Packing a hiking pack Overnight Stay

Adjusting the pack to fit you Before packing your bag ensure that it is the right one for you. This will make an enormous difference comfort wise and to your ability to carry the pack when hiking. To check if it is the right one for you see if the pack matches the length of your body, this is the first step. If it is right, then to make it easier on you bend the frame staves to suit your back. This should follow the curves of your body. Some people choose to take the frames out of the back pack before bending. However, it might become difficult to insert back in, so it is recommended to bend whilst it is still in the bag. When placing the pack on your back you should adjust the hip belt. This should sit on your hips, however some women like to wear it higher than men. The harness overhanging your shoulders should also be adjusted to fit your body.

Equipment needed Examples of equipment list for hiking bag: Backpack Phone Water to drink, need to keep well hydrated, maybe a couple of bottles, or a way of collection water that is safe to drink Tent to shelter you Sleeping bag to sleep in Clothes to wear for the next day Torch to see in the dark, spare batteries just in case Food to eat Knife Map for navigation, might also need gps, compass Emergency shelter like a tarp, also to cover goods so they do not get wet   Equipment for starting a fire such as matches or lighter, kindling, and emergency fire starter First aid kit for at least for minor injuries Toilet paper Hand sanitation Insect repellent Whistle Binoculars Bag for collecting trash, do not leave anything behind Quick dry towel Watch Camera Sun protection, eg. Hat or sunscreen

Weight distribution To pack a hiking pack you need to be aware that when carrying it your gravity may be shifted. Your pack should allow you to have a slight lean forward, but no big shift to any side. Everyone's centre of gravity is slightly different. However, tips for packing include keeping the heaviest items closest to your back, and in the middle of your pack. On the move always keep the hip belt tight and the stabilising straps firm. This will move the weight of the sack closer to your back. Over rough or hilly surfaces loosen the stabilising straps, tighten the shoulder straps, and tighten the stabilising straps back up. This will shift the weight onto your shoulders making it easier to carry.

Waterproofing To prevent damage to items from water it is a goods idea to waterproof the contents of your bag. If your bag is not waterproof already they line the inside of your large compartment area with a waterproof bag before filling it will your items. This will protect your goods from being saturated if you end up being rained on or fall in a puddle, maybe not so much a creek, unless it seals very tightly. However, this will prevent you from having to wear soggy wet clothes the next day, or eating soggy wet food. For smaller goods placed in the outer pockets it is a good idea to waterproof these as well by placing them into zip lock bags or sealed containers. These include items such as matches, electronics and toilet paper. Without protection of these good you may not be able to light a fire, contact others or know the time or even go to the loo properly.