Backpack Add-Ons

External equipment pouches and gear is most often utilized best when the adventurer is wearing an external framed backpack. Although this can be done with an internal frame, backpack surface area is greatly limited.

A Balancing Act

When adding additional pouches to your backpack it is important to plan what you intend to place in each pouch. Try to ensure that when you put equipment into a pouch on one side, you put the same amount of weight on the opposite side of the backpack.

Heavier items should be placed on the sides, closest to the frame of the backpack while the lighter items should be adhered on the back side of the backpack. Heavy items on the back of the backpack can cause unneeded stress and strain from pulling the adventurer backwards.

Tents, Clips and Sleeping Bags

Tents and sleeping bags should be tightly wrapped and placed either in a stuff sack or with cordage. When attached to the backpack, it should be with at least three anchor points to avoid the items falling off of the bag or wiggling free of their bindings.

For clip items, such as flashlights, it is beneficial to have a "dummy cord" that tethers the item to the backpack in the event that the clip breaks or comes off of the backpack. Tethers and anchor points should be tied using proper knotting techniques to ensure safety and security.