Warning: the way I packed my pack for 4 years was completely backwards

I always put the heavy stuff like my tent and cook kit at the bottom of my pack, figured it kept the center of gravity low. Last month on the Olympic Peninsula, this thru hiker I met at a shelter watched me pack up and just laughed. She said the weight belongs up high, against my back, and my lower back was doing all the work for no reason. I tried her way on the next 12 mile stretch and my shoulders felt way better, why did nobody tell me this sooner? Anyone else have that moment where a stranger pointed out something basic that changed how you hike?

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karenw9025d ago

Nah, heavy at the bottom keeps you from tipping over on steep climbs, low weight is the real hack.