If you want to avoid future lower back pain and any other travel stress make sure your backpack is packed perfectly before you head off on a long hike or adventure. The worst thing possible is when you pack your bag quickly and without any thought and then find it almost impossible to continue on your off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Save yourself and your body from the get go by taking the time to make a list and organize how you want your pack to work for you, not against you. Packing your backpack incorrectly can have some serious drawbacks such as you losing your balance or injuring yourself while trekking through an exotic rainforest or crossing through the Australian outback. Some people tend to think that if they put everything in all the backpack compartments correctly that they will be able to travel on foot with ease, but this is simply not true and there are a few strategies to consider. Here are some backpack packing tips so you can avoid unnecessary mishaps and travel blips.
Weight Distribution is Key
If you want to maintain a health posture while on a backpacking adventure, make sure you spread the weight around in your bag. Place your heaviest items closest to your back, in the back end of your backpack and towards the center. This will not only protect your back from injury but you will also be able to maintain balance as you are crossing streams, scaling mountains and hiking in general. The last thing you want is to topple over when crossing on a log over a very cold river.
Useful Items Must Be Reachable
The best way to make things easier while you are traveling with a backpack is to keep all of your necessary and useful items within reach. Don’t put your asthma inhaler in the bottom of your backpack or shove your contact lens case into the back area of the pack. Think about everything that you require more than other items in your pack such as a tooth brush, brush, contact lens case and solution, snacks, flashlight, bug repellent, medications, sunglasses and sun block. Keep all important items at the top so you can grab them when needed.
Light Gear Should Be Packed at the Bottom
Light gear that you do not use throughout the day can be packed under your heavier items. This may include a parka, raincoat, sleeping bag or a tent. By the time you are ready to call it a day and set up a sleeping area you will be able to sit down and empty your pack to find your tent.
Use Small Spaces
Even small areas can be extremely useful. Mesh pockets on the side of your backpack or inside your pack can be great for water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, cell phones, MP3 players, wallets, cutting tools and other essential items.
By using these important and useful tips above you can greatly reduce the experience of travel injuries and upset. After all, you are supposed to be having an adventure of a lifetime and not worrying about what is on your back.
About the author:
Natasha Jervis is a dedicated and professional travel copywriter with over 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Some of her past and current roles include the New York Times travel channel on About.com, Sunwing Vacations, CanadaTravels.com, Escapes.ca and a variety of other worldwide travel media resources. You can find some of her more recent works here.
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