Finally figured out how to pack my backpack right after 5 years of hiking

Honestly I used to just shove everything in my pack like a trash bag, heavy stuff on top, sleeping bag crushed at the bottom. Last month on the Appalachian Trail near Harpers Ferry I watched a dude pack his bag in like 2 minutes with everything balanced perfect. Now I put my tent and cook kit at the bottom, food in the middle, and sleeping bag strapped on top and my back feels way less sore after a full day. Anyone else have a packing epiphany that made a big difference for you?

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logan5612h ago

Ah man the "sleeping bag crushed at the bottom" part hit me hard because that was literally me for years. I had this old 40 degree bag that was already kinda flat from being stuffed wrong and I just made it worse by sitting my whole pack on it. So here's my question for you - did you notice any difference in how your sleeping bag performs now that you strap it on top instead of squishing it? I swear my bag actually lofts up better since I started doing the same thing, like it has room to breathe and fluff out. Also are you using a compression sack or just strapping it loose? I've been going back and forth on that one.