Self Help Guides
Pack Packing - Conveniently Balanced System (CBS)
Conveniently Balanced System (CBS) - this abbreviation sums up the basic considerations of packing your backpack.
A. Convenience
A pack should be organised so that it permits access to the most needed contents quickly and efficiently.
The itinerary of the day should be considered when organising the pack:
- The arrangement of equipment in the pack reflects the probability of that equipment's use during the day eg hand rope if anticipated steep drop off sections should be readily accessible near the top of the pack
- Top lid pocket or other external pockets should hold equipment used frequently throughout day eg snacks, map and compass, water bottle, sunscreen etc
- Take account of expected weather changes-eg have raincoat or additional warm clothes readily accessible
- First aid kit should be readily accessible at all times
- Items not needed until arrival at the campsite can be packed further down.
B. Balance
A well balanced pack with properly distributed weight adds to the safety and comfort of the packer.
Weight Distribution & Comfort
- The heaviest part of the pack should be centered as close to the body and as near to the top of the spinal column as possible. It should be centered between the shoulder blades. To achieve this the heavier items eg the food and the tent should be packed in the top half of the pack and as close to the body as possible.
- The aim is to place the weight in a direct line with the strongest bones and muscles of the body ie the pelvis and thigh bones and muscles.
Weight Distribution & Safety
Terrain influences the way weight should be distributed in a pack.
- Flat easily travelled terrain eg along maintained trails/fire trails along ridges-for maximum comfort pack the heaviest weight high and close to shoulders
- Rough terrain, steep inclines, dead falls-the pack weight should be distributed lower towards the middle of the back, allowing greater balance and mobility while twisting and turning.
- Boulder hopping, river crossing-the pack weight should be centered low on the back to lower the body's centre of gravity and maximize balance. Some comfort is sacrificed for safety in this position.
Weight Distribution & Balance
Heavy loads need to be fully balanced from left to right, top to bottom, and front to back.
- Balance left to right - Items of similar weight should be packed on opposite sides of the pack so neither side of the body is uncomfortably overburdened eg if you have the fuel bottle in one half of the pack then pack your stove or equivalent weight on the other side of the back.
- Balance top to bottom - Heavy weight near the top of the pack should be counterbalanced by weight at the bottom of the pack such that the wearer feels neither tipped forward by excessive weight at the top of the pack nor pulled backward by excessive weight at the bottom of the pack. Sleeping bags and mats are often ideal counterweights to be placed at the bottom of the pack.
- Balance front to back - Heavier items should be packed as close to the body as possible to prevent the weight pulling the wearer backwards.
C. System
Once a system is developed that suits the packers needs, it should be used consistently. A pack that is organized in an efficient and consistent system allows the packer to load the pack easily, locate individual equipment quickly, and keep a track of gear.
Miscellaneous
- Avoid packing things on the outside of your pack - If it absolutely cannot be avoided ensure there are no loose ends and that nothing is protruding from the pack which could get caught on branches etc. Closed cell mats must be carried inside the pack or if carried externally must be covered by a protective non tear covering-garbage bags are not adequate!
- Ensure that packs are waterproofed.
Adapted from the Backcountry Classroom by Bruce F.Bonney and Jack K.Drury. ICS Books Inc, Merrillville, IN , USA.