How do you pack a backpack. (please read the details below as I have a more specific question.?

Question

Im going on a 4-Day backpacking trip into a high (9,000 ft) mountain lake. Im taking my Girlfriend that weighs 110 pounds. SHe has a fairly new (4 years old) backpack and I am quite confused about how to properly pack it. I have done research and understand how to adjust weight an compress the size but where do you put the sleeping bag and sleeping pad? Where do I put the tent on my backpack? We both have internal frame backpacks but mine has outside pockets with zippers where hers just has a compartment on each side with an open top except for the elastic to hold it close to the pack. I

ve seen where some suggest you put the roll and bag on the sides of your pack. How can you keep the weight even if you do that? Also, it doesnt seem that there are compressions straps big enough to hold them onto the sides. Do I use bungee cords to attach it? If so, where do I attach the bungee cords to the pack. Boy, I think my girlfriend is really in trouble lol. Please help.

Answer 1

I strap the sleeping bag and pad to the bottom of my pack. Roll them up so that the length of the roll is as short as possible and tie them with cord or twine so that they stay compressed very well. This helps to distribute the weight evenly. You can also strap them to the top of the pack instead of the bottom if it seems to fit better that way. The same thing goes for the tent if you are taking one.

If the rolled up items are simply too long, you can bend them up around the sides of the pack and strap them down. That of course assumes the items are strapped to the bottom of the pack, if they are on the top, you would bend the ends down along the sides.

Most packs have various points you can use to tie on straps and I hope your girlfriend's pack has some you can use!