{"id":2160,"date":"2023-03-29T08:38:28","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T22:08:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=2160"},"modified":"2023-03-30T08:35:37","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T22:05:37","slug":"beginners-guide-to-packing-a-rucksack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-packing-a-rucksack\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner’s Guide to Packing a Rucksack"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re new to overnight hiking, trying to fit all your gear in your rucksack can be a daunting experience. However, when you break it down, every item will have its place \u2013 and hopefully, it will all fit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important for your gear to be packed in the right places to distribute weight evenly. This will both prevent injury and ensure you remain balanced. Not only should you consider weight, but also what you will need to access during the day and the order in which you\u2019ll remove items from your pack when you reach camp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the back-of-the-pack pots and pans, to the snacks up top and snap-lock bags – read on for tips on how to choose, pack, and reduce weight in a rucksack!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Distributing weight evenly throughout the pack will prevent injury and ensure you remain balanced. Credit: Icebreaker<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing Your Pack<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The choice of daypack<\/a> will depend on how often you intend to use it and how much you want to carry. If you are going on an overnight hike, there are more items required and features to bear in mind when choosing a pack. Some considerations are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Waist and\/or Chest Strap <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over-the-shoulder bags are generally not ideal for your neck and back. It\u2019s recommended to have a backpack with two adjustable arm straps and padding on the shoulders. A waist and\/or chest strap will help distribute the pack\u2019s weight evenly across your back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carrying Less Than 1\/5 of Your Weight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daypacks are designed to be lightweight. A normal bag might seem light when you start walking \u2013 but after a few hours in the heat, it will feel like a tonne!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adults should aim to carry up to 20% of their weight, and it\u2019s generally recommended for children to carry between 10% and 20% of theirs. When you consider that water will weigh roughly a kilogram per litre, the weight quickly stacks up \u2013 so it is important that the pack itself is as light as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Adults should aim to carry up to 20% of their weight. Credit: Deuter<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adequate Space for Essentials<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daypacks come with a range of features, such as emergency whistles<\/a>, bungee straps for holding water bottles<\/a>, built-in hydration packs<\/a>, and small compartments for storing keys and wallets. Consider what you are going to carry as well as how you\u2019ll transport your water, and choose your desired features accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good Ventilation <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be you walking in the heat or over long distances, a breathable air mesh fabric backing is useful to help with ventilation and reduce sweating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility with Your Height and Build<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try before you buy! It\u2019s recommended to buy a daypack that suits your height and build. A comfortable pack is a hiker\u2019s best friend \u2013 and once you find the right pack, you\u2019ll likely use it for everything!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more on hiking, travel, and daypacks – tune into Ben and Lauren’s podcast<\/a> interview with Deuter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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