How to Pack an Internal Frame Backpack
Internal frame backpacks became popular in the early 1980s, replacing the bulky external frame packs of the '70s. External frame packs are useful in trail hiking on flatter surfaces, but in steep terrain, an internal frame pack, which moves with the body, is less likely to throw a hiker off balance than an external frame. However, correctly packing an internal frame pack is crucial to getting it to feel comfortable.
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Instructions
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Getting Started
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1
Examine the gear you plan to bring with you and figure out what is heaviest. With an internal frame pack, it is necessary to put the heavy items near the center of your back. Doing this successfully might mean breaking down your tent into sections, rather than keeping it in one bag, so that it can be carried more efficiently.
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2
Place the sleeping bag into the bottom of the pack. Sleeping bags usually are not too heavy, and many internal frame packs have a bottom zipper that lets you access the bottom of the pack quickly without having to unpack everything above it.
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3
Pack the stove and fuel and spare water, generally the heavier items, above the sleeping bag close to your back. Place spare clothing around them.
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4
Pack the tent above this near the top. Finish packing the internal compartment by placing any rain gear you might have at the very top, so you can get to it quickly in case it starts raining.
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5
Pack toilet paper and trail mix and other eat-on-the-fly foods in the top pocket of the pack so they can be accessed without too much digging. Other items that can go in the top pocket are sunscreen, bug repellent, a compass, a trail map/guide and a flashlight/headlamp.
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Tips & Warnings
Tie the tent poles to the outside of the pack so they are easy to reach and don't take up space inside. Use a CamelBak-type hydration system bladder; this should be packed in the main compartment, near the back, and the drink hose run out and clipped to the shoulder straps. If you prefer Nalgene-type bottles, buy a water bottle insulator that lets you strap the bottle to the waist belt of your pack.
