Basic How To Pack A Backpack

Foster’s Basics on How to Pack a Pack for Scouts

This is a guide I made for my twins' scout troop; after our first pack check we felt it might be helpful for the parents and their boys.  I thought it might also be of some interest for those less experienced back-packers. Hopefully you can pick up a few tips from one that has learned from a lot of trial and error.  

I hope you find it helpful, feel free to leave a comment, I'm always interested in hearing other points of view.

Disclaimer: Everyone has their own way of doing this; I have found for keeping things simple and dry, this system works really well. It’s a “keep it simple stupid (KISS)” approach.  Remember keeping your gear dry makes for a happy camp. :)

Step 1: Line your pack with a waterproof bag (pack liner)ie. large garbage bag (put an extra one in the very bottom in case the first rips)

Step 2: Stuff sleeping bag into bottom of plastic bag / pack (stuffing allows bag to fill all the gaps, optimizing space)

Step 3: Put dry clothing into a separate bag to keep together, can double as a pillow at night

Step 4: Push clothing bag in above sleeping bag, compressing out all extra air and space.  Close large plastic bag by squeezing out extra air, twisting top several times and stuffing down the inside of pack, everything inside staying dry. :)

Step 5: Put all food, bowl, utensil and anything that may attract animals into a waterproof stuff sack or bag, these bags will be stored in a bear bin or hung in a tree at night or when not at camp to keep organized, safe and dry.  NOTE: I will often break each day into separate large zip-lock bags and then put them all (labeled) into my bigger food bag.  ALSO: Some toiletries smell too, these can be stored with your food.

Step 6: Put food bag on top of dry liner bag, these protective layers keep your smelly food away from your clothes and bedding (THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT).

Step 7: Misc. gear can be put in to fill the voids of your pack, remember to keep important stuff close to the top for easy and quick access.

Step 8: If you have external pockets or top pockets, this is a great place to keep really important items for quick easy access ie. rain-gear, toilet paper, head lamps, water bottles, knives, mug, etc.  If it starts raining while we’re hike, being able to get your rain coat without opening your dry bag will be a big deal.  

Also: remember some of these items need to stay dry, zip lock bags are great for protecting toilet paper, head lamps etc.

Step 9: A closed cell foam pad can be attached to the bottom, top, or side of your pack.  If it is not closed cell then it will need to be in a water proof case to keep it dry and protected for bed.

NOTES:

1. An extra garbage bag or two never hurts.

2. Your boys need to pack their own packs (with you overseeing) so they learn how and also know where their items are when they’re at camp.

3. Some people use pack covers (I do), they do work but should not be used in place of pack liners (garbage bag). 

4. Water can run down between the hiker’s back and pack and can soak everything from the unprotected frame side.

5. I have probably missed a few things; if you have questions feel free to give us (your leaders) a call.

PS. You may notice that cooking and shelter are not mentioned; on this camp the boys will be working in groups of 4, each boy will be assigned a piece of the group gear which will include a part of the tent and/or a stove and fuel along with some other items.  When packing these items I usually keep my stove and pot with my food; my shelter either on the top of my pack or on the outside in case it needs to dry out.   

PSS.  This is not meant to be a list of what to take, just a basic guide on how to pack for a hike.

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment.