Packing a rucksack is important as it can affect how heavy the bag feels, your posture and your breathing. To find out what you need to pack, have a look at our Expedition Kit List (separate document).

Make sure you take what you need and only what you need!

When choosing a rucksack make sure that it not too big or too small

When packing a rucksack make sure every thing is in bags this makes it a lot easier to get it in and out and keep it clean and dry.

Using different colours and types makes it even easier to determine between them.

• Lay everything out were you can see it.

• Identify the things that you might need to put your hands on quickly. (e.g. First Aid Kit, Jumper, Water, Food, Wet weather gear)

   

• Look at the rest and put things into groups (e.g. towels, t-shirts and jumpers, swimwear, underwear, trousers and shorts) Make sure you pack it and you know were every thing is. Maybe you could put the different groups into bags.

   

• Now you can start packing your rucksack. Pack the outer pockets neatly before you pack the main rucksack. Make sure that the lighter stuff is at the bottom of the bag (MAKE SURE THAT YOU PACK INTO THE CORNERS) Then put the heavier stuff on the top. Make sure that there are no objects that will poke out against your back.

   

• Try your bag out and reorganise if needed.

• Pack in the stuff you left out that you may need to get your hands on quickly into the side pockets and strap it on.