How to Pack a Backpack for Travelling
Packing a backpack is a task that seems to have a straightforward concept. Depending on the situation, there is more than one way to pack a backpack. You may be wondering how to pack a backpack for travelling.
Written by Echo Wang | Edited by Bianca Versoza
Packing a backpack is a task that seems to have a straightforward concept. Depending on the situation, there is more than one way to pack. If you’re getting ready for a trip, you may be wondering how to pack a backpack for travelling to ensure all the essentials make it on your journey.
Multiple factors go into the process of packing a backpack for travel.
Ultimately, you want to be as comfortable as possible throughout your trip while also having space for everything you need. Learning to pack wisely is important.
This skill will particularly come in handy if you are embarking on a camping trip, but it can still be useful even when visiting a friend for a weekend trip.
Choose Your Backpack
The type of backpack that you choose can make a huge difference while travelling. Not every backpack was created for the same purpose, and some are not big enough to handle a travelling load.
Before you depart on your journey, you’ll want to do some backpack research by visiting your local department store or browsing online.
If you are going to be wearing a backpack for a long period of time, you will want the experience to be comfortable. And depending on your physical state, you may find that certain backpacks work better than others.
The type of backpack that you choose is ultimately a personal choice. However, you will want to make sure that whatever bag you choose is high-quality.
Select Your Belongings
Part of packing for a trip means selecting what you are going to bring. If you are relying on your backpack to store your items, you will need to plan carefully.
Excess items will add weight to your pack. A heavy backpack is the fastest way to tire yourself out within the first few hours of your trip. To avoid tiring yourself out, you should only bring your necessities.
Try to bring a water bottle and some snacks with you if you are travelling on foot. Travelling for a long time can cause you to lose energy, and having nourishment is important to help you regain your strength and keep you moving. Even if you aren’t travelling by foot, having well-planned out snacks and water is important in case hunger strikes.
Position Your Belongings
Once you’ve selected what you will be bringing with you, it’s time to pack! Keep in mind, how you place items in your backpack can completely change the way it feels on your back.
The goal of packing a backpack for travel is to avoid injuring your back. Carrying around heavy items all day becomes uncomfortable. Heavy items can also cause strain on your body. If you pack and wear your backpack incorrectly, you can even injure yourself.
To avoid a back injury, there is a method that you can follow. This method is to distribute the weight of your items properly. You should place your heaviest items closest to your back. The heaviest items should also be in the center of the backpack. You can achieve this process by packing light items on the bottom of the bag.
First, establish a bottom layer of your things. You can then pack your heaviest items. You can wrap the heavy items in clothes or blankets to prevent the larger items from hitting your back. Your lightest items can go on top of the rest of your belongings.
This method allows for the weight of your belongings to be even. Placing the heaviest items in the center can prevent the weight of your bag from straining your back.
Protect Your Belongings
Protecting your belongings is the next critical step in preparing your backpack for your trip. You will want to protect your backpack from various things such as weather or damaging debris. Your method of protection may change depending on where you are going.
If you are going on a camping trip, you will want to waterproof your belongings. Mud, rain, and other environmental factors can quickly ruin your possessions. Not to mention if your items get wet, they can become heavier and harder to carry around.
Getting a backpack that features waterproof material is a great first step to take in protecting your things. You can also take steps to provide an extra layer of protection for your fragile items. Paper materials, such as books and maps, are especially prone to getting water damage.
Wrapping books and other fragile items in plastic can help keep your items safe and dry.
You can also take measures to protect your items from other people. Investing in a small lock for your bag can keep wandering hands away from your items.
Away We Go!
Taking the time to learn how to pack a backpack for travelling can help you improve the quality of your trip. By knowing what to look for in a good quality backpack, ensuring that you properly pack and distribute your items, and only taking the essentials, you’re sure to have all the necessities that make your journey a great experience for lifelong memories.
