient way to hold your snacks.
Keep the area that makes contact with your back free from bulky items. Place items such as plates and pots away from the back of the pack to avoid having them poke you in the ribs as you walk.
Wrap soft goods, such as clean clothing or a dishtowel, around steel items to prevent them from rattling while walking the trail.
Avoid attaching anything to the outside of your pack. Tying items such as mugs and raincoats on the outside of your pack will soon become more of a hindrance than a convenience. These items will rattle as you walk or snag on branches or rocks.
Place items you are least likely to need at the bottom of your pack so that you can easily access items that are used often, such as food and cooking utensils.
Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack sits as high as possible and pack the bulk of the weight in the top half closest to your back. If fitted with a hip belt, ensure that the straps are adjusted correctly so that the pack’s weight rests on your hips.
Pack environmentally friendly soaps and detergents. They are for sale at hiking and health shops and most outlets.
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