Tips to Choose the Best Pack

• Size – choose. a pack appropriate to the activities i.e. one large enough to hold your essentials inside, but preferably not bigger than you need.
• Construction – tough fabric (canvas, cordura or heavy duty nylon). Strongly sewn seams and reinforced anchor points for straps.
• Correct fitting – fits close to your back and shoulders. An adjustable back length provides for Pack to be altered to gain correct fitting. This is a most important feature. This and hip belt are crucial design features when dealing with young spines.
• Hip belt – Allows some weight to be transferred from shoulders to hips. Also assists stability.
• Waterproofing – no pack is completely waterproof. Some fabrics are waterproof but stitching holes create water channels.

Packing

Good packing is a matter of balance and accessibility.

• Pack heavy objects (e.g. tent, fuel, water) near the top in the following way:
  • Close to your back (but not sticking into your back!)
  • High up (but not higher than shoulders).
• Lighter items not needed during the walk (e.g. sleeping bag, spare clothes) are at bottom of Pack.
• Keep some items (like First Aid, scroggin, water) handy in Pack pockets.
• Bulk is nearly as important as weight, so fill all hollows with articles (e.g. food in billies).
• Use strong large plastic bag as Pack liner (no pack is completely waterproof).