How best to pack a rucksack
Get into the habit of packing your rucksack the same way each time.
Packing your bag or rucksack properly will ensure that you:
- Pack everything in your rucksack when in a rush.
- Keep your valuables safe.
- Keep commonly used things easily accessible.
- Pack your rucksack faster and more efficiently (very useful when your bus leaves in under 2 minutes!)
TOP TIP: If you can get into the habit of packing your rucksack in a certain way right from the start it will save you loads of time and help keep your valuables more secure.
Heavy stuff goes in the middle
If you have the classic top-opening rucksack then it will be best to keep things such as your sleeping bag or hiking boots in the bottom where they are out of the way but can be easily accessed through the bottom zipper.
Packing heavier items in the middle of the backpack as close to your back as possible will put less strain on you when carrying your rucksack.
Buy rucksacks online
Security is a big issue. You can minimise the risk from bag-slashers and petty thieves by ensuring that you pack valuables such as your camera or any expensive souvenirs deep inside your pack - wrapped up in other clothes.
Side and top pockets
I tend to pack my toilet roll and dirty underwear in the side pockets as these are too easily opened by petty thieves.
The same applies to the top pocket of your rucksack or bag. Resist the temptation to store anything of any value here as you will be asking for trouble.
Day bag
Get adequate travel insurance so you can claim back any lost personal belongings.
I tend to keep as little as possible of real value in my big pack when travelling by train, bus, etc. I take a day pack with my money, passport, tickets, digital camera, address book, MP3 player and any other items of personal value with me, while my large backpack travels alone on the roof.
Although it would obviously cause a lot of hassle, I try and think along the lines that I could still survive quite comfortably with the small day pack I have right next to me.
See the section on bag safety for tips on how to avoid falling prey to scams but if you have packed your bag wisely and also secured it with either a padlock or travel strap, then you should pass through your whole trip without incurring any major problems.
Packing clothes
Keeping your clothes in relatively good shape will not generally be on the top of the list of priorities for the average backpacker.
It is, however, a good idea though to store everything in your rucksack in small plastic bags. This not only keeps your clothes waterproof but also speeds up packing as you will only have to stuff a few things into your bag before running for the bus. You could also consider buying a waterproof rucksack cover.
Is rolling clothes better than folding?
I have come across some travellers who swear that by rolling their clothes tightly, instead of folding them, they keep them looking better and less creased, but every time I have tried this I have never noticed any real difference!
The only benefit I can see is that the creases are more random - rather than straight lines down the front of your T-shirts, for example.
Too much baggage?
The last main point to remember is that you will slowly accumulate more and more luggage as your trip goes on. You can either start looking at shipping some items back (such as your sleeping bag, boots, souvenirs) or else you will have to find ways of squeezing everything in your pack.
You will no doubt develop your own personal art to packing all your accumulated stuff into your bag, then one day forget how you have done it and spending the next 30 minutes screaming at your hiking boots - that's what usually happens to me!
How heavy should my rucksack be when packed?
Airlines have limits on the weight of bags. If you are travelling to America or through America on a round the world flight ticket that is going west-bound, then your weight limit for one bag or rucksack is 32KG.
If you are not travelling through America, then baggage limits for airlines are typically 20KG. Always check with your travel agent before travelling. Baggage weight limits are also noted on your flight tickets.
Happy packing...
Where to buy good quality rucksacks:
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Gear Zone has a wide selection of backpacks, rucksacks and travel bags for first-time backpackers as well as the experienced traveller wanting to upgrade. | Check prices |
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View the best rucksacks for backpacking as well as city-breaks at Blacks. | Check prices |
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Millets has a good choice of day packs, backpacking rucksacks and pull-along backpacks. | Check prices |
Next: Travel security
