Rucksacks/Daypacks

When hiking and camping using a rucksack or daypack there are a few things to consider to make life easier.

• Pack the bag yourself. This way you will know where everything is and it is your own fault if you have forgotten something.
• As you pack check the weight. You will be the one carrying it so ditch what you don’t need.
• If you are travelling as a group (and you should always do so!) spread things out amongst you all. Do you really need your own bar of soap, toothpaste, cooking gear etc. Sharing means you all carry less.
• You never know what the weather will do so split you gear into groups of things you will use at the same time ie a complete change of clothes together not spread through the sack. If all these groups are separately bagged (and labelled) you will be protecting them from the wet (or spillage) and if you need to get them out on a trek you don't get everything else wet if its raining.
• Double bag anything that is likely to leak and cause a spillage.
• When packing a rucksack try to keep the weight as high as possible as it will be easier to carry. ie bedrolls and sleeping bags at the bottom, tents at the top.
• Most rucksacks have numerous side pockets and hanging points. Make good use of them by putting items to be used during the journey (drinks, snacks, first aid kit etc) in so that they can be accessed without unpacking every thing.
• Make sure when packing that the pack is evenly balanced ie don’t put all your drink on one side as you will soon find it uncomfortable walking.
• Don’t try and struggle to get a pack on or off alone, get help or you may pull a muscle.
• Keep a torch, whistle, map and compass handy.
• Add something bright and luminous or a red light to the back of your pack to make it stand out to cars and such especially when it gets dark or in poor visibility. Remember the pack will cover any safety vest you wear.
• Stick together by going at the pace of the slowest in the group. Don’t abandon them as they may be in trouble and need help. Work as a team.
• Don’t forget to pack waterproofs even if the weather is hot. If you get caught out as it gets dark it will get cold and waterproofs will generally keep out much of the wind and cold.
• In the summer don’t forget the sun cream on arms, face and neck.
• Make sure that the straps on the pack are correctly adjusted else it will cause chaffing and be uncomfortable.
• Use a checklist when you pack that way you will know what you have forgotten or lost!