Tips in packing external frame backpack

When packing an external frame pack, balance is the key word. In order to obtain good balance you need to distribute your gear properly. Strap your sleeping bag and pad to the frame at the bottom of the pack. This help keep your back straight so that you're head is not forced down where all you see is the ground. Put the tent on top of your pack to act as a counter weight to your sleeping bag. To share the load, it is a good idea to split up the tent parts among those that are sleeping in the tent. Put your cloths in the bottom compartment above your sleeping bag. This makes your cloths easy to access and they are less likely to get wet. Put crew gear and food in the main compartment. This way, the crew gear remains separate from your personal stuff, and puts the heaviest part of your load in the middle of the pack and against your back. Keep small items and personal supplies in the smaller outside pockets. Put your water bottles on the outside for easy access. Place your pack cover and rain gear on top of the pack so that you can get to it quickly. It is a good idea to put everything in your bag inside another bag (plastic zip-lock bags are ideal to keep stuff dry).