Packing question

[T-Bone1]

Hello everybody. Time for another question. This time about packing a backpack. So if you have a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc. that does not fit in your pack, how do you carry them? Most everything I have read say's don't carry things or attach things (items and so forth listed above) to you pack, that it will unbalance your load. Is this correct or am I missing something? Thanks

[Marta]

There's a huge variation in styles of packs and how you pack them. Most people who carry conventional packs and gear have things lashed to the outside of the pack, especially if they use a full-length, closed-cell foam sleeping pad. If you carry camp shoes, they're usually hanging on the outside.

One of the big problems with having stuff hanging off your pack is that it might get snagged on something, or just fall off without you noticing it, and you'll lose it. Another is that whatever it is will likely get wet if it rains. Other than that, it's mostly an aesthetic issue.

If you go with lightweight gear, it will usually all fit inside the pack, which is good, because lightweight packs often don't have a lot of attachment points for hanging stuff.

[fiddlehead]

I'd say the sleeping pad MAYBE.
The rest, go inside.
If i were you, i'd either get smaller gear, take less of something else, or (last on the list) get a bigger pack.
But remember, people who carry big packs tend to fill them up.
What all do you have in there?

[_terrapin_]

No big deal carrying one or two items outside the pack, so long as they're strapped down snug and not flopping around. Folks often carry their sleeping pad outside. Ideally you want the heaviest items closest to your back.

[take-a-knee]

I'm a hammocker and I carry my tarp on the outside of the pack, if I used a tarptent I'd carry it outside.

[_terrapin_]

Back in the bad old days of external frame packs, lots of stuff went "outside." Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag...