How I Pack All My Backpacking Gear Into A 50L Pack

[@myhandletre3]

I really liked how you placed everything except your first aid kit being buried and sealed in your pack. I would have put it after your rain jacket. Easy emergency access. Hence the name FIRST AID. Very well done. Thank you.

[@LiboltAdventures]

Always impressed with how much stuff you guys can fit into a 50L. I need to get better at packing. Good video man.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Libolt Adventures I’ve focused hard on acquiring lightweight gear to reduce space that gear takes up without going full ultralight.

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

Libolt Adventures : ditto! 😁

[@PaulMessner]

Nicely done Dev. I really like the look of that pack. The roll top definitely has its advantages over a more traditional pack top.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks Paul! Roll top definitely had major pros.

[@ElkArrow]

I'm using a Norrona Pararanger 120 Liter pack. It's Norwegian and it's got D rings sewn into the hip belt for rigging pulk sled poles. Just bought a Skipulk pulk sled for winter backpacking. Can't wait for a blizzard

[@BackcountryExposure]

Erich Diehl ah yeah! I love winter backpacking. I got a hot tent/wood stove last year and can’t wait for the cold weather!

[@natalieberg2102]

You manage to fit a lot into a small pack! I'm not good at that, and that's one of the many reasons I love big packs, haha. I went up from 65 L to 75 L, which was the biggest pack I found to fit a small 5ft person.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Natalie Up North best thing is when you figure out what works best for you. Love it!

[@theshortladders]

Man, this is interesting. And I know it's all insanely personal but for me I like to have all that mid-pack stuff in a sack so when I get to camp I'm not doing a dump out of all my gear to get to my tent. I like keeping the tent stakes out of the interior that's a great change for me to adopt! thanks,

[@renaecummings8068]

The first thing you’ll do when arriving at camp is set up your shelter and it’s buried at the bottom. If it was raining the contents of the pack would get wet. Shouldn’t the tent be perhaps under the food bag?

[@BackcountryExposure]

We all do things a little different. Should I expect to be hiking in when it is raining, I may adjust where things are located.

[@renaecummings8068]

I forget you’re in Utah where it’s pretty dry. I’m In Michigan. My husband and I took students out from our beginners backpacking class weekend trip in both spring and fall. Rained both times😬

[@______7794]

shouldnt the tent be att the top so the point of weight (i dont know the word in english) is high up on ur back?

[@p.richter9592]

I always pack my tent in the top portion of my pack. That way I can set up my shelter, and not get the other contents of my pack wet. I live in a coastal area, so the weather is quite different from the desert, and much colder too 🇳🇴

[@JMichel-PaniK]

Now I'm curious to see what is inside your food bag.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Jean-Michel Lavoie freeze dried meals, crackers, cheese, snacks, oatmeal.

[@mtnbound2764]

as a new backpacker, this video was really helpful, thanks!

[@BackcountryExposure]

You’re welcome!

[@DC9848]

Great video. Would love to see a follow-up on that food pack too

[@anthonyperez3687]

Very good video. There are tons of “how to pack your backpack” videos, however no one shows a view of “INSIDE” the backpack while making the video. (Um.. hello?!) you would think that’s important. Good job!

[@BackcountryExposure]

It can be a lot of work to make it right, but it is nice to see down inside the pack for sure!

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Great stuff, using this concept to pack my HMG 50L! Always willing to change it up and try new ideas....Currently loving the storage cubes that HMG makes each cube has a concept idea. Sleeping bag then tent then clothing on top is food. 4 Large Cubes with a 1 gallon Freezer bag with electronics stuff...but next trek I will try not to be so OCD and try your Lay out. Thanks

[@BackcountryExposure]

Michael Bartlett I go through phases where I want bags for everything to stay super organized, and then I go back to what you saw in this video. It helps too if you just take only what you need and know will be exactly what you need for the conditions. Let me know how it goes.

[@brianwofford3831]

Thanks, good job packing for a dry trip. I am about to do a three day in an old backpack that size.

[@andrewdavis8776]

3 questions. 1.) What items of food were you able to fit into that little bag? 2.) What kind of tent was that? Like the brand. 3.) Just a rough estimate, how much did everything you just pack, including the backpack, cost?

[@wilddmck]

I have so many more stuff sacks! I have never really thought about not putting my sleeping bag and clothing just straight into the bag. Interesting, next trip I think that is just what I am going to do. It will be a winter trip so I will se how it goes.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Devin McKinnon yeah give it a try and see how it works for you! Let me know!

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

I love my larger rucksack (80L😲molle, and I've tried A LOT of different types... I'm not a lightweight packer!) purely because I can disperse the contents better for my body type, may it be filled or not, and has worked out really well for most trips/hikes, as the straps and hip straps sit PERFECTLY. But funny enough, just looking at 50L bucket type rucks, and will definitely heed your advice! 😁

[@BackcountryExposure]

Awesome! That's what I love about packing. There is no one way to do it. Figure out what works for you and go for it!

[@charityanderson8327]

What would you do about a bear canister? Any tips to make my (feeling like a giant) sleeping pad smaller?

[@traviscrum1462]

You made that look soooo easy! Great video.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Travis Crum dome it a few times 😀 thanks!

[@26parma]

Seems like a heavy load for a frameless pack. How well did it carry that much weight?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Adam Parker with the pad against the back, this is very comfortable. It handles the weight as it or better than many other packs I’ve used.

[@thomashann3000]

What brand was the bag for your food kit? It looked to be a good size for what I am seeking.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thomas Hann hey! I make those bags myself, and I have an Etsy shop where I sell them. I am leaving on a camping trip so the shop is “on vacation” until July 24. But if you want one you can check it out there once I get back. 👇🏼 Etsy.com/shop/backcountryexposure

[@VictoriaWTX]

Thank you so much, this was super helpful!!! really great!!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Robyn Woodbury ☺️ thanks!

[@jpriddle]

No concerns with packing a wet tent next to your quilt or dirty sandals inside the pack? Really great instructional video, though! Very similar to how I load out my 35L Kumo.

[@BackcountryExposure]

John Riddle a wet tent in the stuff sack hasn’t ever been an issue for me. Thanks!

[@alexlikesoutdoors5825]

Thanks for the video dude! I'd love to see a review on that Waymark pack. I'm actually looking into the same one!

[@jayv.8298]

Are you planning to do a review of that pack? Didn’t find a good one yet on KZbin...

[@BackcountryExposure]

Jay- V yeah soon I will have one up

[@jayv.8298]

Cool 🤙🏾Looking foreword to

[@clintsearl]

Hey what is that food bag you are using? Zipper sounds nice and convenient.

[@BackcountryExposure]

It’s actually a DIY bag I sewed myself based on the ZPP bag that you can get from Ripstop By The Roll. I just messed with the dimensions to make it bigger. It’s about 5 liters. Zipper is very nice.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

You fit quite a bit of gear into a 50L bag !

[@BackcountryExposure]

It's Good in the Woods lightweight focused gear helps with that.

[@MarkSweeting_]

But when you arrive and want to pitch you have to get loads of stuff out before the tent. And if it's raining it'll all get wet. I do mine with tent accessible first

[@SammyMaeQ]

Please do this again with you Quasar 3D, ZenBivy, etc. It’s feeling like I need a lot of pack space for those.

[@AmyRoutt]

I'm definitely interested in getting a pack that is 40-45L for those lighter trips. And considering a frameless pack, but I'm scared to try one. I wish I already used a sit pad! I wonder what I could use that I already have. hmmmm (watch it be like...3 more years before I actually purchase one hahaha)

[@BackcountryExposure]

You are more than welcome to use one of mine if you’d like to at least see how you like it or don’t like it.

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

Lol, a kindred spirit!! 😁

[@AmyRoutt]

@@BackcountryExposure that is a generous offer! I might take you up on that if I end up doing a desert trip soon. I've never tried a frameless pack before. Do you think size differences would make a difference?

[@AmyRoutt]

@@mog-gyveroneill2500 😂

[@BackcountryExposure]

It could. But likely my 40L would fit you just fine. I can bring it to work one day if you would want to stop by and check it out. Just let me know.

[@outdoorhangtime5404]

Great video. What are those zip up bags you are using for toiletry and food. Interesting since I've only really seen roll top or drawstring bags.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you! They are bags that I sewed myself based off the ZPP Bag that you can buy from Ripstop By The Roll. I just changed the dimensions and made smaller/bigger ones.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Awesome vid man! Always love seeing how others pack their bag in hopes that I will perfect the art

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks man!

[@KB-re4ku]

@Jeremiah Stringer Hikes just keep the heaviest items closest to your back (usually your food) and fill in the rest sensibly.

[@patticarey9016]

Good video! Very informative!

[@zarlydoug]

Awesome thanks for sharing !👍 I am looking at getting the same pack from waymark, isn't it a waterproof pack because of the material it's made of, X-Pac right? I'm still learning about these things - thanks!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Hey! The xpac fabric is waterproof, but the seams of the pack are not, since it's not seam sealed or seam taped. Even then, it takes a lot of water to get through when out hiking. But if you are concerned about it, then a simple pack liner will do the trick. Typically a trash compactor bag is what people use that's also cheap and easy to find.

[@zarlydoug]

@@BackcountryExposure thanks! I'll be using some kind of a liner I guess, I have a Gregory Stout 65 now and was hoping to get a pack that would allow me to stuff my sleeping bag in the bottom without a stuff sack.. I am also considering the HMG junction 3400 and the LIteAF curve 46. There's a lot to consider with these bags because of the price. I'm also looking for light gear because I just turned 50 and am getting my fitness level up after years of slacking off, and my knees are weaker than wlthey were 25 years ago - so I find myself wanting to shed as much weight as possible. Poles help a lot with my knees too.

[@cj.5297]

my shelter and first aid kit always stay on the top, usually sleeping bag, pad, pillow at the bottom.

[@lwatts8168]

Where is the gear list? The video said linked below and also checked your site.

[@kaitlynchermak6488]

Hey Devin, I’m always looking for little stuff sacks for organizing. What is the zipper pouch you used for your food and the blue one for toiletries? Thanks :)

[@BackcountryExposure]

They are bags I sewed myself based of the Ripstop By The Roll ZPP Kit. I just changed the size a little. Cedar Ridge Outdoors has bags that are similar, and you could look at Hilltop packs as well.

[@kaitlynchermak6488]

Backcountry Exposure wow, thanks for the quick reply! Haha you’re obviously way better at sewing than I am 😅 I’ll check out cedar ridge outdoors! Thanks :)

[@dallashill23]

What size and brand food bag do.you have? Ive been trying to find a good size bag for weekend trips with the same top zipper style as the one you have.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Lopside It’s actually a DIY bag I sewed myself based on the ZPP bag that you can get from Ripstop By The Roll. I just messed with the dimensions to make it bigger. It’s about 5 liters. I don’t know anyone that is making bags like it.

[@jpriddle]

Granite Gear Air Zipsacks are great. www.amazon.com/dp/B003EMSDBY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YdXQDb8KBDKTZ

[@dallashill23]

Right on thx guys

[@percules4420]

the item ypu put under your sleeping pad fpr more insulation . What is that called, where can i get one ?

[@kennethstarr5545]

I was wondering, cause I’ve never had to do this, where do you carry your wagbags when they are occupied 😂

[@kennethstarr5545]

My other question is why tent on the bottom.

[@nspinicelli]

How do you store your tent? Do you keep it rolled up in its bag?

[@neemancallender9092]

nice one What is interesting the tent placement It used to be as they were the heaviest and most dense the tent would be placed at the top of the pack No stool?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Neeman Callender that’s why I place my food at the top, cause it is fairly heavy, and usually heavier than the body of the tent. But as the trips goes on it obviously gets lighter.

[@kelkel3883]

I'm looking for a backpack like the one's you are showing. Got a link that I can go to to shop around with????

[@BackcountryExposure]

There’s a link in the description. But the pack is the Waymark Gear Company LITE.

[@MrEunderwood]

What kind of food bag do you shave here? It doesn't look like the liteAF bag I've seen you use in the past

[@BackcountryExposure]

E Underwood I seem to always been switching things up. Just depends on the length of the trip. I do like these style bags with the zipper better. It’s actually a DIY bag I sewed myself based on the ZPP bag that you can get from Ripstop By The Roll. I just messed with the dimensions to make it bigger. It’s about 5 liters.

[@DatRaccoon1215]

What water resources you have on that trail? I just went to New Mexico I’ll never keep water on the outside of pack again. Nothing worse than drinking hot water while you are roasting in the sun.

[@thomasmurphy460]

What was that back panel sit pad thing ? White? I am very interested in that Is it a DIY or did you purchase it?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thomas Murphy So it’s a roll of 1/8” foam from Gossamer Gear and tyvek. It was a DIY project and I got the idea from Jaxx Drinkwater. Go search his KZbin channel for DIY BarcaLounger. He kept his full length. I cut mine down to torso length.

[@thomasmurphy460]

Backcountry Exposure Thanks for the reply I’m going to look into that and possibly construct something similar to that

[@bobbreves9436]

new to backpacking.. so very helpful.. i would have packed it backwards lol.. just subscibed to channel

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Great video. Great information✌️

[@BackcountryExposure]

AS THE CROW FLIES HIKING thank you!

[@outdoorstransient1498]

I am curious with the areas in which some items were placed. Albeit weight played roles in this. Tent so far down in pack? Do you pull out the foam pad at camp, and remove everything from your pack, to expose the tent,pad,quilt? Then placing all items on said foam pad?Erect shelter, and then handle items again. Nice gear load brother, Thank you for sharing, Terry.

[@BackcountryExposure]

What works for some doesn't work for others. This is a system that I enjoy and has made carrying my gear very comfortable. When it is raining, then things change a bit, but I just pull everything out and place it on the ground. Thanks!

[@titanpreparedness]

Good video. I see your back with the micro. Is that because you havent yet replaced your hydroblu that broke or is it because you prefer it?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Titan inc Survival haven’t replaced the hydroblu yet, so using what I already own. 😀

[@titanpreparedness]

@@BackcountryExposure the cheaper option nice. I just put out a video where i compared the two. Your right when you say you really have to crank them down to work with the smart water bottles. Haven't broken it yet though

[@Harry_Hjelm]

What tent do you have and what size is it

[@blakewray3337]

Quick question, what would be some good all rounder semi budget 2-3 person tents? P.S. I’ve been looking at the Paria outdoors Bryce, Luxe hexpeak, and some various others but just can’t really decide what would be the best option.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Just depends on what your personal budget is and if you are trying to stay under a certain weight. I would suggest the Hexpeak for sure! Sierra Designs has some awesome affordable 2-3 person tents right now too. Paria would be the ultimate budget route that would perform super well too.

[@blakewray3337]

Ok thanks! If I had the money do you think it would it be worth it to get the hexpeak XL over the 2p?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Blake Wray hmmm only if you are taller than 6’2” and need the extra sleeping space and gear space.

[@blakewray3337]

👍

[@jccharly2000]

How do you stay connected by cell/WiFi when out in remote areas?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Carlos Cabrera I don’t, only cause there isn’t cell service in many of the places I hike. I do carry a satellite device though.

[@txaggie99]

Great video! I have a question and since you hike often in the desert maybe you can help. Going to spend a week at Big Bend Nat’l Park where there is NO water so I need to pack 11L. Any recommendations on water bladders? Also, with water taking up much space in my 65L Osprey Atmos, I will likely strap my tent to the bottom on the outside. Thoughts?

[@Anand-yu1sg]

i would have put the down jacket after the quilt as they are both th emost compressible

[@TACx3]

Great vid ! Curious though, what company is your food bag ?

[@BackcountryExposure]

T C thanks. I make the foods bags myself. I have an Etsy shop where you can get one. Etsy.com/shop/backcountryexposure

[@henryvikingr]

lmao i bought like the Ayacucho Inca 45liter backpack 1 year ago because i got in this frenzy that i wanna go out hiking, and the sleeping bag is just sitting in my room staring at the backpack wondering how i can fit all my stuff inside of it T.T i will try this way hopefully i can get everything in nice and tight :3

[@rojin1986]

My sleeping bag is bigger than that and I don’t know if I can fit it inside of my backpack:(

[@charityanderson8327]

Did you? Dealing with this issue now.

[@DavesGuitarPlanet]

Great, simple system :-)

[@arctodussimus6198]

Nice load out. Weight is good, 35 pounds is nothing really. But your first aid kit is not in the “quickest access” panel?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Arctodus Simus sometimes it is, other times not. I feel it’s just a personal preference where someone places it. Thanks!

[@EspenFrafalne]

How far do you usually carry 35pounds? If i pack heavy, i get tired quickly, and end up putting up camp early. But i dont want to just sit in my tent doing nothing, and the only way to avoid this is to invest in ultralight gear, so i have the energy to hike around for longer periods...

[@daurye92]

May I ask what brand the shelf in the background is? Many thanks in advance!

[@BackcountryExposure]

simon says it’s just a shelf from Sams Club.

[@daurye92]

@@BackcountryExposure thank you

[@stevecorbin2713]

New sub I like how you take care of poop some trails are grim because of selfish hikers much love from uk

[@mulhall72]

Why not put all the camera gear and the electronics bag in a Ribz Front pack?

[@jamesaphotography1286]

Great tips.

[@lexremus]

Curious about the USA t-shirt. Anybody got the details?

[@BackcountryExposure]

It was a limited shirt from Peak Refuel. Unfortunately not made anymore.

[@redgodofcrimsonpurgatory7975]

Will it work with 45l???

[@HuckOutdoors]

Nice gear loadout bud. Ive been packing my quilt in my pack without the stuff sack anymore.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Huck Outdoors 😁😁😁

[@derekphung3154]

Where did you get that food bag?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I make them. I have an Etsy shop where I sell them. They are randomly posted on there for sale when I have extra time to make them and get them listed. Etsy.com/shop/backcountryexposure

[@Imightberiding]

Don't you think your first aid kit is one of the items you may need to get to with little delay or frustration? I personally never burry it down inside my pack. Always on the outside & highly visible (either a cross or the colour) incase someone else needs to find it if it is me who is incapacitated. All the best with your outdoor adventures. Not a fan of frameless packs. They don't work for my kind of hike, camp & activities. Good thing we can all hike or own hike. Cheers.

[@Michael-yt3wz]

Step One: Put everything into the bag. No Step Two. 🤣😂🤣 J/K, thanks for the video.

[@joshswildnzcamping3681]

Hello pro tip put your med kit at the top so you don’t have to dig trough your pack or put it in the mesh

[@not1just4words]

🤔 Hmmm, I think you would want quick access to your medical gear. Especially if you are injured and you can only use one hand, I wouldn't want to dig it out of the middle of the bag. Backpackers use knives and cutting instruments that make them more susceptible to hand injuries.

[@BackcountryExposure]

not1 just4words sure. Sometimes the MED kit goes on the outside. Other times it goes where it went in this video. I feel it comes to personal preferences

[@John50ward]

Tent always should be last in first out

[@mk-doshka]

Very helpfull.. Thanks.

[@CanadianSkylights]

Why do you have a frameless pack if you are pushing 30 lbs regularly? Would be much better at that weight with a frame..

[@BackcountryExposure]

CanadianSkylights there is a lot of fear mongering around frameless packs. I just got home from a weekend of carrying this pack and it was incredibly comfortable. A well designed pack like this can easily carry that weight and be totally comfortable.

[@rocha9765]

How tall you are?

[@Quadrant14]

Good vid mate but at 63 now I take a frame pack everywhere.

[@busybenz21]

First aid kit should be easy n fast to get to.

[@monkeyapeman]

sick!!

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

Oh!! 35 pounds?? That's nearly a pull 16 kg!! Which is how much I carried with my camera gear on my backpack!! And my backpack was for sure not as light! It is 2 kg just in its own!! And I've had way more bulky and heavy stuff as well!! Tent outside and loads of things inside my pack!! So interesting. Coz I'm way more with budget gear lol. 😅😅

[@survivallessonsv.r.8736]

Hi. Nice video bro)

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks!

[@user-fb2me3th6z]

Thank you!

[@BackcountryExposure]

👍🏻

[@KellyLynne777]

Okay, I am new to this whole hiking thing and I saw you packed one pair of underwear? How does that work?

[@bigbossignition]

Depends how long you’re going for. Just turn them inside out and you get an extra days wear out of them 😂

[@Andy-Aims]

@@bigbossignition then back to front lol

[@AF-tv6uf]

He shoved the down jacket down. How apropos.

[@danielcluley870]

Why wouldn't you use waterproof bags for your down stuff? Don't weigh much at all and would compress your down gear even more so you could use a smaller pack. Just don't bring some of the other heavy stuff like huge-ass first aid kit and sandals. I guess cuz you were in the desert?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Every location presents different types of needs. If I know for sure that I am not going to experience any rain, then I rarely use a liner. Here in Utah, it is so dry that it's not much of a worry. It is conditional though and I do often at least have a liner/bag for sleeping gear and clothing. As for my med kit... That is intentional as I choose to carry what supports the medical training that I have invested in. As a WFR I feel it is important to have the items necessary to support the training that I have to help others in my group or I happen upon someone on the trail that needs help. My med kit is actually quite modest for backcountry use. And for sandals, where I am walking in a river/stream for the majority of the hike, it is important to have a second pair of shoes to change into at camp, rather than have wet shoes on my feet until turning in for the night.

[@danielcluley870]

@@BackcountryExposure Understand. I am from the SE, so we never take the risk, rain could happen any day! You should check out Shamma Sandals.. .

[@chrisu.k9307]

Nice to see your not a ultralight freak. 35lbs sounds about right to me. Anything less surely can’t be a pleasurable camping trip. I’d also throw in a few cans of beer as well. How can anyone go camping and not enjoy a can or two at night.

[@BowlineDandy]

Nice nice

[@BackcountryExposure]

Miguel Palau thanks!

[@redshot1015]

what did i just watch

[@philholden390]

So you get to camp and have to pull out everything except for your sleeping bag and sleeping pad before you get to your tent. Brilliant if it is raining hard.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Phil Holden lots of ways to do things and if you live in a wet area then you may be forced to make different decisions on where you put your gear.

[@philholden1636]

@@BackcountryExposure I recon that you'll always need your tent out first when you stop for the night. Also its a fairly dense weight that would be better up higher and near the back IMO.

[@883jpb]

So ur telling me the trip you’re going on they’re gonna make you carry you’re shit around literally

[@VonDiodon7979]

I’m sorry, but this is a really, really horrible way to pack your backpack for so many reasons. If you’re smart and know what you’re doing, do not pack this way. Wow, I was dumbfounded by this. PLEASE, NEVER DO THIS. If you hike enough, you’ll quickly find out why this is terrible advice. I am not trolling or trying to be negative... I’m trying to prevent people that don’t know any better a lot of headache and misery out on the trail.

[@BackcountryExposure]

🤦🏻‍♂️ okay. Educate me then. If I’m a complete idiot then tell me the right way to do it. Geez man. There are many different ways to pack a pack. I would love to know how I’ve demonstrated packing will create MISERY on the trail? Again, there are a few different methods to pack, and years of packing and thousands of miles has worked incredibly well for me.

[@markcummings6856]

Heavy food at the top.. not good. You wouldn’t be keeping that practice for more than a couple of days. 28 lbs w/o camera gear yet? Yikes, hope your back is okay after that hike.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Things can always change, and yeah, my back is feeling great. Carried this weekend super well and very comfortable.

[@Vinnytwotime]

Females in the Army carry 35lb dry rucks.