One of the main things that accompanies a tourist throughout his journey is a backpack. But so that it does not interfere with you on the way, on a hunt or even in reconnaissance, it must be properly staffed.
Think and make a list of the things you need on the road. Don't take anything extra - it's unnecessary weight on your shoulders.
Divide this list into categories as needed. It is convenient to divide into blocks according to accessories: removable shoes, spare and warm things, kitchen utensils, food, first aid kit, hygiene products, and other trifles. Attachments for the backpack are separately included: a sleeping bag, a tent, a camping mat, a seat, a folding campfire tripod and the like.
Now put things of each category in a separate waterproof cellophane or canvas bag. This will keep your belongings from getting wet and save time when packing your backpack and finding what you need in it.
These things-blocks should be laid in such a sequence that the heaviest of them is approximately at the level of the shoulder blades. This will distribute the weight of the backpack so that you barely feel it. When the already equipped backpack is on you, you need to strap it to your back as tightly as possible. If your backpack comes with waist belts, do not neglect them. If they are not there, the travel seat can be moved to the lower back. It will protect your back from excessive pressure or friction from the backpack. A strap that tightens the shoulder straps is also useful - it will not allow them to pull your shoulders back.
The sequence of laying the thing-blocks is approximately as follows: removable shoes (it can also be attached to the backpack, especially if it requires drying and ventilation), spare and warm things, kitchen utensils, food. To save space and to avoid rattling when walking, part of the food can be placed in kitchen utensils (pots, cups, mugs).
The first aid kit should also be placed in a waterproof bag and in a separate pocket of the backpack, which it is advisable to mark with either a sticker, a patch, or simply by drawing a cross. This will save you much-needed first aid time.
Hygiene products (toilet paper, wet wipes, soap, towels, etc.) are stored in a separate pocket of the backpack.
A supply of drinking water in a 2-3 liter plastic bottle can be placed either inside the backpack or strapped to it with external straps.
A small flask, a camping knife, a flashlight can be hung on a waist belt.
In additional pouches of a backpack, in the pockets of a jacket or trousers, within the reach of your hands, you can place food for a quick snack on the go, a lighter, matches, communications, navigation, a photo / video camera and other trifles necessary on the way.
A sleeping bag, rope, tent, shovel, camping mat, campfire tripod, and other large things are placed on the backpack using the belts provided for this. The principle of placement is the same - heavy things closer to the body and higher from the ground.
In close proximity, waterproof clothing, raincoats and signaling equipment (signal vests, rockets, checkers) should be packed into a backpack.
After you have completed the entire backpack, tighten the side and vertical straps. Thus, by squeezing its sides, you will remove all free space, preventing things from creeping inside the backpack. The dimensions of the backpack, with the things hung on it, should not exceed the width of your shoulders. This will allow you to center your weight and move around obstacles more freely.
Put on a heavy backpack by placing it on the ground, or on a small hill. After putting on all the straps, fastening and tightening all the straps, lift the backpack using the force of your legs, not your back. In this way, you will avoid injuries and strains. Take off your backpack in reverse order.
The survival kit, which some carry with them on hikes, hangs separately from the waist belt. This is a small pouch with hermetically sealed means of survival in extreme situations, when for some reason it is not possible to use the contents of your backpack. Therefore, such a set should always be with you.
Army units have a practice of checking for noise. To do this, you need to jump a little in all equipment. If noise is detected, its causes are eliminated. Only then can you be nominated.
