Frank Wintrich is a strength and conditioning coach at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. When he is not engaged in football program activities, Frank Wintrich likes to stay physically active through Brazilian jiu jitsu and hiking.
There are several tips hikers can follow in order to maximize the space in their backpacks. Filling up open spaces is one of the best ways to conserve space in a bag. Individuals who are packing cooking equipment, for example, can store utensils and other smaller items inside larger pots and pans.
Breaking up larger items across a group of hikers can also lessen the impact of cumbersome equipment. For instance, overnight hikers generally pack tents, which can be broken down into a cover, poles, and a variety of component pieces, which can then be distributed among several hikers' bags.
After effectively packing a bag, hikers should fasten compression straps appropriately in order to prevents items from shifting too much. Excessive movement can damage important safety gear or disturb the weight distribution of a bag. Finally, hikers should always pack a rain cover in an easily accessible location. Even waterproof bags should be covered, as water can still slip through open spaces or tears and spoil the contents within.
Follow these simple tips and the gear for the next hiking trip will be safe, secure, and easily manageable.
