How to pack a backpack
How well your backpack carries is largely determined by how you pack it. Even the best pack will hang off your back like a dead sloth if you pack it poorly. On the other hand, a well-packed load will sit snug against your back and keep you balanced over your feet.
- Generally, pack light weight items such as clothing and sleeping bags at the bottom and heavier items at the top.
- Don't just toss stuff in haphazardly. Tuck the heaviest items - food, fuel and water, for example - close to your
back. This will transfer weight to your hip belt and away from your shoulder straps.
- Even though you want most clothing at the bottom, keep a few key items - gloves, toque, an extra layer and a rain
jacket - near the top for easy access.
- Packing the tent fly, body and poles separately takes up less space and allows for more creative packing. (It also lets you divide the weight among the members of your group.)
- Keep bottles and fuel containers upright (just in case).
- If you plan on scrambling or climbing, pack heavy items more towards the middle of the pack to lower your centre of
gravity, and avoid overstuffing the lid, so you'll be able to look up unhindered.
- Fit your sleeping pad inside the pack, if you can, It will be less likely to get ripped or punctured.
- If you must hang stuff off the outside, make sure everything is well secured and lashed down so it doesn't swing and throw you off balance at an inopportune moment.
How to recognize tracks
Even if you don't see them, it's nice to know what animals are in the neighbourhood, especiatLy when they have long claws.
 |
Grey wolf
4 to 6 inches long
up to 5 inches wide |
 |
Wolverine
4.5 inches long
4.5 inches wide |
 |
Whitetail deer
2-3 inches long
2.5 inches wide |
 |
Moose
5-6 inches long
5.5 inches wide |
 |
Black bear
Front paws 6 inches long and wide
Rear paws 10 inches long, 6 inches wide |
 |
Grizzly bear
Front paws 4 to 7 inches long, 4 inches wide
Rear paws 12 inches long, 4 inches wide |
And more things you should know out there...
Download the PDF file to read the whole article, size 2.39MB
 25HowTo.pdf
|
|
