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If you are going camping, the most essential piece of gear you can bring with you is your backpack. A little planning goes a long way when packing your backpack for your adventure. Read on to learn more about how to pack a camping backpack.
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Introduction
- Even the most experienced of campers has likely dealt with the repercussions of an improperly packed backpack. You may need quick access to first aid supplies, for example, only to discover that the band aids and gauze are somewhere near the bottom of your large backpack. Taking the time to properly pack your backpack before you leave to go camping can make a great trip even more enjoyable.
Step 1: Pick the Right Backpack
- Before you can begin to pack a backpack for camping, you need to be sure you've got the right kind of backpack for your adventure. Daypacks are designed for day trips and do not typically have an extra compartment that will allow you to store bulkier items, like sleeping bags or tents. If you will be camping for several days, you will need a larger backpack to accommodate all of your gear.
Step 2: Gather Your Gear
- You should gather up all the items you will need for your camping trip before you ever open your backpack to begin packing. These may include:
- A tent
- A sleeping bag and a pad or bedroll
- Cooking supplies
- Food and water
- Rain gear
- A survival kit, which may include:
- First aid supplies
- Water purification tablets
- Waterproof matches
- Signaling mirror
- Other items you will need include:
- Map
- Compass
- GPS
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Step 3: Pack Your Backpack
- Once you have assembled all the items you will need for your camping trip, you are ready to stow your gear.
- Start by packing the last item you are likely to need—your sleeping bag
- If your backpack is not waterproof, place the sleeping bag in a garbage bag to protect it from water
- You may want to use a compression sack to save space
- Pack your clothing; many times clothes can be packed in a special compartment with your sleeping bag
- Next, pack your tent
- You may be able to attach your tent to the outside of the backpack
- Some backpacks have special compartments specially designed to hold tents and stakes
- Stow your bedroll next; it can often be rolled up and attached to the outside of your backpack
- Pack your cooking supplies
- Be careful to stow any fuel you may be carrying away from your tent, food supply and sleeping bag
- Store items you may need during a day hike in an easily accessible area of the backpack
- Some backpacks have daypacks attached to them
- You can always store your essentials in a fanny pack for quick access
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