I know this topic has already discussed, but I still want to know more tips. This time I took pictures to describe my process. Please give me some comment, and share your methods.
I typically use several plastic water bottles to solidate the virtual frame.
Though the casual plastic bottle is a little heavier than platypus bottles ,I prefer to use it since two of my platypus leaked.
When water bottle is necessary thing for me, I think it is good to multifunction it to make the pack frame.
Following is how I usually pack my pack.
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First of all, It is important to choose a pack of suitable size which won't have too many extra room after every thing will be carried packed in.
1.using a folded pad into the innerpad sleeves to be the basic frame
It also avoid the discomfort resulted from irregular shaped gears in the pack.
2. using my montbell 7oz bivy as the liner bag
And than put the sleeping bag into it first without bag sack.
There is an advantage to do that since the bag will fill the space between kinds of stuffs.
puting things won't be used before camping.
3.
I use to put tent or tarp outside the bivy, since sometimes they may be wet.
Heavy things should be put close to our back.
4.
Remember to put those you don't want it to be wet during the trail into bivy. (extra clothes, food, etc.)
5. puting bottle or pot in the middle position of pack near back.
I used to make the flat bottom of pot depend on the pad to offer the flat back panel.
Sometimes I put a bottle sidelong.
Both bottle and pot can avoid the bend along the major axis of the pack. (avoid the pack to be like a vertical log)
6. putting things which will be used during the hiking
7. vertically put bottles into two sides of the pack
I found it's easier to plug the bottle with its mouth down.
The two bottles make sure that the pack won't bend along shorter axis.
8. puting fleece or insulation top on the top of the pack
It's convenient to put it on when I taking a rest.
9. putting things which can not be pressed
something like sun glasses, bread, etc.
10. putting other things which might be frequently or instantly needed in the outside pocket
like water bottle, rain gear, food etc.
11. closing the pack and compressed bascially
If you don't think it inconvenient to put out the water from the main body of the pack every time when you take a break, the bottle filled with the water you will drink during the walking can also be put sidelong between pack and fleece. It can offer additional rigidity of the virtual frame.
12. final compression step
I put the pack on the ground with the frame upward, and pull both of the shoulder straps with two hands when my knee on the pack to make the pack bend like our back.
Finally, tighten the compression straps of the pack with my knee still on the pack.
After those steps, the pack become very solid.
Sometimes I just feel that it is an internal frame backpack!
It is notable that if the pack lack of compression straps, we should compress stuffs and plug them forcefully when we put evry thing into the pack.
You can also see the pictures here.
http://picasaweb.google.com/syoten/HowDoIPackAPack#
