How to Load a Camp Trails Backpack

Properly load your Camp Trails backpack for a more comfortable fit.

The Camp Trails brand is owned by Johnson Outdoors, the same parent company as Eureka! brand tents. No longer sold in the United States, Camp Trails products are available in Europe and are still available at domestic resale venues. Camp Trails backpacks are designed to be weather-proof, sturdy and long-lasting. Properly packing your backpack will allow you to pack everything you need for your excursion and experience a greater level of comfort.

Things You'll Need

• Colored stuff sacks
• Sleeping bag
• Camping gear
• Clothing
• Plastic bag

Instructions

1. Lay out all of your gear on a tarp or the floor. Separate the items into groups, like cooking gear or clothing, and put them into colored stuff sacks to make it easier to find gear inside the backpack. Use waterproof sacks for rainy weather.

2. Loosen all of the compression straps on the backpack. Load the sleeping bag into the bottom compartment of the backpack. Pack clothing and other lightweight items in the space remaining around the bag.

3. Place heavier items, such as a camping stove, water and tent, in the center of the backpack. Load them as close to your back as possible.

4. Load medium-weight items in the center of the backpack near the outside portion of the pack as well as at the top of the pack. Include gear such as a water filter and first aid kit in this section.

5. Place frequently used items, like sunscreen, snacks and a camera, in quickly accessible exterior pockets.

6. Tighten the compression straps on the backpack.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the stove fuel in a sealed plastic bag and pack it in a lower exterior pocket in case of leakage.

References

• REI: How to Load a Backpack
• Trailspace: Camp Trails
• Backpacker: How to Organize a Backpack