How to Pack

As I was staring at the ceiling, while in bed last night, I started thinking of the preparations that we are starting for our trip to Mt Mitchell.  And then I started to think about Santa and the fact that he was probably starting to load his pack(hopefully with the REI gift cards for us!) for the journey he is about to make.

So because of this I thought I would put down a couple of basic guidelines to packing your bag. 

Always do your best to start packing the items you will use last.  Example… If you are going to pack a water bottle to drink from on your hike, don’t put it at the very bottom of your pack. Instead start off with items like your sleeping pads or sleeping bag at the bottom of your bag. 

The next thing to consider when you are packing is weight distribution.  The standard distribution for backpacking is to have the lightest items (Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc…) at the very bottom of the bag and the farthest point behind you. The medium weight items (Stove, clothing, first aid kit, etc…) are typically put on the top of your pack.  And that leaves the heaviest items (Tent, water, fuel, etc…) to be stored closest to your back and as centered as possible.  Packing your bag like this will keep the weight on your hips and thus help you be more efficient with your hike.

Finally put all of the items you will use on your hike within an arms reach.  This includes water bottles, chap stick, whistle, compass, gels, and anything else you feel that you will use. That way you don’t have to take off the pack in order to get something. 

I hope that this helps any of you out there.  Visit this link to REI to get more in depth packing advice. And as always if you have any questions or if I missed anything… PLEASE feel free to chime in!

Merry Christmas!!