Getting the Most out of your pack
A properly packed and adjusted backpack is the key to comfort on long trips, helping you get the most out of your trip.
How to load your pack
Properly packing your backpack will greatly improve comfort while carrying heavy loads. Another factor to consider is convenient access to the items you will possibly need along the way, eliminating the need to unpack trailside. By determining which items you might need you can pack unnecessary items such as extra clothing, cooking utensils and dry food stores in the bottom of your pack. The heaviest items should be placed mid ways up, as close to your back as possible.
This will help bring the centre of gravity closer to your back, between your shoulder blades where it is most stable. Try to pack everything except your mattress and an extra clothing layer inside your pack. Items attached to the outside are prone to snagging on tree branches and rocks.
Ski touring
If you are ski touring with a heavy pack, stability will be the main concern. In addition, you will be using your upper body more thus requiring more freedom of movement. We suggest lowering the centre of gravity in the pack, closer to your lower back.
Weight recommendations
Touring with a heavy pack increases the strain on your knees and hips. Weight is always an issue to be considered when trekking, and all additional weight will lead to fatigue and discomfort regardless of how well packed and adjusted your backpack is. A general rule of thumb is to not pack more than ¼ of your body weight. If you are inexperienced with trekking and carrying heavy loads in a pack, the maximum ratio will be closer to 1 / 5. Walking with poles will help distribute the stress over the rest of your body and reduce fatigue, as well as aid in balance.
Wet conditions
Even though we use only the best materials when constructing our packs, no backpack is completely waterproof. We provide rain covers for all of our touring packs and they will dramatically help keep your gear dry in rainy or wet conditions. Any equipment that absolutely must be kept dry should be packed in either waterproof bags or plastic. The fabric on your pack will become less water-resistant with time and use. Therefore it is recommended to treat your pack with a water proofer from time to time. You can purchase a water proofer at your local sports dealer.
Adjustments on the go
Carrying comfort can be greatly increased by actively adjusting your pack to various terrains. It is most important to evenly spread weight between your shoulders and hips. Here are a few helpful hints:
Under steady walk in flat terrain, it is preferable to tighten the belt and loosen the neck adjustment, so that most of the load is carried on the hips, and you can move in a natural, upright manner.
In uphill terrain, tighten the neck adjustment, in order to get the weight forward. You may want to loosen a bit on the hip belt to get a good circulation of blood to the legs when they work hard. In downhill, loosen up the neck adjustment again, so you can straighten out the back for better comfort. Make sure that the bag is stable and comfortable, so you have control in the downward slopes.
