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EntertainmentWilderness Survival Skills

How to Pack a Backpack

Instructions

  • Step 1: Place lightweight items at the bottom Place lightweight items at the bottom of the pack and heavier items at the top. Distribute the weight in the pack so that it remains balanced.
  • TIP: If you plan to hike on rough or uneven terrain, move the heavier items to the bottom of the pack. Lowering your center of gravity will improve your balance.
  • Step 2: Place items you will need during the day at the top Place the items you expect to use during the day at the top of the pack. Beneath these items, place heavy objects, such as your stove, fuel, and food.
  • TIP: Place the items you expect to use during the day at the top of the pack. Beneath these items, place heavy objects, such as your stove, fuel, and food.
  • Step 3: Pack objects that you will use at the same time together Pack objects that you will use in tandem near each other.
  • Step 4: Collect small objects in stuff bags Collect small objects in color-coded stuff bags, so small items don’t fall to the bottom of the pack.
  • Step 5: Carry a survival kit Keep a survival kit close to your body, including a knife, flashlight, waterproof matches, survival candle, compass, emergency blanket, water purification tablets, survival whistle, first aid kit, and emergency rain gear.
  • Step 6: Don’t overload the outside Avoid tying too many objects to the outside of the pack. Extra weight can upset the pack’s balance.
  • FACT: Did you know? Knapsacks were issued to soldiers who served on foot during the American Civil War. Most knapsacks were made of cotton cloth coated with a waterproof preparation.

You Will Need

  • A backpack
  • Items to be packed
  • Color-coded stuff bags
  • A survival kit

Lessons in this Guide

How to Make a Solar Still

How to Pick the Right Snowshoes

How to Identify Scat

How to Sharpen a Jackknife

How to Orienteer

How to Deal with Being Sprayed by a Skunk

How to Make an Atlatl

How to Track Animals

How to Spot a Sasquatch

How to Tan a Hide

How to Make Fire with a Bow Drill

How to Avoid Avalanches

How to Build a Lean-To

How to Boil Water with Hot Stones

How to Use Binoculars

How to Make a Bow and Arrow

How to Make Aspirin If You Are Lost in the Woods

How to Build a Desert Shelter

How to Make a Mud Hut

How to Build a Wigwam

How to Pack a Backpack

How to Start a Fire with an Aluminum Can & a Chocolate Bar

How to Avoid a Snakebite

How to Get Rid of Chiggers

How to Start a Fire without Kindling

How to Keep Warm Sleeping in the Forest

How to Build an Igloo

How to Walk In Snowshoes

How to Build a Snow Fort

How to Remove Porcupine Quills

How to Make a Bonfire

How to Protect Food from Animals While Camping

How to Set Up a Slackline

How to Treat a Snakebite

How to Build a Campfire

How to Recognize & Avoid Poison Ivy

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