Backpack: It must be sturdy, waterproof, narrow and tall.

Adjustable shoulder and waist straps transmitted correctly load weight to the hips (not the shoulders). Backpack should stay well caught (solidary) body, but at some distance from the back, for ventilation and reduce sweating.

How to pack? In order not to unbalance you, the center of gravity of the pack should be as above and close to the body.

Preferably a backpack to be high and narrow, NOT short and wide. The tent and other heavy objects shall be placed close to the body and above (not below). However NOT lift the backpack too much, because you lose your balance to a strong wind. Closed exterior pockets with zippers are very useful, but their size should not increase the width or diameter exaggerated to the hip area (cling to branches and corners and you lose your balance)

Groups luggage and stick them in plastic bags, whether marked or labeled.

Arrange luggage carefully, to know where every thing is. Above should put things you need frequently. Softer foods, perishables, is placed in rigid boxes, sealed.

It's important NOT to take more and heavy luggage. Study and learn to deal with a minimum of equipment and food, for the success and pleasure travel, depend decisively to reduce the weight taken. The experience, method of hiking with minimal luggage (ultralight backpacking) - about 10 kg for a trip of 8-10 days in the wilderness, away from the huts, etc. Learn to let go (thinking, experience) on any piece of luggage or equipment that you do not need. Weigh any object that you want to take with you. You take care of grams, and pounds will disappear by themselves.

Always be careful! Any equipment wear out or be damaged by use, impaired by storage and morally degrade with time. Always be prepared to fix it or replace it. Get used to regularly check all equipment, especially after passing a difficult portion of the route after a stop or an accident. Inventory of equipment and checking his pockets, property, must become an automatic action, reflex (same with repair at the first stop, any malfunction) before you hit the road again.

Maintenance is an important measure of precaution, for Survival!