Put Your Sleeping Bag in the Separate Compartment. Many backpacks have exclusive slots for sleeping bags at the bottom. If your backpack contains one, then this is the best section to pack your sleeping bag from inside. First, squeeze and roll your sleeping bag and pack it inside the stuff sack or shopping bag. Now place it inside the compartment. Avoid strain on your back, shoulders and neck with these tips on how to wear your backpack properly. Doctors and physical therapists suggest that people carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their bags or backpacks. If your weight is 120 pounds, your backpack should weigh no more than 12 to 18 pounds. Selecting a lightweight bag can be an optimal start. Use the bathroom or this pet scale. Think of packing a 24-hour tactical backpack like building a pyramid. Put heavy items on the bottom, medium-weight items in the middle and light items on top. This configuration is best for your back and usually easiest to carry, especially if you’re making a long trek. Use the outside compartments of your pack or MOLLE attachments for items Pack a Backpack in Several Different Zones *Important – While backpacks differ somewhat in their designs and the way the compartments are divided up, most will still allow you to follow these basic packing guidelines. When packing your backpack, in order to distribute the weight correctly, you’ll divide it into the following basic areas: Step 4 – Adjust the shoulder straps. After the waist strap, you need to focus on the shoulder straps. They are very important and can help you avoid a lot of shoulder and back pain. With shoulder straps, it would be best if you adjust them to being below the top of your shoulder. Emergency backpack maintenance: care tips by Spencer. The wear in your backpack is normal, but take care of it, because it significantly increases its durability. Fill your emergency backpack thoughtfully; Do not overfill your Spencer backpack. You really shouldn’t carry more than 15% of your body weight. Adjust the correct size that suits you When trying on a backpack, first loosen the shoulder straps and position the waistbelt so that the bony knob on top of your hips (the iliac crest) is in the middle of the waistbelt. (Wear pants or shorts akin to what you use hiking; at a minimum take off your belt if you’re wearing one.) Now, snugly cinch the waistbelt and evaluate it for fit. Download the app . Step 1: Load the pack with about 20 pounds, then loosen the hipbelt, shoulder straps, hipbelt stabilizers, and load lifters. Step 3: Properly sized, there should be no gap atop the shoulders, and the load lifter anchor point should be at collar-bone level. Step 4: The hipbelt should sit over your pelvic bones. – Packing the backpack in a way that reduces strain on the body and allows for easy access to essential items. Choosing the Right Backpack. Choosing the right backpack is crucial for comfort and convenience during your camping trip. Consider the length and type of camping trip when selecting a backpack. yGRom.