Put the heaviest items close to your back and centered between your shoulder blades
Place dense items in the middle of the pack
Keep lighter, bulkier items toward the bottom
Store frequently used items near the top or in outer pockets
Put sleeping bag and sleep clothes at the bottom
Pack tent body, rainfly, and shelter items in the main compartment
Place food in a bear canister or food bag as required, then pack it near the center
Keep water accessible in side pockets or hydration sleeve
Put rain gear and insulation where you can reach them quickly
Use hip belt pockets for snacks, map, phone, and small essentials
Balance weight evenly from left to right
Fill empty spaces with soft items to prevent shifting
Keep sharp or hard items away from your back
Secure loose straps and compress the load
Pack items you need last at the bottom and items you need first at the top
Adjust the pack so the load sits high and close to your body
Check that the pack feels stable before starting to hike