Ray Way packing method ?

If your thickly folded pad/framesheet is several layers thick, isn't that an awfully light and bulky load occupying the space next to your back where heavy stuff should be? Anyway, I just looked up Rays way in Beyond Backpacking and it differs from how I go–into a rolled torso pad lined pack goes: the bulk of the food in the bottom, the quilt in waterproof stuffsack,(dry only) tarp, cookpot, spare clothes in waterproof stuffsack, the days food and ditty on top, fuel and water (and tarp, if wet) in mesh pockets. This is different than what I do, perhaps your post will inspire me to compare. I do roll a torso section of Nightlite pad inside my pack in this manner and feel that it gives shape to and protects the delicate silnylon. Into this I then put my packliner, quilt, survival gear, upright Ursack and clothes tucked around the outside, cookpot/stove (if it won't fit in Ursack) and raingear on top, shelter etc, ditty, fuel and water in mesh pockets. Unlike my Mari and Miniposas, Rays pack does not use a hipbelt or sternum strap so they may benefit more from the contiguous load. If the pack carries better, it does seem lighter.

Some like the load up high, some like the load down low. With my current backpack I like the weight low. It's a personal preference. Try what works for you.

Eins