GoJoel
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 65
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Post by GoJoel on Jan 7, 2007 0:46:30 GMT -5
Couldn't find this exact topic, but I was just wondering how exactly to pack a backpack as far as weight. I think there are different guidelines for different types of backpacking (i.e. hiking/camping, etc.) so I just wanted to know where to pack the heavier items and everything. Also, any tips on adjusting all the straps and everything or is it just adjust to comfort? I had to take a suitcase on my last trip so this part is new to me. Thanks!
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Post by me on Jan 7, 2007 1:01:50 GMT -5
most important thing is *USE THE BELT!* with the belt buckled, if the pack has been properly adjusted, the whole weight of the load will sit on your hips. you don't want any weight on your shoulders, it isn't fun.
also, keep the load strapped down. you don't want stuff in your pack shifting while you're walking.
aside from that, it's important to keep the weight balanced in your pack. you wouldn't want one side, or the other, to droop because of an unbalanced load. and keep it light (see below).
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Post by dumbdiety on Jan 7, 2007 9:07:12 GMT -5
Generally, whenever I go on a trip, I pack extra shoes on the very bottom of my bag, followed by pants, the shirts, with socks and udnerwear on the sides. Then STRAP IT DOWN. This way, when I pick my bag up, all the heavy stuff is near the bottom of the bag, and it's balanced. Any chachkas I pick up on a trip usually get put in between my pants and shirts for the padding.  |
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Post by Jules80 on Jan 7, 2007 10:04:46 GMT -5
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Post by Eagle on Jan 8, 2007 18:27:15 GMT -5
I generally pack the heavier items closer to the bottom, so that the weight is supported mostly by the hip belt rather than the shoulder straps. You didn't specity what type of Pack you'd be using, but it's important to stress that you must use a Pack that's been properly fitted according to your torso length (overall height is NOT the most important criteria). Any competent sales shop should be able to measure your torso length and fit you properly for a Backpack. It's always helpful to try this out fully loaded for an hour or so, to make sure the fit works for you.
The method of packing might vary slightly depending on whether you're using a panel-loading pack vs. a top-loading pack. Some top-loaders provide side access openings to allow access to items on the bottom, while other models have only the one opening at the top; if the user needs to retrieve something from the bottom, it's necessary to remove a lot of the contents to get to the bottom. On the other hand, panel-loaders (using zippers) are fairly easy to access and are also easier to lock (it's difficult to apply Padlocks to top-loaders in many cases).
Hope this helps. Happy travels!
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Post by pointofnoreturn on Jan 8, 2007 19:04:27 GMT -5
This isn't my thread but I wanted to post here though.... Went to the MEC store and one of the travel shops in downtown Ottawa. Tried on several fully loaded packs and I couldn't even support them myself - even with the salespeople's help.
Looks like my back is not cut out of this kind of weight, no matter how balanced it may be. I guess I'll have to invest in a good-quality 22-25 inch rolling suitcase that is sturdy enough. Won't be staying in dorm rooms so I wont have to worry about lockers, etc. When I mean good quality, I mean wheels that don't pop off. I already have a set at home and my parents borrowed it for a trip to the Dominician Republic and by the time they returned, 2 of the wheels were missing. Grr!
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GoJoel
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 65
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Post by GoJoel on Jan 9, 2007 18:45:46 GMT -5
Thank you all for the advice! I guess I forgot to mention that I am bringing an Eagle Creek Grand Voyager 90L (I'm staying to work a while so I went with a bigger pack). I know it will also just take some adjustments at home with the pack fully loaded but I was just reading different things for different types of backpacking. Thanks again!
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Post by pointofnoreturn on Jan 9, 2007 19:02:20 GMT -5
If you don't mind me asking, where are you purchasing your backpack?
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Post by Jules80 on Jan 9, 2007 19:11:41 GMT -5
point of no return... how fully loaded was your pack? they shouldn't be more than 20 kilos... this is a limit for many airlines. mine has never exceded 18... that i find heavy... i try and keep it around 13-14 kilos which is quite manageable. having majorly thrown out my back 2 years ago with my pack i'm very cautious of this...
Julie
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Post by pointofnoreturn on Jan 9, 2007 19:46:41 GMT -5
point of no return... how fully loaded was your pack? they shouldn't be more than 20 kilos... this is a limit for many airlines. mine has never exceded 18... that i find heavy... i try and keep it around 13-14 kilos which is quite manageable. having majorly thrown out my back 2 years ago with my pack i'm very cautious of this... Julie It was a 55 backpack and when it was half-loaded, it was so heavy even though it was a woman's pack and they tried adjusting the straps to make it more comfortable. I said I should probably walk around for a bit and see if it gets better. Wrong. So I went down to a 45 and it was still the same. I used to do gymnastics when I was little and I actually threw out my back when I was only 10 years old so it's been a problem of mine for a long time. We weren't planning to stay in dorm rooms, so I don't think a rolling suitcase should be a problem. I just have to make sure it's within the weight and size limit and pack as little as possible without going under limit. It's a shame though. I really wanted to get a backpack. I will be seeing my doctor in 2 weeks and find out if there's anything he can recommend. |
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GoJoel
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 65
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Post by GoJoel on Jan 11, 2007 21:09:50 GMT -5
point of no return,
Were you asking me about where I bought my backpack? All the stores near my home sell mostly Osprey packs so I went online to Ebags.com and bought my Eagle Creek for $190. This was less than the few they had at the outdoors stores, and the shipping was free.
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