Backpacks - where to put the heavyweight?

Overread · Dec 19, 2011

Quick question, but when one packs a heavy backpack (the kind with a proper shoulder and waist band harness setup) do you put the heavier items to the top or the bottom of the bag?

480sparky · Dec 19, 2011

Most 'heavy' gear also tends to be the largest, so the weight per in³ is about the same.

Overread · Dec 19, 2011

Sadly lenses are heavy whilst flash units and binoculars are a fair bit lighter, whilst being as big or bigger.

Tony S · Dec 19, 2011

For the sake of your back you should pack heavier items near the bottom for a better center of gravity. That's kind of backpacking 101 info. Depending the pack and your needs though, you might put them up higher so you can get to them quicker.

Dillard · Dec 19, 2011

Tony S said:
For the sake of your back you should pack heavier items near the bottom for a better center of gravity. That's kind of backpacking 101 info. Depending the pack and your needs though, you might put them up higher so you can get to them quicker.

+1...boyscout 101

Robin Usagani · Dec 19, 2011

I would put the gun and the bear spray on the top.

molested_cow · Dec 19, 2011

For me, heavier stuff at the bottom. Main reason being when you put it on the ground, it won't tip over. Another reason being that most camera bags have the main compartment at the lower portion and accessories compartment on the top.

cgipson1 · Dec 19, 2011

As mentioned.. heavy stuff at the bottom, and also as close to your body as possible. Otherwise you give the weight added leverage that you have to deal with when carrying it. I take a 45lb pack into the backcountry often during the summer... and on a 15 mile hike thats mostly uphill... it will kill you if it isn't packed correctly!

Overread · Dec 20, 2011

I think 20pounds of camera gear might have killed me

Or at least my back - - bag held up well though

cgipson1 · Dec 20, 2011

Overread said:
I think 20pounds of camera gear might have killed me
Or at least my back - - bag held up well though

hahaha... yes.. it will mess with you if you aren't used to it! Sounds like you survived though! Got some shots to post?

Helen B · Dec 20, 2011

I find that heavy items are best packed close to the spine, in the middle and top of the bag so that they sit more on your shoulders. I pack the bulky, light stuff mostly in the bottom of the bag. If you look at porters in the hills they carry the weight high - and they carry 160 lb (ie two 'official' loads, so double pay) with no real problems. Most people who have to carry two rucksacks will put the second over the top of the first, as far forward as your head will allow. Of course tump bands help when carrying the weight high.

The only real exception to this that I have found is when the high-up weight will upset your balance (or feel as if it will), but those are usually situations where you don't want to be carrying too much weight anyway - a limit somewhere between 40 and 60 lb, depending on what you are doing. If the load does feel off balance then pack the weight as much at mid-height as you can.

Dr_Totenkopf · Dec 21, 2011

The arrangement of gear in your backpack is really dependent on when you need the gear. Jackets, snacks, cameras, knives/axes, water, and firearms should be in the external pockets or on the top for easy access. Things like extra clothing, bedrolls, tents, and camp stoves should be lower down because you need it only once or twice a day. Also try to keep gear to only 40lbs, not including food. your back will thank you.

unpopular · Dec 21, 2011

Having been a street urchin, I know a LOT about packing. You learn pretty quickly what goes where when you live out of one.

Pack heavy stuff about 4 inches above the small of your back, line the back of your backpack with heavier items, and try to run it up the back wherever possible. It also helps to place some medium-weighted items in the sides or in the side pockets.

Overread · Dec 21, 2011

heh even if I did have shots the latop I have access to right now would probably faint if presented with a 7D and 18megapixis to order and display.

Very interesting to head the additional points regarding weight distribution, certainly makes for good reading for future packing and for others carring heavy loads without a car.