HOW TO PACK A BACKPACK OR HOW I PACK MY BACKPACK | EXPERT ADVICE 

Message for Mirna: You asked me a question and I get in the mail but I can't find your comment here so I can not reply. Please mail me info AT outdoorguru.com Cheers, Gijs

I’m giving my son an Osprey pack for his 18th Bday and I’ll include your video into the present. Hopefully it will serve him for years to come - thanks, bro!

I've been backpacking for years, but I love learning the different ways people do things as I can always be better. This is hands down the best packing video on RU-vid. Thank you so much, it's neat you exist.

My general rules are: 1-light and bulky goes low 2-heavy goes high and tight (close to me), and either centered or distributed as evenly left and right as possible 3-time sensitive stuff (first aid, fire kit, rain cover/expedient shelter) goes in the top flap or other easily accessed pouch 4-batteries and electronics stay close to my body to lessen cold drain 5-if you don't want to loose it make sure its inside the pack or tied off somehow 6-if it needs to stay dry it goes in a dry sack (and maybe additional bags as well)

Ps that diagram sketch of ur gear packed in ur bag a little over half way into ur video was just what I needed to see. Im a visual learner so instantly I cud picture your gear, how u packed it, what u brought and how much easier it could be for me. I've been a backpacker for 3 years. I was a boy scout as a kid but all my life I suffered from over packing big time. This summer I finally was able to really dial my bag in. Ur sketch of ur pack and gear though was exactly what I needed. It simplified everything!!

Excellent tutorial. I appreciate your no-nonsense, quiet professionalism.

I used to backpack, hut-to-hut, 1 week campings, etc. Now I got little kids, sat at home for almost 4 years. Next week I am going to 3 day trek with my friends and I can't be more excited. Very nice video, because I'll be packing my backpack in no time! :) Thanks!

I usually keep the lamp(s) and spare batteries in a pocket close to my body... with -15 degrees in the backpack they won't work :)

Utube just put this up. Wow, very best I have watched, and I watch all I find for about 3 years now. I like good ideas. My bag is like this one. I loved the video. Thank you

I've done 18 wild camps now in the UK and I have picked up 2 top tips about the sleeping bag compartment and use a bladder instead of 2 x 1l bottles. Will try next outing. Thanks for making and sharing. Cheers 👍👍

Hi Gijs, another great video. Your method is very similar to mine - the main difference is the stove - if I'm using a liquid fuel stove, I always pack the fuel bottle in an external pocket so if the bottle leaks, it doesn't spoil everything else in my rucksack.

Rewatching this . Building my bugout bag for semi mobile long term . Dad of two so I will be the one to haul the main cooking n food . Your video gave me by far better idea on how to use my bag. TY

Best advice. We followed the same packing style in the military.

In a few days I'm headed for my first hiking trip and your video made it so much easier for me to organize my stuff - many thanks!

I need to see a back packing set up for people that carry photo equipment and tripods :D

Thank you so much! I'm new to hiking and camping but I'm learning more about it so that I can progress to longer hikes and maybe an overnight in one of our state forests. 48 years old but still learning new ways to enjoy life. Happy travels!

Great video as always. I would also bring a tarp as a quick shelter from the rain when you stop to eat during the walk😃

So glad i came across your tutorial. Going on my first overnight hike in a few weeks. Just bought a new backpack and learned so much. Thank You.

I love the way you separate your tent and your poles

Taking my family on our first backpacking trip this weekend. Thanks for all the packing info. I always wondered how to pack the tent in side the pack. This was the first video what I thought would be most helpful to me. Thanks. Keep up the good info.

Always pack the same way, not only you find your stuff - you learn the balance. I put the tent in the special bottom compartment, and usually have an umbrella as well - helps really a lot setting camp in the rain.

This is a nice video especially for me going on my first backpacking trip

Love your videos! Greetings from Finland

i love this guy, the only "how to pack a backpack " video i watched from start to end! you're funny, not boring.. cheers! but looking at the contains of the bag, seems light. need to think where is the bast place for my chair (snowline)😊 and not to mention my food.'

I have bought my first (large) backpack (a Forclaz "MT500 AIR 60+10) and although it seems to be nice and big, I could barely fit my things in it (and it aren't even this many). I am probably doing it wrong...

first time watch your video, you make me feel happy and you are such a happy guy

Great information! I’m just starting out learning about hiking and backpacking and this has been very helpful. I will definitely be adding some gloves to my kit to protect my hands when gathering wood or working with my knife. Glad I did not have to learn that the hard way.

I've been debating on the Atmos 50 or 65. You just convinced me that the 50 is plenty

Excellent . Simple and logical packing. Loved it!!

A non sponsored reviewer good to find..and makes the point ..IF DOWN WET ITS USELESS

Your video has just reduced my stress levels enormously. I have spent ages putting things in a taking them out of my pack trying to get some sense of order. I am now ready, I think, to head off into the Tasmanian wilderness with friends tomorrow confident that I have stowed everything in a rational sequence. All I need now is for it to stop raining and/or snowing.

I have an75, 50 & 36L bags for various trekking lengths. I haven’t packed in a number of years but like the Boy Scout in me I’m prepared for any emergency that may arise. I live in NorCal but was raised in SoCal and lived through all the major earthquakes from the ‘71 Sylmar quake through the most recent 5.1 NorCal quake just days ago (10/25/22, San Jose, CA). Just repacked my 75 & 50L bags in case of emergency. I use my 36L bag as a bug-out bag in case of fire evacuation and my 22L bag for weather variable alternatives to go with my 36L! This video helped me pack my longer duration bags! I thank you for the advise, I’ve gotten a little rusty on how to pack!

Dude! Thank you so much. I was stressing out today while packing (first time). This video gave helped a lot!

had to come back and re-watch, love the look on your face during the profile shots showing the layers!

Always nice to see a good video on how to pack your bag. With me it is a good reference since I have to carry extra things for my dog that comes with me. Like more water, her food, and a towel for her when she gets too wet for the tent. I do have her carry some of her things like the dog bags and her food/water bowl (always be careful to not overload your dog).

Thanks, useful video to help pack my first Osprey backpack. I have always packed my fuel on the outside net away from everything else. Cheers.

Всё так. Про спасательное одеяло всё таки сказал. Думаю, как без него ходить в горы? Ровно так же собираю рюкзак. Хорошее видео.

Very nice clear and upbeat delivery as always Gijs. One thing occurred to me is that in heavy rain when arriving at your camping spot your tent is inside the pack. I use the bottom compartment for the tent so as to have easy access without disturbing anything else.

Did not know about the trek pole hooks. I guess watching random hiking and backpacking videos is paying off. Thanks!

Great 👍 instructional video. Intuitive and practical. There's no substitute for experience and no teacher greater than learning from one's mistakes. I personally leave my stove and cook kit up top for quick access and instant consumable warmth, without having to dig out my kit . Good Job Brother Man.

Thank you for a great, comprehensive explanation with reasons why. Great video.

Doing Mt Whitney this Summer with my Osprey Kestral 48. Thank you. I subscribed

Great video - very useful.

The bear spray!! Maybe that on the side pocket. Or closer.

Thank you. Now I have an idea what to bring and pack.

Nice job here. I have the bag just learning how to stuff it. Lol....thank you very much for the video. You have helped me get this done :)

Good video! I pack in the same way. Except that I don't compress my sleeping bag. I just stashed in.

Lol, this is almost spot on how I pack my bag. Still great video!

Thank You! Greetings from Poland! 😉👍

A prepper as I am can also use this as well. Thxz

Thanks for showing how you organize your pack. Where did you put your Helinox Chair Zero? Just curious! Also, do you take a water filter when you exhaust your water bladder?

Great tutorial! Easy for me to understand you. Clear and calm 🤙🏼

Thank you for the very, very useful video! Watching in Japan!

Subscribed. Great video 👍

I appreciate this great tutorial. thank you

Great information - thanks for sharing the knowledge!

Love this video. I’m doing my first BWCA trip this year with my own gear and not using and outfitter. This video contained a lot of good packing ideas for a newbie backpacker

cool I just bought this backpack

I just want to say I really appreciate your attitude and as I scrolled down the comments I saw that u commented on just about every comment, I think that is awesome😊. BTW Where did you find those pants they look pretty cool. Have a wonderful day, your one of my favorite RU-vidrs 😊

Excellent, sensible advice very well explained - I will certainly seek out other videos you've made!

Hoi Gijs, wat een inspirerende uitleg was dit! Ik ga volgend jaar met mijn dochter wildkamperen in Schotland en ben m’n bestaande kampeerspullen om die reden aan het uitbreiden. Vorige week heb ik de Osprey Ariel 65 rugzak gekocht, volgens mij de damesvariant van de jouwe. Jouw uitleg komt dus goed van pas! Dit jaar alvast wat proefkamperen met de rugzak en m’n fantastische Nordisk Telemark 2 tentje 😍. Ik ga je vanaf nu volgen 😊

Super useful tutorial!! Thank you!!

Hoi Gijs, tomorrow I start an experiment: after 30 years my way, I am packing my backpack as you do :) My sleepingbag is in its compression bag a lot smaller then my down compartiment... so I used to put my tent there (too heavy?). this time I just put my sleepingbag in another bag, in the down compartiment and my tent higher up. Maybe a problem when I have to put the tent up in the rain?

There’s me thinking my 55l was too small. Easy when you know how. Great video.

Nice video, nice editing and graphics! I run a little lighter, not UL, but lighter. Packing is not my main issue, but what I need and what I can do without. I've recently been fussing with gear that is too light, too flimsy. Some of it is going back to the outfitter!

This is an excellent video. Thank you. I am just beginning to backpack, so this video was very helpful to me. Thank you again.

Hi, I love your videos. I would like you to recommend some clothing with specific characteristics and technical specifications for certain situations. Especially about down jackets and waterproof windbreakers, boots, etc. Thanks.

Where does your cell phone go? 😂 Joking. Great video.

In the picture you have a seat? whyere do you store and what type?

Thanks so much for this. Fantastic advice that I will use as a bible from now on. Subscribed, liked and loved.

Awesome video, the way you break down and explain what you’re talking about is great! The little things you bring up like not filling your water bladder all the way up is a game changer, that one little mistake could literally cost you your life, opening up your pack only to realize your water bladder has burst and soaked everything could be a serious problem depending on where you’re camping, like say on the side of a snow covered mountain 😳😆

thank you so much! the most helpful backpacking video on youtube :)

Thanks, great video helping me with my first Osprey backpack. I have always packed my fuel in the outside net away from everything else. Cheers

I have that same knife too! The Morakniv Garberg, I think I spelled that right. Excellent knife!

Very well done, displayed and explained!! I'm going for my first hike in a few weeks. So this was very helpful.

You forgot the loo roll.? I think we were all thinking the same thing on a long trek.

Thank you from New Zealand.

Very helpful. Thank you!

Thanks for your advices! I'm going to my fist mountain trip by Ukrainian Carpathian and your tips are very pleased for me!)

Great video 😊

Thanks for the information. I've seen plenty of backpacking videos and this one is so far the best.

Super informative. Just the info I was looking for. Thank you!👍🏼

one og the best videos out there hands down

Love Holland, especially Groningen!

Thanks ... tomorrow I am going for my 4th backpacking and still learning

Thanks for this,ive just ordered an osprey atmos 65 Big difference to my last pack,so i shall be trial packing it to see if i can do it differently,very informative,thanks 👍👍

Thank you so much for showing us; very helpful 👍🏼

Thanks for the video!! I noticed that you strip your tent into tent parts and poles!! i never strip my tent but carry it as a unit externally on my bag! I am a tall lad so had to go for a three man tent which is also handy to store my bag inside when I am sleeping or in the case of rain

i have that backpack. i find there is enough space between the sleeping bag and the edges where i can stuff my sleeping bag liner, pillow and footprint. had not thought about extra waterproof bags for clothing and food, etc.

So this is really useful video appreciate you taking the time to share this precious knowledge with us. However I have few more things (1) snow shoes (2) crampons (3) Ice axe. where will those go if you were hiking/backpacking with them?

You don't carry a waterfilter or something to make water drinkable? I always have my waterfilter, poopscoop and toiletpaper at an easy to reach place.

1. Take care when u stick your mattres to the outside of the backpack since the Raincover might not fit anymore. 2. Make sure ur water bottle is safe and cant fall out since it can fall downhill, and looking for it and picking it up consumes a lot of energy.

This is very well explained. Thank you

Very informative. One thing I noted is you bag up everything you put into your bag. Is that totally necessary or just a nicety?

doesn't the water in the bladder get very warm since it's so close to your back?

Your video has been very helpful. Thank you very much! Also it is a nice backdrop.

Great video, very informative! groetjes van een mede nederlandstalige.

Excellent thanks 🎉

Where do you pack your helolite chair?

Thank you for the informative video. How heavy is your pack and what percentage of your body weight is that? How much of a concern or priority is that to you? Thank you.