There are typically three major Points to which you will have your backpack off your back when you are backpacking those include when you are:
- Taking A Brake
- Getting To Camp
- During The Night, As You Sleep
It is at these moments that you need to know what to do with your backpack when you have it off? I mean, where are you supposed to put it so it is safe to the point that no one or thing will touch it, damage it, or take it?
We will be going over this question in great detail in the coming sections. Along with some other quite related questions such as how to hang your backpack to a tree? As well as whether or not you should place your pack inside or outside your tent?….
Many, along with myself have wondered these questions for quite some time. However, these are questions that not many people have answered. I’m thinking it is due to the fact that it would seem so simple to some, that there is no need to answer the questions. But nonetheless, these are questions I have had myself, as well as many others as well. To which we are going to get answered in great detail today! Follow along as we go through, or simply skip ahead to the section that best fits your curiosity. I’ll see ya on the other side!
First things first, The big question everyone has:
Where Should You Put Your Backpack At Night? Though, this can depend greatly upon your shelter type. How many backpackers will either sleep with their backpack or hang it in a nearby tree. But resting your pack on the ground just outside, or underneath your shelter works fine as well. A lot of pack placement depends on personal preference.
Follow along with me as we go into greater detail below. First, we will go through the traditional methods that most Backpackers are using for pack placement, then we will go into shelter specific ideas, and later I will list off some of the enemies your pack will have throughout the duration of the night, and some defense tactics.
Where To Put Your Backpack For The Night
So you have been hiking all day and you have just come across a sweet spot to set up camp! The sun is going down quick, you’ve got a short period of time to set up your shelter so you get straight to work.
Fast forward an hour or so: you have camp set up, you just barely got a bite to eat and now you’re ready to head to bed. But you’ve run into the question of where do you place your backpack for the night?
As there are many methods that could be implemented at this point. However, dependent on your sleep system and the resources you have around you, your selection has become narrowed to a degree.
Below are some of the most commonly used methods for pack placement during the night.
Hang Your Pack
Many people prefer to hang their backpack. Because this gives their pack some protection from the animals that are walking along the earth floor. As well as some added comfort, and peace at mind.
Now, in most cases, small critters and bugs will still be able to get at your backpack even if it is hung on the trunk of a tree. But it does provide a little bit more of an obstacle for small critters around due to the fact that they now have to climb the tree to get at your pack.
But if you really want to go to great lengths to protect your pack you could hang it from a branch using a rope and a carabiner. Basically, the exact same way you would hang your food in bear country.
If you’d like to learn more about how this method is performed check out this post that covers What a bear bag is as well as how to hang it.
Methods For Hanging Your Pack
There are a few methods for hanging up a pack, as well as specific locations you can choose on a tree to hang your pack. For example, most choose to hang their pack up against the trunk of a tree. But some prefer to hang their pack suspended from a branch using a rope.
Hang from tree trunk:
Method 1) Shoulder Straps
- Begin by finding a stick that is about 2 feet in length.
- Then find yourself a decent sized tree close to camp.
- Using that 2-foot long stick, begin to tie it to the tree trunk about shoulder height (tie the stick parallel with the ground, With the center of the stick in-line with the center of the tree trunk (Like An Addition Sign))
- Now simply place each shoulder strap over each end of the stick. The stick will then act like your shoulders when your pack on you.
Method 2) Find A Stub
- Begin by finding a stub somewhere on the tree trunk that you can easily reach (Typically this will be found where a small tree branch was broken off in the past, and it left a small stub coming out of the tree trunk.)
- Locate the top strap on your pack. It is typically located directly behind your head when you have the backpack on.
- Simply hang your pack by the top strap on the tree trunk stub.
Method 3) Paracord Makes It Easy
This is basically the same method as Method 2 “Find A Stub”. However, in most cases finding a stub on a tree can be somewhat difficult so in order to adjust when this occurs, it is handy to have some paracord or rope with you.
- Select a Branch above that will hold your pack
- Throw your rope or paracord up and over your selected branch. Through the crotch of the branch, Right up against the trunk
- Now Simply Tie your pack up to shoulder height.
This will keep your pack at a reachable height, but make tree selection for hanging your pack much broader, as there are a lot more full-size branches then there are small tree branch stubs. At least in most cases.
Hang From Tree Branch:
Method 1) Bear Bag Style
This is kind of the same idea as method three listed above. however, in this case, you will be selecting a section of a branch that is distant from the tree trunk. You see, this will provide you added protection against small Critters another Wildlife that may want to get at your bag.
by keeping your pack a good distance away from the tree trunk, as well as some good height off the ground. the animals will have to thin climb the tree, climb out on the branch your back is tied to, and then climb down the line you have your pack tied to.
- You will need a rope or paracord in order to achieve this method. Simply begin by tieing a rock, or other heavy objects to one end of your rope. (Be sure to tie the other end of the rope to a heavy, nearby object. as this will keep it from following the weighted end of the rope over the tree branch.
- Now, simply throw the weighted end of the rope over your selected tree branch. Be sure to keep some distance from the trunk of the tree.
- Now, Tie up your pack. Suspending it in the air.
For greater detail on this method check out this post on Bear bags. I also go over how to hang them, and it employs this exact same method but in greater detail. as well as different styles for hanging the bag.
Inside Your Shelter
Quite simple really, just place your pack inside your shelter with you for the night. This is probably the best option for most if you are very protective over your stuff. However, it is vitally important that you do not have food or any other sensible items in your pack if you choose to employ this method.
You see, when you’re out in the backcountry obviously there is wildlife in the area and you have to take precautions in order to keep them from coming around. Not only to keep yourself safe but also the wildlife safe as well. It’s not healthy for a bear to get a hold of your breakfast for the day to come. Just as it is not safe for a bear to be wandering around your camp looking for that breakfast. Especially if that breakfast is being stored inside your tent/shelter.
But it’s not just food the wildlife is attracted to, as in many cases just the sent of deodorant, hair gel, and/or other hygiene products and things alike can attract wildlife as well.
In most cases, if you were going to put your pack inside your tent/shelter with you it is always a great idea to remove any scented items that will attract wildlife and place them in either a bear canister, or hang them in a bear bag.
Many backpackers, once they know they have thoroughly cleared out any sensible items will then go about placing their pack and gear inside their shelter with them. But again remember it is vitally important that you remove all scented items from your pack before implementing this method.
Outside On The Ground Nearby
Many people will also employ the idea of just simply leaving their pack outside laying on the ground whether it be leaning up against a nearby tree, under a bush, or just simply on the ground outside their shelter. In most cases, wildlife will not touch or getting near your pack as long as there are no scented items /food inside it.
But many Backpackers have learned from using this tactic that it is quite easy to forget about a simple wrapper or piece of gum that may have settled to the bottom of one of the pockets in their pack.
You see, some have learned this the hard way as they have dealt with small critters chewing holes in their pack in order to get at the small candy bar wrapper. They have been learned from the situation and now go about simply just leaving all their pockets open/unzipped.
This way if any small animals come through and decide to go through your pack, the pockets already are open allowing them access to get inside the pack. This may sound kind of weird to some. However, this prevents the likelihood I’ll be determined varmint from ripping a hole in your pack in order to get at that small rapper that was in the bottom of your pocket.
Now you may be wondering, but what about bugs and rain as well as other weather in elements that could damage and get your pack wet along with the contents inside??? I totally understand your concern, we will be going over ways that you can defend against these other elements and creatures later on down the page. You’re welcome to skip ahead to that point right now if you’d like or continue on to learn some other tactics for pack placement during the night
Shelter Specific Pack Placement Options
In Most Cases the The list above is broad enough that there is likely an option there that will fit your needs for pack placement during the night. However, If you want some options that are a little more specific to your sleep system or shelter, you will find those below.
Sleeping In A Tent
- Place your pack Just Outside Your Tent
- Place your pack Inside Your Tent
- Place your pack Inside Your Tent Vestibule
Sleeping In A Hammock
- Hang Your Pack On The Hammock Suspension Lines
- Place Your Pack Under Your Hammock
- Mount your pack to one of the trees your using to suspend your Hammock
Sleeping Under A Tarp
- Under The Tarp Next To You (Could also help hold up the tarp)
- Just Out From Under The Tarp
Quick Tips
- Use Your Pack As A Part Of Your Sleep System
Many backpackers like to take the opportunity to use their pack as a part of their sleep system. This typically includes using your pack as a pillow, to fill a large dip that may be in the ground below you, or they simply place their feet inside by pulling everything out and using it as an extra insulator for their feet to keep them warm.
- If Pack Is Stored Outside
Do What you can to protect it from the weather, elements, and wildlife. Wrap your pack in a tarp or large piece of plastic to keep the rain, and other moisture off your pack. As well, on that same note. Be sure you place your pack on a tarp, or piece of plastic as this will keep any running water from soaking your pack from the ground up.
More on Protecting you pack from the weather, elements, and wildlife below.
Natural Enemies Of Your Backpack During Night
- Weather & Climate Change
- Mud, Snow, Water…
- Small Wildlife (Critters)
- Larger Wildlife (Bears)
- Bugs
- Other Hikers In The Area
Pack Defense Methods Against Weather & Elements
Probably your biggest worry when it comes to placing your pack outside your tent or shelter whether it be you hang it in a tree or just simply leave it on the ground weather and climate changes can cause problems for your pack if you do not take the proper precautions to protect it from the elements.
In some situations, it may even be a good idea to protect your pack against these enemies even if it is under your shelter or inside the tent with you. I mean what happens if your shelter begins to leak then what do you do. Now you’re caught in an even worse situation because now you have wet gear, along with wet bedding and everything else.
Some simple options you have for covering your pack and protecting it from these elements are as follows but are not limited to:
- Use the Water Shield That Came With Your Pack / Is Built In
- Wrap Your Pack In A Tarp
- Place Your Pack In A Large Garbage Bag
- Place Your Pack On Higher Ground (So Running Water Won’t Hit It)
- Set Your Pack On A Water Sheild (Like a Tarp, Plastic…)
Pack Defense Methods Against Wildlife & Bugs
Wildlife and bugs can be quite large pests when it comes to trying to camp with food and other items. I mean, it’s not like you can simply go on a five-day camping trip and not take any food or any items that will attract bear or other wildlife.
Since food, and other scentables are kind of a required item that you need. It is best that you separate these items from your pack during the night. This is the best way that you can keep wildlife away, and out of your gear.
Do this by either hanging your food and other scented products in a tree using a bear bag or simply use a bear canister. Either way, you need to keep your food out of reach of wildlife, as well as out of your pack in order to keep bears and other small critters from tearing and damaging your pack in order to get at the food or other items you have inside your pack that they are attracted to.
- Keep All Food, Wrappers, Garbage… Out Of Your Pack. (And placed out of reach of wildlife)
- Keep Toiletries, And Hygiene products Out of Your Pack As Well (Yes This Includes Toothpaste) Place it with your Food in a bear bag, or canister
- Unzip all Pockets so curious critters don’t Rip/Tear (Damage) your pack to investigate.
Pack Defense Methods Against Other Hikers (Security)
In some locations, other hikers and or people in the area can be a problem. You see, not all of the world is honest and some are willing to steal. I don’t bring this up and trying to be negative on the human race or anything alike. But simply put, you can’t trust everybody.
For this reason, it is a good idea to take the proper precautions to secure your gear and other items so that others can simply walk up and take them while you are sleeping.
Below is a list of ideas that you could take into account in order to provide just a little bit extra security around camp.
- Obviously, Place your pack nearest to you
- Make It hard for someone to simply pick it up and leave
For Example, If your leaving your pack outside for the night, tie it to your shelter. I mean tie it good, so that if someone comes to pick it up they cant simply just walk away, they also have to untie your pack. This will also make a decent amount of noise as the Robber begins to try to untie your pack. Which leads into the next Point well:
- Tie Something that will make a lot of noise to your pack if it is moved. (Pots & Pans, Utensils, Dry Leaves…)
- Some have even gone as far as to setting up traps to trip Intruders… (But this can be risky as you could end up hurting your self or someone who isn’t an intruder. Such as a friend or camping buddy that came along with you on the trip.
Conclusion
It’s good to know this stuff beforehand and select the option that will best fit your situation so you can get the gear you will need in order to employ the procedure to protect your pack. This way you won’t be caught in a poor situation, having to make do with what you have. Because frankly, you may not have the required items in order to implement these Ideas. Said Simply, Prepare Before You Go!
Also, After going through and creating this whole write-up for you, I have come to the conclusion that there are many methods for pack placement, as well as keeping your Pack / Gear safe from its enemies during the night.
If none of the ideas above will suit you. Simply use a little Idea generation and im sure you could come up with something that will work well for you!
I hope this was helpful and provided you with some value. Be sure to leave your comments, question, or concerns below as I am always stoked to hear from a user!
This Is Colt Signing Off!