How to Pack an Overnight Bag

When packing for a camping trip campers may be concerned about what to bring, often forgetting to consider how they're going to bring it. in this Instructable, campers can learn about the basic steps of packing for an overnight backpacking trip, prioritizing which supplies and equipment to bring, and how to use your overnight bag to its strengths.

Despite varying camping conditions, the list of essential items to pack with you on a camp stays the same. There are many lists online, but this is the list I use:

• Food
• Cooking supplies
• Water, or means of getting water from your environment
• Shelter
• Sleeping supplies
• A first aid kit
• A sturdy backpack

All of these items are available at sporting goods stores and online.

The first step of any camping trip is to consider your environment and what you will need to survive. Research the wildlife you may encounter, weather, and terrain. Ask questions such as “will I be able to use traditional tent stakes?” or “will I have water and a bathroom available to me?” and tailor your checklist to the demands of your environment.

The next step is to select the appropriate bag. Your bag is the foundation for your backpacking trip, as if your bag fails you will be reduced to carrying your equipment by hand or performing a fix in the field. Again, consider your environment. Understand that bags have carry weight limits as well as fixed volume sizes, although some backpacks come with webbing for added storage. In the picture the bag on the right is a hardshell, that cannot stretch and has no external mounting points. The bag on the left is flexible and has an excess of mounting surfaces, making it ideal for an overnight trip.

Now comes the packing. Take items that you will not need often, such as clothes and toiletries, and put them deepest in your bag. Once you have set up your camp and unpacked your supplies for the night, you will be able to reach these items, but since they are not of immediate or steady use it is best to keep them out of the way of more critical items such as first aid or a water bottle.

When packing, the last thing in is the first thing out. Imagine what you will first need or use at your campsite. This will often include food, a compact chair, and cooking equipment. These items are necessary, but you will not be reaching into your bag to grab these on the go. Place these items above or in front of the items you have just packed. Finally, attach all of the external storage and large items, such as a sleeping bag or tent on the outside of your bag, preferably the top or bottom. If you do need to attach items to the sides of your bag, try your backpack on to ensure that the bag is balanced from left to right, as an uneven load can make hiking uncomfortable.

At this point, all that is left will be your essential items as well as the items that need to be stored on the outside of your bag. Organize all of the items that you will need most often, such as a water bottle or snacks and set them at the top or outermost layer. Communication equipment and first aid should also be easily accessible in case of emergency. As you can see, the outermost surface of the pictured bag has a GPS and HAM radio attached and is within reach of the wearer, and a small first aid kit on the other side of the bag.

You have finished packing for your camping trip and now have a bag that is methodically filled so that you are not rustling for items or having to unpack and repack every time you need one specific thing. As time goes on, you will refine the equipment and supplies you bring with you, whether you'd like to be over-prepared or as light as possible.

Happy trails!