One thing I learned very early on in my outdoor adventures, how a pack is packed all depends on the backpack!! Fit is most important, but how the pack is designed makes a massive difference. Some are built for heavy at the bottom, some for heavier gear more in the mid area. Some are designed for some gear to be attached on the outside, some not. Honestly, backpacks should come with recommended packing instructions.
I can tell you as someone who has hike multiple days with my onetigris Cosmitto tent on the outside of my pack, it did not hinder me whatsoever. No pain on my shoulder nor did I feel tension on my hips. Also, you save a whole lot more room lining your pack and not using stuff sacks or compression sacks. Those create unused space that when filled helps balance the pack better. Also, it is perfectly okay to hook things to the outside of your pack you are either okay with it getting wet or trying to dry.
Putting stuff outside messes up weight distribution and balance. Everything should be inside, if you can't fit everything in you need a bigger pack. If it's one trip you deal with it, if it's all the time, bigger pack
as an avid backpacker and also as an infantryman in the army, I can definitely attest to this info. While I'm backpacking i like to keep my weight right around that 40-50lb mark for an average weekend trip. The same goes for my rucksack when in the field. My ruck has been as heavy as 90lbs. Most of the time i don't have the time to pack my ruck meticulously like my trail hiking counterparts. The truth is, if you're carrying extra weight, no matter how you pack it you gonna feel it. cut out the extra weight. You'd bed surprised at how much you can cut down just by removing everything's stuffsacks, unnecessary accessories, etc.
Knowing nothing about hiking and weight distribution, etc, I bought a mega light Mountain Equipment frameless backpack for my first trip. It hurt rather a lot, not helped by a disability which leaves one shoulder lower than the other. I struggled with it plenty. I then bought a much heavier Fjallraven kajka 65l (3.2kg vs 900g) and was well and truly shocked by how it felt lighter, more comfortable, and was so much easier to carry. I recently bought a slightly larger updated version of the kajka(75l 3280g) and it has taken things to another level. Testing starts tomorrow on a month long trip. When packing and adjusting it, it feels amazing to wear and carry, even compared with the older version.
I'm not familiar with the Kajka... other than having a wife named Katka, but there are packs out there like the Gregory Baltoro and Granite Gear Blaze and Perimeter packs that have independently adjustable shoulder straps so you can move one higher or lower than the other.
Don’t be afraid to check out hunting packs from companies like initial ascent, exo, kifaru etc. They’re designed to carry far more weight than backpacking setups and they’re designed/tested to carry that weight over long distanced in crazy terrain.
@@jakudahsymba5453 Born and Raised has a nice gear dump and packing video on their Exo pack. I'm debating getting one over a stone glacier or mystery ranch.
As former military and current bushcraft, outdoor & survival instructor since 1986, who also loves backpacking, I fully agree with the content of this video. When a group of students arrive you can easily tell who are the newbies to the outdoors by the way they carry and load their gear. Packing the heavy stuff in the middle closest to your body is not only a comfort concern but also a safety concern. The further away the heavy stuff is from your spine the easier the pack will throw you off balance with movement. Another problem often is overpacking taking all kinds of stuff you really don't need. So I pack everything I need in a (minimum) 10 liter smaller backpack and only change backpacks the evening before departure not adding anything.
You’re a current Bushcraft outdoor survival instructor and you agree with the contents of this video. He doesn’t have a toilet kit. He doesn’t have a trowel he doesn’t have mountain money soap or hand sanitizer, anything like that. Boo
@@StanMJr I'm talking about the way of packing your backpack and not the content. He doesn't have spare clothes, he doesn't have a big blade, etc. This video is about how to pack your backpack and not what to pack.
Luke, your comments on pack liter size made me feel much better and I appreciated you sharing that small snip-it. For myself I also found in the winter (with bigger sleep systems) I also had to go above 65L to an 80L pack where things fit without being over stuffed. SO much of UA-cam content is geared way more towards thru hiking, and I see non-stop recommendations of 40L packs being the "biggest you ever need"
I do have some things that are sometimes lashed to the outside of the pack. The primary one is my tarp, which fits there better than it fits inside the pack. I might take a slight hit to carry comfort from that, but it's worked well enough for me so far.
when I used to backpack I had the tent on the outside because of space issues but also never had a issue with movement or anything else which could be thanks to the metal frame the rucksack I was using had, im really not sure. but ill keep these in mind if I ever get the chance to go again and pack a new bag
Partially agree. What's important is to keep the CENTER OF MASS as close to your back as possible. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you should put your single heaviest item there if it is bulky and other items have higher density.
Would you believe me Luke that i was packing for a 3 night trip with my wife and this video came out!? Ty, you are a truly beacon for those who we still learning, thank you 3000!
Enjoy your trip! My wife and I also have a trip coming up this weekend. I'm just excited I finally got her to try camping last year. I think she is secretly hooked now 😂
Outstanding information Love your videos , I have the Jansport Humbolt88 which is 5400 cubic inches and can be extended to 6000 and I love this pack you can't even find it on their website anymore. I do have to admit that I have packed it wrong in the past and I have suffered for it when it came to carrying it on a long trip, but I have learned to take my time and pack it right I have in the past also suffered with thinking that the pack was to small for the gear I was trying to carry but it was all in the way I packed it but now its smooth sailing and I can now enjoy it and the outdoors the way it was intended, thanks for all the great video content and keep up the good works.
I'm smiling when I see you drag along your table! And your chair! Like... WHAT?! But a great video. Thank you. It helps me to consider packing my BP ease and weight consideration. Thank you! Wait.... I'm just thinking about the placement of your rain jackets... I would just sling it around the hip straps... And the medical emergency kit goes into the mesh pocket for FAST and EASY access. But that's just me...
Excellent packing system, I've found the best way to carry the 5 liter mini-keg of beer is to put it in a separate pouch on a sling around your neck. 3 miles is pretty much my limit on packing it in.
Thank you for the best explanation and backpack breakdown I have yet to see. extremely informative. I also very much appreciate the gear list in your description section.
Do not buy this pack and do not pack in this fashion. This is a ridiculous amount of weight and there’s absolutely no need for all of these stuff sacks he has. This is the way people leave the backpack 15 years ago. We moved on. Also, those analogue jeans are ridiculous. This is an inefficient old school set up. Here’s a quick hint, does it look like he’s ever used this pack before? No.
Thanks for breaking it all down so succinctly. Nicest I've seen yet. Carrying the chair, for sure, table, not so much. I wish my Gregory Baltoro 65 had a larger sleeping bag section. Easy to work that out. But I love it. I have a gorgeous Gregory Massif that's 100L, all new suspension, that's huge. Afraid to over stuff. Gregory told me it was designed for AT thru hikers at that time..
I received my Rook 65L today ! I'm in love with that backpack ! The price, the design, the look, the quality... For a first backpack, I feel pretty lucky. :) Thanks for your reviews. It help sooooooo much. Cheers from Montréal !!
Not sure I agree with the tent placement from a practicality standpoint. In Scotland it rains all the time, opening your pack to get your tent means risking getting the inside of your pack wet, which even if using dry bags for everything, is still not ideal. Tent, pegs and poles on the outside means quick tent erection and then inside to take shelter.
There's nothing wrong with putting the tent outside your backpack, you just don't want it hanging off the bottom. Ideally, you'd put it on top, like under the cap, but if you have to put it down there it's better to put it in front so it acts like a lever against your hips instead of being dead weight that just strains your shoulders and compresses your spine.
Luke, just want to commend you for honesty and your knowledge of the outdoor enthusiast community. I am now in my seventies, and I am unable to do what I used to do. When I was in the USAF stationed at Plattsburgh AFB in the early 1970's I was a very active backpacker and camper in the Adirondack mountains. I would love to see you and your wife explore the Adirondack mountains. John Henry
I keep my tent on the outside due to space considerations (smaller pack) but it's strapped in very securely so it never moves. I also put the hydration bladder across the top of the middle of the pack so it's easier to get to and also saves internal space for other items. Keeping my weight down also helps.
Good explanation👍 I also like compact Bags with not much things on it. But I also like the possibility (if I use a tent) to attach it on my bag like on your thumbnail. In my experience it’s under some circumstances (rainy and wet) better to have an easy access to my tent to set it up first and I also don’t like to have the moisture of a wet tent in my bag. Anyway guess everyone prefers little things different. Again I fully agree with the rest. Thanks for sharing, Taro
Maybe it's a north European thing but I would never keep my raingar in same a compartment as my sleeping bag, good way getting a damp sleeping bag. Last week when I was out we had several short rainfalls so rain clothes where on and off several times. Rain clothes goes in the backpack top pocket. And my tent goes on the outside, I like to be able to put up my tent in the rain without opening my backpack when making camp and is I don't want to put a wet tent inside my backpack in the morning. Only pack my tent inside my backpack on short one night trips when i'm lazy and there's plenty of left over space in the backpack. I have my set up dial in and don't have a problem with my tent on the outside. But there's good and bad was to securing gearing on the outside on the backpack. Make sure is secure and cant fall of by accident, weight distributing, not hindering moment, getting stuck on branches.... deserves it's is own video ;)
Man what great timing! I was just wondering how I should pack my bag. When I packed it like this video explains, the weight felt significantly lighter. Thank you!
As a truck driver, you'll have a good ride and pull grades more efficiently with your drives heavier than the trailer axles. The pack is the same way. Everything should be in the bag and heavy against your back. It's a trial and error system. There are variables. When I pack out of camp, I'll move gear around. I've noticed worse and better. You'll eventually fine tune. You should also not allow your load to move. Rucking and trucking.
I backpacked all over Southeast Asia for 14 months... which included carrying a 17-inch gaming laptop, along with the power brick. I'll give you one guess as to what was packed closest to my back. It was only a 34-liter pack, but weighed close to 40 pounds. Yet, none of the airlines even asked to weigh it, since it was so small. Plus, a good tip is to hang it off only one shoulder if you have to approach the ticket counter, lol.
One thing i have learnt from watching vids like this one is to try out different ideas . The heavy items up high make you top heavy . Which makes it much easier to topple over . Thats why you put the tent or hacy items around the hips. Its not for comfort . Its for stability .
Thank you. I have never backpacked but have done hikes with day packs so may use that same type of packing system for these short packed hikes and walks. I appreciate all you do.
Luke, from one father to another, Happy Father’s Day to you pal! Thank you for all your awesome videos! They have been a great help. Happy Father’s Day!!
I laughed a bit when you said a 3 lb tent was heavy. My tents are military surplus and 1 man version tent if going by myself. Weight on them is an avg of 7 lbs between the three variants. But most all my gear is either surplus military or equivalent. It might be a bit on the heavy side. Everything lasts and is durable. I have learned over the years to only take and use things that generally can serve multiple purposes or know what can absolutely be left vs. what is a mandatory carry item. Some things I can't dual purpose and bring the best "tool" for what I need to or expecting to do. But you are definitely absolutely correct about the packing of a ruck or backpack. And always use the belt and sternum straps. As they really do help distribute the weight when wearing it. I have often carried 35 plus pounds on several mile walks and been fine.
I have gone camping with a Kriega R22 backpack, which is a motorcycle backpack. That brand use a harness system that I have not seen on any other backpack, which places most of the weight at the chest instead of the shoulders. I have placed all of my heavy items at the front, outside of the backpack (I knew that was not the proper way, but I was working with what I had) and even then I have found it comfortable. I wish there was a proper hiking backpack that used that system.
my large alice pack has many outside pockets to put items i will need fast . sleep system is bottom on the outside. keeping the weight on my hips and not up high where i am fighting the center of gravity shifts.
What about a hydration bladder? I’ve used those and they are very convenient for drinking while walking. And on warm days you can fill it with ice, then water and have it against your back to keep you cooler.
I used to backpack with the tent down at the bottom and it always moved around hitting my bottom also causing the shoulder strap to really pull causing my shoulders to hurt. I finally learned how to properly fold the tent to fit on the inside and now the pack is so much better.
I have 3 molle pouches on the outside of my pack. One is first aid, one is my water filter, the other is fly fishing tackle, the only things I might need on trail without opening up the pack.
Even for someone who doesn’t “go” backpacking, this was very helpful for just carrying a backpack when touring. While I do not camp, I have a question about your gear. Once you get home from camping, where do you spread out your gear to dry out? I have learned a lot from watching your channel. Thank you.
Have a look at Australian XL Alice pack 6 fixed exterior pockets + provision for hanging kit underneath and tools in loops down the centre of the 3 middle external pockets/ built for walking not over x amount of time/ have unloaded gear and made several short climes over awkward marked tracks (part of the Overland track tasmania ) now modified with sord frame and straps / people have stopped me and mentioned they scrapped their Alice pack for modern gear/ much more comfortable?they were half my age and looked to be packing lots of camera and non survival kit/ the model pack looked like an elongated soft punching bag flat against his bak with large wrap around hip belt / they also commented on my high top Blundstone logging boots compared to trail joggers/ with much humour each to their own /
I use an external frame pack still. Back during high school I used to go on week long trips. It would have been nice to have the new packs. Now I just go on day trips with smaller packs
Everyone packs differently. I hiked the entire Appalachian Trail over 40 years, finishing in the fall of 2022. In 2023, I attempted a northbound thruhike. I used a frameless backpack and slept in a hammock with a tarp and separate bug net. My hammock, sleeping bag and bug net all went into the bottom of my pack with my sleep clothes. My "warm clothes" went somewhere above that in a stuff sack. Depending upon the likelihood of cold weather they were either lower or higher in my pack. My electronics and medical supplies were near the top, usually under my cookset and food, which were stored in a sack designed to be hung from a tree or stored in a bear box, if available. All of these rode inside a waterproof pack liner, with just enough room on top of the roll-down top closure, and under the roll-top pack closure for raingear. My tarp always rode in the mesh pocket on the back of my pack to drain and dry, along with a bug suit treated with Permethrin, my ground sheet, and my water filter and bag. I carried a plastic peanut jar with a hose and bite valve in a shoulder strap pocket for ready access to drinking water, and a small bush knife in a sheath on my sternum strap. Snacks went into one hip belt pocket, and TP and sanitizer in the other. Side pockets held my potty trowel, extra water bottle, sunscreen, and, early on, a modified titanium wood burning stove. The pack weight with water and food only exceed 25-30 pounds when I pickup up my travel guitar in Irwin. I carried it to Stanimal's in Glasgow, where I skipped the middle miles, starting out after my birthday, in northern Massachusetts, before injuring my knee in New Hampshire and going home to get an MRI, which showed a double tear in the meniscus. I am now two months into breaking in my new knee, and planning my next thruhike attempt. I turned 70 last July. "Tinker" half way, 2023. P.S. If you want your frameless pack to be more comfortable, try lining the circumference of it with a closed-cell foam sleeping pad cut to the circumference of the pack. Put it in vertically, and stuff your gear into it. Your pack will carry like it has a frame, and you will have a torso length sleep pad (or large sit pad for camp).
Its important to note use case here. I have hiked for over 15 years with a spring/summer/fall gear load out base weight (no food/water/fuel) of about 10 lbs in about a 52 liter pack. I’m able to include 4-5 days worth of food if I pack carefully. That’s with a bear can. If I had to guess I’m carrying half the weight Luke is. That said, I’m an ultralight hiker and not filming awesome UA-cam videos that require the necessary accoutrements.
Hello 👋 Like, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing this informative video. All the best to you and your Family. Stay safe out there. 😊
Awesome Luke. Thanks, this was very educational since I have never used a backpack. I’ve always wondered how to fill the pack. You also gave me a great guide on what gear to purchase for an overnight hike.
Very good tips. Videos like these are very helpful. Kinda funny I never thought about the reason for doing this but that's the way I load my pack. Keeping the heavier stuff closer to me the lighter stuff away from me. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏼👍🏼
Only thing I don't pack in my bag is my Zenbivy sleep system. It's really bulky and just doesn't fit in a pack unless it's going to be 80-100 liter bag. It can be left behind in warmer climates though, so it's one option to leave behind if not needed. Mostly only doing car camping or the like so I can leave it in the car and only use it if I need it.
This is such a great instruction video Luke it makes total sense how you pack this backpack and I'm sure a lot of people are appreciating you sharing the information with them you like me thank you so much!
Great information. What is the best approach if the tent is wet? I have always kept *everything* inside my pack but recently someone pointed out that keeping a wet tent outside makes sense
Haha, the very first way I packed my backpack was with the tent strapped to the bottom. I walked across my living room and the tent bounced with every step! 🤣
You need to qualify your statements concerning not placing items on the outside of the pack. There are numerous thru hikers with thousands of miles under their belts that keep their tents on the outside of their pack for quick and easy access.
Luke … What a wealth of information in one small video!!! I really wish I had this information while I was a Boy Scout in 1965-1967. I failed my first attempt at backpacking as I did not have the proper equipment. I succeeded on the second one because I had an innovative scout master who took pity on me, I guess, and he helped me lighten my load considerably to allow me to complete the hike in, overnight, and trip out with minimal difficulty. I never backpacked again, but I believe I would have had I been properly equipped and trained. Thanks both for the instruction and thee trip down memory lane. PS: I am now an enthusiastic spring and fall car camper and I am, with the exception of my tent, appropriately equipped, and I’m working on that. Please keep the great informative videos coming!!! Chuck Knight from Atascocita, Texas. ✝️😵💫👨🌾🙏
For all intents and purposes Luke got it right👍 Lighter-lower, heavier-higher, depending on the style of the pack will determine where and how you can segregate the contents. Using individual pack bags/containers like Luke showed is a keen way of keeping the contents organized as well as being able to adjust the weight quickly. Thanks Luke, good job.
You got it backwards. You put lighter higher. Think of leverage with your hips being the lever. If i put 40lbs on your shoulders and told you to bend over fwd or lean backwards, think how off balance and stressed your back would be. Now think if I put the same weight right at the small of your back. No stress and you maintain balance far easier.
Luke i got the tasmanian tiger you reviewed and the the extra sides i love this pack but i put to much in it but very comfy thanks for your review wondering why you dont use yours more it got such a good review .anyway thanks .
I pack my tent on the outside, just under the sleeping system. it's fixed and does not wobble on every step i take. This is because oin the inside i bring 1 camera with 2/3 lens and maybe a star tracker that it's heavier and delicate/important than my tent. All inside a 70 litres backpack.
If you can’t get your tent inside the back out it on the top outside of the pack, the heaviest weight should be as high and as close to your back as possible.
I don't know what I'm talking about, but I'm thinking it's also a good idea to keep the heavier items near the bottom of the pack. Lower center of gravity.
Danke für das hervorragende Lehr-Video! Der im Video verwendete Rucksack ist sehr interessant und ist gut durchdacht. Das einzige was ich mir noch an diesem Rucksack wünschen würde, ist an der Frontseite ein Molle Panel. Freundliche Grüsse aus Deutschland.
Pro TIP! On the long trails we like to say “Hike your hike” so I won’t say too much about our buddy Luke but notice that after he got all that stuff in his pack he had no room for food….. if your car camping or doing a 500 yard hike into the woods to set up a table and chair then by all means. But if you’re going into the woods to HIKE then get a pack that doesn’t have a separate compartment. Get a pack that has one large compartment so you can protect your items by lining it with a trash bag to keep everything dry. And packing your tent on the top of your pack is fine especially after a rainy night. Do your research and GET OUT there in the woods.
Do you even watch his channel? He’s not “thru-hiking”! He said overnight and if you watch his channel, you will know that he packs enough food for dinner and breakfast. Sometimes lunch. He has another channel for longer camping. And his vehicle isn’t too far away so he’s not wild camping in a sense. I watch all kinds of campers from all over the world, and most of them pack the same way. But if you want that “thru-hiker” experience of packing tons of food that’s usually just high calorie stuff in a pack, then watch that kind of channel. It’s a whole lot better than the guy who uses a suitcase to carry his camping stuff.😂. I had a chuckle when I saw a guy pulling a suitcase up a mountain on a rocky path and then down to this beautiful river area. Still have no idea why he had a suitcase but to each there own! Everybody sees what they want to see.
This from someone who clearly did not pay attention to video or channel….just wanted to spew his self professed knowledge. We see it all the time. Team Luke.
@@wev2344Yall are just gatekeeping. As a casual viewer of this channel I don’t think this dude was trying to “spew his self proclaimed knowledge,” it just came off as another perspective as there is no actual right and wrong way to pack your bag. Luke was giving a good lay out for a more likely to be comfortable way to pack, but correct, not necessarily. Like this was a good suggestive video. What’s mind blowing to me if why anyone would bring this much gear for a 1 night hike in trip. Tables are for car camping lol. And as you said if he’s not hiking very far it doesn’t really matter about packed comfort anyways. That comes into play the longer you hike for.
@@Walkerxythere is definately a right and a wrong way.... but its generalized and purely about weight distribution: heavy to the bottom (particularly if you have a good hip belt) and close to the body..... the rest is just preference and efficiency, that is to each thier own🤷♂️
One thing I learned very early on in my outdoor adventures, how a pack is packed all depends on the backpack!! Fit is most important, but how the pack is designed makes a massive difference. Some are built for heavy at the bottom, some for heavier gear more in the mid area. Some are designed for some gear to be attached on the outside, some not. Honestly, backpacks should come with recommended packing instructions.
I can tell you as someone who has hike multiple days with my onetigris Cosmitto tent on the outside of my pack, it did not hinder me whatsoever. No pain on my shoulder nor did I feel tension on my hips. Also, you save a whole lot more room lining your pack and not using stuff sacks or compression sacks. Those create unused space that when filled helps balance the pack better. Also, it is perfectly okay to hook things to the outside of your pack you are either okay with it getting wet or trying to dry.
Putting stuff outside messes up weight distribution and balance. Everything should be inside, if you can't fit everything in you need a bigger pack. If it's one trip you deal with it, if it's all the time, bigger pack
as an avid backpacker and also as an infantryman in the army, I can definitely attest to this info. While I'm backpacking i like to keep my weight right around that 40-50lb mark for an average weekend trip. The same goes for my rucksack when in the field. My ruck has been as heavy as 90lbs. Most of the time i don't have the time to pack my ruck meticulously like my trail hiking counterparts. The truth is, if you're carrying extra weight, no matter how you pack it you gonna feel it. cut out the extra weight. You'd bed surprised at how much you can cut down just by removing everything's stuffsacks, unnecessary accessories, etc.
Knowing nothing about hiking and weight distribution, etc, I bought a mega light Mountain Equipment frameless backpack for my first trip. It hurt rather a lot, not helped by a disability which leaves one shoulder lower than the other. I struggled with it plenty. I then bought a much heavier Fjallraven kajka 65l (3.2kg vs 900g) and was well and truly shocked by how it felt lighter, more comfortable, and was so much easier to carry. I recently bought a slightly larger updated version of the kajka(75l 3280g) and it has taken things to another level. Testing starts tomorrow on a month long trip. When packing and adjusting it, it feels amazing to wear and carry, even compared with the older version.
I'm not familiar with the Kajka... other than having a wife named Katka, but there are packs out there like the Gregory Baltoro and Granite Gear Blaze and Perimeter packs that have independently adjustable shoulder straps so you can move one higher or lower than the other.
Don’t be afraid to check out hunting packs from companies like initial ascent, exo, kifaru etc. They’re designed to carry far more weight than backpacking setups and they’re designed/tested to carry that weight over long distanced in crazy terrain.
@@jakudahsymba5453 Thank you for that. 👍
@@jakudahsymba5453 - Mystery Ranch as well...
@@jakudahsymba5453 Born and Raised has a nice gear dump and packing video on their Exo pack. I'm debating getting one over a stone glacier or mystery ranch.
While I am not a backpacker, I never fail to learn from you. Thanks, Luke, for another great video.
As former military and current bushcraft, outdoor & survival instructor since 1986, who also loves backpacking, I fully agree with the content of this video. When a group of students arrive you can easily tell who are the newbies to the outdoors by the way they carry and load their gear. Packing the heavy stuff in the middle closest to your body is not only a comfort concern but also a safety concern. The further away the heavy stuff is from your spine the easier the pack will throw you off balance with movement. Another problem often is overpacking taking all kinds of stuff you really don't need. So I pack everything I need in a (minimum) 10 liter smaller backpack and only change backpacks the evening before departure not adding anything.
You’re a current Bushcraft outdoor survival instructor and you agree with the contents of this video. He doesn’t have a toilet kit. He doesn’t have a trowel he doesn’t have mountain money soap or hand sanitizer, anything like that. Boo
@@StanMJr I'm talking about the way of packing your backpack and not the content. He doesn't have spare clothes, he doesn't have a big blade, etc. This video is about how to pack your backpack and not what to pack.
Luke, your comments on pack liter size made me feel much better and I appreciated you sharing that small snip-it. For myself I also found in the winter (with bigger sleep systems) I also had to go above 65L to an 80L pack where things fit without being over stuffed. SO much of UA-cam content is geared way more towards thru hiking, and I see non-stop recommendations of 40L packs being the "biggest you ever need"
As an expert outfitter, I loved this! One of the best explanations (other than myself 😅) I’ve seen. Thank you for helping the community.
I occasionally strap my tent on the outside. I do need a bigger pack for winter.😅
I do have some things that are sometimes lashed to the outside of the pack. The primary one is my tarp, which fits there better than it fits inside the pack. I might take a slight hit to carry comfort from that, but it's worked well enough for me so far.
I usually don't make comments, but this one has to be the best one that you've done (that I've seen so far). very helpful, thank you
when I used to backpack I had the tent on the outside because of space issues but also never had a issue with movement or anything else which could be thanks to the metal frame the rucksack I was using had, im really not sure. but ill keep these in mind if I ever get the chance to go again and pack a new bag
Partially agree. What's important is to keep the CENTER OF MASS as close to your back as possible. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you should put your single heaviest item there if it is bulky and other items have higher density.
Would you believe me Luke that i was packing for a 3 night trip with my wife and this video came out!? Ty, you are a truly beacon for those who we still learning, thank you 3000!
Enjoy your trip! My wife and I also have a trip coming up this weekend. I'm just excited I finally got her to try camping last year. I think she is secretly hooked now 😂
Outstanding information Love your videos , I have the Jansport Humbolt88 which is 5400 cubic inches and can be extended to 6000 and I love this pack you can't even find it on their website anymore. I do have to admit that I have packed it wrong in the past and I have suffered for it when it came to carrying it on a long trip, but I have learned to take my time and pack it right I have in the past also suffered with thinking that the pack was to small for the gear I was trying to carry but it was all in the way I packed it but now its smooth sailing and I can now enjoy it and the outdoors the way it was intended, thanks for all the great video content and keep up the good works.
I'm smiling when I see you drag along your table! And your chair!
Like... WHAT?!
But a great video. Thank you. It helps me to consider packing my BP ease and weight consideration. Thank you!
Wait....
I'm just thinking about the placement of your rain jackets... I would just sling it around the hip straps... And the medical emergency kit goes into the mesh pocket for FAST and EASY access. But that's just me...
Excellent packing system, I've found the best way to carry the 5 liter mini-keg of beer is to put it in a separate pouch on a sling around your neck. 3 miles is pretty much my limit on packing it in.
you can also get a st. bernard and use its built-in water barrel to hold that precious adult hydration
Thank you for the best explanation and backpack breakdown I have yet to see. extremely informative. I also very much appreciate the gear list in your description section.
Do not buy this pack and do not pack in this fashion. This is a ridiculous amount of weight and there’s absolutely no need for all of these stuff sacks he has. This is the way people leave the backpack 15 years ago. We moved on. Also, those analogue jeans are ridiculous. This is an inefficient old school set up.
Here’s a quick hint, does it look like he’s ever used this pack before? No.
Thanks for breaking it all down so succinctly. Nicest I've seen yet. Carrying the chair, for sure, table, not so much. I wish my Gregory Baltoro 65 had a larger sleeping bag section. Easy to work that out. But I love it. I have a gorgeous Gregory Massif that's 100L, all new suspension, that's huge. Afraid to over stuff. Gregory told me it was designed for AT thru hikers at that time..
I received my Rook 65L today ! I'm in love with that backpack ! The price, the design, the look, the quality... For a first backpack, I feel pretty lucky. :) Thanks for your reviews. It help sooooooo much. Cheers from Montréal !!
Not sure I agree with the tent placement from a practicality standpoint.
In Scotland it rains all the time, opening your pack to get your tent means risking getting the inside of your pack wet, which even if using dry bags for everything, is still not ideal.
Tent, pegs and poles on the outside means quick tent erection and then inside to take shelter.
There's nothing wrong with putting the tent outside your backpack, you just don't want it hanging off the bottom. Ideally, you'd put it on top, like under the cap, but if you have to put it down there it's better to put it in front so it acts like a lever against your hips instead of being dead weight that just strains your shoulders and compresses your spine.
Luke, just want to commend you for honesty and your knowledge of the outdoor enthusiast community. I am now in my seventies, and I am unable to do what I used to do. When I was in the USAF stationed at Plattsburgh AFB in the early 1970's I was a very active backpacker and camper in the Adirondack mountains. I would love to see you and your wife explore the Adirondack mountains.
John Henry
Reminds me of a picture someone took of a backpacker who not only had the tent on the outside, bottom, but it was still in the box.
Hi Luke! These instructional videos are your BEST! Thank you for all the good information!
I keep my tent on the outside due to space considerations (smaller pack) but it's strapped in very securely so it never moves. I also put the hydration bladder across the top of the middle of the pack so it's easier to get to and also saves internal space for other items. Keeping my weight down also helps.
my tent is on the outside to but strapped at the top and rest against my back
Luke... that was both valuable in terms of good practice and entertaining. Keep up your good work, Tom
Good explanation👍 I also like compact Bags with not much things on it. But I also like the possibility (if I use a tent) to attach it on my bag like on your thumbnail. In my experience it’s under some circumstances (rainy and wet) better to have an easy access to my tent to set it up first and I also don’t like to have the moisture of a wet tent in my bag. Anyway guess everyone prefers little things different. Again I fully agree with the rest. Thanks for sharing, Taro
Maybe it's a north European thing but I would never keep my raingar in same a compartment as my sleeping bag, good way getting a damp sleeping bag.
Last week when I was out we had several short rainfalls so rain clothes where on and off several times. Rain clothes goes in the backpack top pocket.
And my tent goes on the outside, I like to be able to put up my tent in the rain without opening my backpack when making camp and is I don't want to put a wet tent inside my backpack in the morning. Only pack my tent inside my backpack on short one night trips when i'm lazy and there's plenty of left over space in the backpack.
I have my set up dial in and don't have a problem with my tent on the outside.
But there's good and bad was to securing gearing on the outside on the backpack.
Make sure is secure and cant fall of by accident, weight distributing, not hindering moment, getting stuck on branches.... deserves it's is own video ;)
Thank you for this. Just repacked mine and it already feels better.
Man what great timing! I was just wondering how I should pack my bag. When I packed it like this video explains, the weight felt significantly lighter. Thank you!
As a truck driver, you'll have a good ride and pull grades more efficiently with your drives heavier than the trailer axles. The pack is the same way. Everything should be in the bag and heavy against your back. It's a trial and error system. There are variables. When I pack out of camp, I'll move gear around. I've noticed worse and better. You'll eventually fine tune. You should also not allow your load to move. Rucking and trucking.
I backpacked all over Southeast Asia for 14 months... which included carrying a 17-inch gaming laptop, along with the power brick. I'll give you one guess as to what was packed closest to my back. It was only a 34-liter pack, but weighed close to 40 pounds. Yet, none of the airlines even asked to weigh it, since it was so small. Plus, a good tip is to hang it off only one shoulder if you have to approach the ticket counter, lol.
One thing i have learnt from watching vids like this one is to try out different ideas .
The heavy items up high make you top heavy . Which makes it much easier to topple over .
Thats why you put the tent or hacy items around the hips. Its not for comfort .
Its for stability .
Thank you. I have never backpacked but have done hikes with day packs so may use that same type of packing system for these short packed hikes and walks. I appreciate all you do.
Everytime I watch..I learn..Ty sir
Thank you for sharing this wisdom. I'll use these principles for packing my day bag and my cycling bag. Super helpful. Happy Father's Day.
Luke, from one father to another, Happy Father’s Day to you pal! Thank you for all your awesome videos! They have been a great help. Happy Father’s Day!!
I laughed a bit when you said a 3 lb tent was heavy. My tents are military surplus and 1 man version tent if going by myself. Weight on them is an avg of 7 lbs between the three variants. But most all my gear is either surplus military or equivalent. It might be a bit on the heavy side. Everything lasts and is durable. I have learned over the years to only take and use things that generally can serve multiple purposes or know what can absolutely be left vs. what is a mandatory carry item. Some things I can't dual purpose and bring the best "tool" for what I need to or expecting to do. But you are definitely absolutely correct about the packing of a ruck or backpack. And always use the belt and sternum straps. As they really do help distribute the weight when wearing it. I have often carried 35 plus pounds on several mile walks and been fine.
I have gone camping with a Kriega R22 backpack, which is a motorcycle backpack. That brand use a harness system that I have not seen on any other backpack, which places most of the weight at the chest instead of the shoulders. I have placed all of my heavy items at the front, outside of the backpack (I knew that was not the proper way, but I was working with what I had) and even then I have found it comfortable. I wish there was a proper hiking backpack that used that system.
Always can rely on you for excellent, no nonsense, straight to the point information. Thank you again.
my large alice pack has many outside pockets to put items i will need fast . sleep system is bottom on the outside. keeping the weight on my hips and not up high where i am fighting the center of gravity shifts.
Happy Fathers Day. I learned on old school packs. kidny killer, scout pack no belt, kelty tioga, and cole showman plastic fram and now internal. good
Always willing to learn, and you always provide the materials, 👍🏾👍🏾👊🏾💯
Great video & lesson, on packing the backpack….
What about a hydration bladder? I’ve used those and they are very convenient for drinking while walking. And on warm days you can fill it with ice, then water and have it against your back to keep you cooler.
I used to backpack with the tent down at the bottom and it always moved around hitting my bottom also causing the shoulder strap to really pull causing my shoulders to hurt. I finally learned how to properly fold the tent to fit on the inside and now the pack is so much better.
I have 3 molle pouches on the outside of my pack. One is first aid, one is my water filter, the other is fly fishing tackle, the only things I might need on trail without opening up the pack.
Hi Luke, another ,great video. I am planning a weekend out in the woods here in Shropshire uk 🇬🇧. You have been a fantastic inspiration, my friend.
Thank you. Happy Trails!
Luke, thx for the explanation. Going on a hiking holiday in 2 weeks, so this is very useful.
Even for someone who doesn’t “go” backpacking, this was very helpful for just carrying a backpack when touring. While I do not camp, I have a question about your gear. Once you get home from camping, where do you spread out your gear to dry out? I have learned a lot from watching your channel. Thank you.
Have a look at Australian XL Alice pack 6 fixed exterior pockets + provision for hanging kit underneath and tools in loops down the centre of the 3 middle external pockets/ built for walking not over x amount of time/ have unloaded gear and made several short climes over awkward marked tracks (part of the Overland track tasmania ) now modified with sord frame and straps / people have stopped me and mentioned they scrapped their Alice pack for modern gear/ much more comfortable?they were half my age and looked to be packing lots of camera and non survival kit/ the model pack looked like an elongated soft punching bag flat against his bak with large wrap around hip belt / they also commented on my high top Blundstone logging boots compared to trail joggers/ with much humour each to their own /
kay, I’ve always scratched my head about the obsession around the kislux book totes and their practicality, but this one is adorable!! Congratulations
I use an external frame pack still. Back during high school I used to go on week long trips. It would have been nice to have the new packs. Now I just go on day trips with smaller packs
Everyone packs differently. I hiked the entire Appalachian Trail over 40 years, finishing in the fall of 2022. In 2023, I attempted a northbound thruhike. I used a frameless backpack and slept in a hammock with a tarp and separate bug net. My hammock, sleeping bag and bug net all went into the bottom of my pack with my sleep clothes. My "warm clothes" went somewhere above that in a stuff sack. Depending upon the likelihood of cold weather they were either lower or higher in my pack. My electronics and medical supplies were near the top, usually under my cookset and food, which were stored in a sack designed to be hung from a tree or stored in a bear box, if available. All of these rode inside a waterproof pack liner, with just enough room on top of the roll-down top closure, and under the roll-top pack closure for raingear. My tarp always rode in the mesh pocket on the back of my pack to drain and dry, along with a bug suit treated with Permethrin, my ground sheet, and my water filter and bag. I carried a plastic peanut jar with a hose and bite valve in a shoulder strap pocket for ready access to drinking water, and a small bush knife in a sheath on my sternum strap. Snacks went into one hip belt pocket, and TP and sanitizer in the other. Side pockets held my potty trowel, extra water bottle, sunscreen, and, early on, a modified titanium wood burning stove.
The pack weight with water and food only exceed 25-30 pounds when I pickup up my travel guitar in Irwin. I carried it to Stanimal's in Glasgow, where I skipped the middle miles, starting out after my birthday, in northern Massachusetts, before injuring my knee in New Hampshire and going home to get an MRI, which showed a double tear in the meniscus. I am now two months into breaking in my new knee, and planning my next thruhike attempt. I turned 70 last July.
"Tinker" half way, 2023.
P.S. If you want your frameless pack to be more comfortable, try lining the circumference of it with a closed-cell foam sleeping pad cut to the circumference of the pack. Put it in vertically, and stuff your gear into it. Your pack will carry like it has a frame, and you will have a torso length sleep pad (or large sit pad for camp).
My mom bought one kislux and she loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when she went out with it.
Its important to note use case here. I have hiked for over 15 years with a spring/summer/fall gear load out base weight (no food/water/fuel) of about 10 lbs in about a 52 liter pack. I’m able to include 4-5 days worth of food if I pack carefully. That’s with a bear can. If I had to guess I’m carrying half the weight Luke is. That said, I’m an ultralight hiker and not filming awesome UA-cam videos that require the necessary accoutrements.
Hello 👋 Like, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing this informative video. All the best to you and your Family. Stay safe out there. 😊
Very helpful. Regards from Tynemouth, UK
Awesome Luke. Thanks, this was very educational since I have never used a backpack. I’ve always wondered how to fill the pack. You also gave me a great guide on what gear to purchase for an overnight hike.
You absolutely do not NEED a table and a chair ;)
Very good tips. Videos like these are very helpful.
Kinda funny I never thought about the reason for doing this but that's the way I load my pack. Keeping the heavier stuff closer to me the lighter stuff away from me. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏼👍🏼
Very good topic
Love my Rook 65 and use for winter upto 18kg uk.👍
Only thing I don't pack in my bag is my Zenbivy sleep system. It's really bulky and just doesn't fit in a pack unless it's going to be 80-100 liter bag. It can be left behind in warmer climates though, so it's one option to leave behind if not needed. Mostly only doing car camping or the like so I can leave it in the car and only use it if I need it.
Amazing episode! Very good explanation of how to pack your backpack. Great job!
This channel is in my top five list! Thanks for all your honest testing and reviews!
This was a great presentation and a valuable one thanks Luke for sharing.
Good content, as always; like your concise language, always learn something.
I'd love to see you do a test and review on the Mystery Ranch Bridger 65.
Good advice 👍
Always pack smart!
Great video
Luke thank you, you helped me out big time, i was doing it all wrong
Vry helpful 🎉Thanks
This is such a great instruction video Luke it makes total sense how you pack this backpack and I'm sure a lot of people are appreciating you sharing the information with them you like me thank you so much!
Great instructional video Luke! For fun, I counted the times you said "backpack" and it was 70 😄
Great information. What is the best approach if the tent is wet? I have always kept *everything* inside my pack but recently someone pointed out that keeping a wet tent outside makes sense
Haha, the very first way I packed my backpack was with the tent strapped to the bottom. I walked across my living room and the tent bounced with every step! 🤣
Very helpful thank you! I like the tent on the inside. Id just bring a trash bag with me 4 if my tent was wet. 👍
You need to qualify your statements concerning not placing items on the outside of the pack. There are numerous thru hikers with thousands of miles under their belts that keep their tents on the outside of their pack for quick and easy access.
Thank you for yet another informative video. Very pedagogical😊
Luke … What a wealth of information in one small video!!! I really wish I had this information while I was a Boy Scout in 1965-1967. I failed my first attempt at backpacking as I did not have the proper equipment. I succeeded on the second one because I had an innovative scout master who took pity on me, I guess, and he helped me lighten my load considerably to allow me to complete the hike in, overnight, and trip out with minimal difficulty. I never backpacked again, but I believe I would have had I been properly equipped and trained. Thanks both for the instruction and thee trip down memory lane. PS: I am now an enthusiastic spring and fall car camper and I am, with the exception of my tent, appropriately equipped, and I’m working on that. Please keep the great informative videos coming!!! Chuck Knight from Atascocita, Texas. ✝️😵💫👨🌾🙏
For all intents and purposes Luke got it right👍 Lighter-lower, heavier-higher, depending on the style of the pack will determine where and how you can segregate the contents. Using individual pack bags/containers like Luke showed is a keen way of keeping the contents organized as well as being able to adjust the weight quickly. Thanks Luke, good job.
You got it backwards. You put lighter higher. Think of leverage with your hips being the lever. If i put 40lbs on your shoulders and told you to bend over fwd or lean backwards, think how off balance and stressed your back would be. Now think if I put the same weight right at the small of your back. No stress and you maintain balance far easier.
@@jakudahsymba5453That's what I meant say, thanks. I was in a hurry commenting as usual got it upside down...😮
I use a 65ltr Osprey AG(reviewed by Luke), and absolutely love it. In the winter I usually use an ILBE pack(another Luke review). 🤙
I have one of those and it’s great.
Totally agree. These days, I buy only Luke reviewed gear.👍
Thank you Luke😺
Great refresher, thank you !
Luke i got the tasmanian tiger you reviewed and the the extra sides i love this pack but i put to much in it but very comfy thanks for your review wondering why you dont use yours more it got such a good review .anyway thanks .
Thank you ! 🙌
Thanks it makes sense.
Always good to see an expert explaining the basics. Thanks!
Hi Luke!! Love your channel and content!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!❤❤❤👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I pack my tent on the outside, just under the sleeping system. it's fixed and does not wobble on every step i take. This is because oin the inside i bring 1 camera with 2/3 lens and maybe a star tracker that it's heavier and delicate/important than my tent. All inside a 70 litres backpack.
If you can’t get your tent inside the back out it on the top outside of the pack, the heaviest weight should be as high and as close to your back as possible.
I don't know what I'm talking about, but I'm thinking it's also a good idea to keep the heavier items near the bottom of the pack. Lower center of gravity.
Danke für das hervorragende Lehr-Video!
Der im Video verwendete Rucksack ist sehr interessant und ist gut durchdacht. Das einzige was ich mir noch an diesem Rucksack wünschen würde, ist an der Frontseite ein Molle Panel.
Freundliche Grüsse aus Deutschland.
Most places on the Olypen, we are required to have a bear keg for food and tpiletries. Please show how you wpuld include that!
Wow Luke! REALLY interesting and instructional. Thanks.
hi, what about this backpack? withaout the corners of the Atmos and Exos and Aether... the new review my friend about this coyote Rook... thank you
Pro TIP! On the long trails we like to say “Hike your hike” so I won’t say too much about our buddy Luke but notice that after he got all that stuff in his pack he had no room for food….. if your car camping or doing a 500 yard hike into the woods to set up a table and chair then by all means. But if you’re going into the woods to HIKE then get a pack that doesn’t have a separate compartment. Get a pack that has one large compartment so you can protect your items by lining it with a trash bag to keep everything dry. And packing your tent on the top of your pack is fine especially after a rainy night. Do your research and GET OUT there in the woods.
Do you even watch his channel? He’s not “thru-hiking”! He said overnight and if you watch his channel, you will know that he packs enough food for dinner and breakfast. Sometimes lunch. He has another channel for longer camping.
And his vehicle isn’t too far away so he’s not wild camping in a sense.
I watch all kinds of campers from all over the world, and most of them pack the same way.
But if you want that “thru-hiker” experience of packing tons of food that’s usually just high calorie stuff in a pack, then watch that kind of channel.
It’s a whole lot better than the guy who uses a suitcase to carry his camping stuff.😂. I had a chuckle when I saw a guy pulling a suitcase up a mountain on a rocky path and then down to this beautiful river area. Still have no idea why he had a suitcase but to each there own! Everybody sees what they want to see.
This from someone who clearly did not pay attention to video or channel….just wanted to spew his self professed knowledge. We see it all the time. Team Luke.
@@wev2344Yall are just gatekeeping. As a casual viewer of this channel I don’t think this dude was trying to “spew his self proclaimed knowledge,” it just came off as another perspective as there is no actual right and wrong way to pack your bag. Luke was giving a good lay out for a more likely to be comfortable way to pack, but correct, not necessarily.
Like this was a good suggestive video. What’s mind blowing to me if why anyone would bring this much gear for a 1 night hike in trip. Tables are for car camping lol.
And as you said if he’s not hiking very far it doesn’t really matter about packed comfort anyways. That comes into play the longer you hike for.
@@Walkerxythere is definately a right and a wrong way.... but its generalized and purely about weight distribution: heavy to the bottom (particularly if you have a good hip belt) and close to the body..... the rest is just preference and efficiency, that is to each thier own🤷♂️
@@jeremymoses7401 what most people put on the actual bottom is sleeping bags and clothing, that’s not heavy. Thats collapsible stuff to form a base.
Happy father's day