How do You Pack a Rucksack in The Army?
How to Pack a Rucksack, Army Style?
Pack a rucksack in the army? Wouldn’t it be challenging?
An army-style rucksack is a backpack that has been designed in such a way to provide the maximum amount of mobility possible. With the MOLLE style, straps and external pockets can be used to secure all kinds of equipment externally. Some packs have external netting that allows you to stack a lot more equipment on top if need be.
The best way to pack a rucksack when you are going adventuring is with the heaviest items towards the bottom and against your lumbar. The most comfortable position for carrying weight is one that balances the load between both shoulders and hips equally. This means that it also places greater stress on these areas, so keeping everything tight and close will increase comfort levels while hiking. Heavy items should be placed next to your back, while lighter gear can be placed on top.
The best way to make sure your rucksack stays securely in place is by using the waistband, shoulder straps, and sternum strap to distribute the weight evenly. Once you have packed all of your gear inside your backpack, fasten all of the straps down tight for maximum comfort while carrying it around. It also keeps everything from shifting around, which can become very frustrating if you need to stop moving in a hurry. The same goes when wearing a rucksack inside a vehicle or aircraft – keep everything secure so that nothing falls out when you hit a bump in the road.
If you need an extra layer of padding between yourself and uncomfortable objects in your pack, then simply place clothing or sleeping bags between the two areas. If you have a few thin items, it is also possible to simply roll them up and put them inside your rucksack for this purpose.
When traveling with several people or pets you will find that, if each of you has a backpack, then there is no way to ensure that everyone looks after their own belongings properly. As such, it makes sense for one person in the party to be responsible for looking after the rest of the personal equipment. A perfect solution is for him or her to use a smaller backpack with all of the heavy stuff stored away safely on his back at all times. When someone has packed his backpack full of day-to-day essentials he can walk around freely without needing to worry about anything.
Checkout the Below Steps to Pack a Rucksack in the Army
Step 1: Waterproof
First, you have to start waterproofing it. You can also put a waterproofing spray or cover to waterproof it.
If you use a garbage bag, then the contents will stay dry and clean as long as there is no leakage in your rucksack. If you take this step, then you do not need to buy a rainproof sports bag. Instead focus on other features such as comfort, durability, and security features. Tip: When buying an army-style backpack for traveling abroad, try looking at brands like 5.11 Tactical Series and Maxpedition for high-quality products. Moreover, look into multiple storage options and straps that give you great freedom of movement.
Of course, if you prefer to use a regular sports backpack rather than one designed for the army. Investing in some waterproofing spray or a cover for your pack is a great idea. In addition to keeping everything safe from the elements, you also have the added bonus of being able to use your backpack as a garbage can if necessary!
Step 2: Roll and Stack
Put in anything you wish to dry as underwear or sweaters. Next, you can roll it up, tighten and transfer it to the pack.
Stack smaller items on top of larger ones. Pack clothes that you want quick-to-hand at the top of your rucksack, with socks and underwear in an easily accessible pocket or large stuff sack.
Pack heavy items next to your back for extra support when carrying your backpack. This will also help balance out weight distribution between shoulders and hips. This is essential if you are planning to walk any distance with it packed (particularly uphill). If possible change the way things go around on the inside since different people find different arrangements more comfortable experiments!
If you need more space, there are various ways of expanding the capacity of your rucksack. Moreover, this is possible without increasing the size too much. For an instance, use compression straps (if available) to squeeze everything closer together.
Tips: Adding a compression strap to reduce the size of your pack is not allowed by the airlines. This is true if you are traveling with it as cabin baggage. However, you can always put it in your hold luggage or hand-carry it on board to avoid these restrictions.
Step 3: Hygiene Kit
Hygiene kits can be put inside the rucksack now excluding the garbage bag. This way, the heavy stuff will be at the bottom of your rucksack. Further, you can pull out your hygiene kit whenever you need it.
Keeping all of your toiletries together in one place means that everyone can help themselves if necessary. You can easily pass them to another member of the party for their use. This is particularly useful when traveling with children.
Step 4: Fasten
It is time to tie the bag upon packing.
Tie the garbage bag at the top of the rucksack using plastic wrap or nylon straps. You can also use some rope or thick string to tie it up securely. Then, you can put personal belongings into your rucksack.
Step 5: Close the Lid
Close the lid and proceed to fasten. The lid and buckles are tight. It is good practice always to check that the closure of the lid and buckle up when you have finished securely fastening your rucksack.
Step 6: Pack Equipment
Now begin packing equipment such as small arms ammunition pouches, canteens. In the external pockets of the rucksack. And make sure to fasten them. Here, you should not have any problems as long as you do not over-tighten the buckles.
Step 7: Sleeping Bags and Air Mattress
Take your sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Have your sleeping bag and the air mattress and fasten them. To the back harness of the rucksack, and tighten securely. The sleeping bag and air mattress are also ideal for use when you are sleeping outdoors. This way, if you do not have any tent, then you can sleep outside on the ground under them. Also, check out these steps for repairing a tent pole.
Step 8: Rucksack is Ready
The rucksack is ready. Now, you are all set to go. But before leaving, make sure of the secure fastening of the rucksack. It must not be with a load more than about 20% of its carrying capacity. And after each use, swab your rucksack with hot soapy water. Alternatively, you use an anti-bacterial cleaner to stop any mold growing in it which could cause health problems when in packing later!
If you do not have any antiseptic spray then just put a bit of bleach into the mixture. Now your bag is ready for being used next time by someone else in the army or if you want to carry heavy things long distances! Moreover, it would be also wise to know how to fight leeches you are in the woods.
