A wild camping trip can be one of the toughest experiences to prepare for, particularly when you want to carry all of the essentials. It can be difficult to choose the essential items that you need to bring and what to leave at home. With this in mind, it can be incredibly easy to overpack, which could cause the trek to be even harder than it should be.
Fortunately, you are not alone in this decision. This post can provide assistance by outlining what you must consider when choosing and packing a backpack.
Prioritize Capacity and Fit
When choosing a backpack for wild camping, there are certain features to look out for. One of the key aspects to consider is the backpack’s capacity. Proper capacity ensures you have enough room to carry all necessary gear for your trip’s duration without leaving any essentials behind. This will also prevent overpacking.
Similarly, you must consider how the backpack fits. A backpack that fits correctly will distribute weight from your shoulders to your hips. This prevents injury, pain, and strain on long treks, allowing you to move more comfortably and efficiently. You will have much better balance throughout your trip, even when hiking uneven terrain, without any movement restrictions.
The fit of a backpack must be prioritized first, so try on multiple packs with weight inside before finalizing your selection. A pack’s length is critical, so you must ensure it is the correct length by measuring your torso length from the bump at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. This will guarantee the hip belt rests on the top of your hip bones, comfortably carrying 70-80% of the weight.
Layer Items by Weight
After you have bought the right backpack for you, it is time to begin packing. How you pack your items will impact the balance, comfort, and stability of the backpack, and it can also help you avoid injuries or strain. A good technique to use is by placing heavy items close to your back and center of gravity, as explained in more detail below.
With heavier items, like your stove and tent, close to your back and between your shoulder blades, you will be able to walk more easily. The weight will not be able to pull you backward. Bulky and medium-weight items should then be packed at the bottom of the pack, and round heavy items. Finally, lightweight and frequently needed objects can go at the very top of the pack.
Not only will this technique keep you injury-free, but it will also allow you to access what you need quickly. It is also vital to know why reduce the weight of your backpack, which will simplify the entire wild camping trip.
Utilize External Pockets
Although the bulk of your items will go in the backpack’s main compartments, there will also be external pockets to use. Keeping items that you frequently need, such as rain gear, snacks, and water bottles, in these pockets enables you to get them without having to unpack your entire bag. This is useful when on the move, especially if you need to make fast adjustments when the weather changes.
There are important considerations to keep in mind when using the backpack’s external pockets. You must keep in mind your balance, so seriously consider how much you attach to the outside of the pack. Additionally, items that could easily get caught on fences or tree branches shouldn’t be stored externally.
To conclude, a wild camping trip can be an exciting experience, but it does require thorough planning. This means understanding how to prepare your backpack, as long as you have the right type of pack.
