[at-l] Packing a backpack.

[Steve Landis]

Raphael Bustin wrote:
> At 01:28 AM 9/27/2006 -0500, Tomman wrote:
>
>
>   
>> I know that most of the books and articles say you should not hang
>> anything on the outside of your backpack.  That is find but it seems to
>> me that by placing some items on the bottom, top or the sides  you could
>> use a smaller size pack and thus less weight.
>>
>> I was thinking about the sleeping pad on the bottom and possibly the
>> tent,( don't shoot me Toe) on top and the tent poles and stakes on the
>> side.  That could free up a lot of space in the pack so I could go with
>> a much smaller size pack.  These items of course will be in silnylon
>> waterproof bags.
>>
>> Has any one tried this?  If so how did it work out?
>>     
>
>
> Good points, Tom.  It's a fact that the pack
> should have a slim profile.  Loose items are a pain
> around blowdowns and in places like Lemon
> Squeezer and Mahoosuc or "off trail."
>
> Items in pack pockets are less of a problem.
> At the very least they *must not* swing around.
>
> I've seen lots of folks carrying sleeping pads
> outside their packs.  That's not at all uncommon.
> Vertically is better than across (slim profile.)
>
> One of my concerns with light and ultralight
> packs is that they don't have exterior pockets.
> I've always admired the sleek look of internal-
> frame packs.  I just don't get the logistics of it.
>
> I don't worry about waterproofing, except for
> the down bag.  And there, all you need is a
> kitchen trash bag.
>
> My pack isn't much to look at, but it's been
> quite functional -- with tent, pad, and
> sleeping bag strapped securely underneath
> the main compartment.
>
> It's not perfect but it's reliable and functional.
> If it were 2 lbs instead of 4, I'd call it perfect,
> except for the profile.
>
>
> rafe b
> aka terrapin
>
>   
I knew there would be opportunity  to share this with the list.   Here's 
the barefoot and aptly named "Holy Shit Man"  hanging and dangling...

http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2006/09/17/news/news22a.txt

Steve