How To Pack A Tent In A Backpack For First Time Hikers

When it comes to camping, your tent is perhaps the most important piece of equipment that you have. It is also often the largest. There is a lot of other gear that you need to be able to pack inside the backpack, so it can be difficult when you have to fit your tent inside too.

You can’t really go and leave your tent behind because of the struggle of packing it. It is your essential shelter. Fortunately, there are multiple options for packing a tent. There are different ways you can break it up to save space inside the backpack, depending on how you pack it and where you pack it.

We are here to give you all the packing tips you need to get this done easily and still have extra space. It is a heavier piece of gear, but there are ways to mitigate carrying that unnecessary weight.

So, let’s get to it so you can start packing for your next camping trip!

Packing And Selecting A Backpack

The first thing to consider before loading up your backpack is ensuring you have a proper one that will perform the way you need it to when camping or backpacking. There is a vast selection of backpacking packs out there, and the best way to choose one is to try them out. You need to find one that fits you, is comfortable, and sits properly on your frame.

The most common types of hiking backpacks that you will find are internal frame and external frame backpacks:

Internal Frame Backpack

These are just as they sound. They’re the more modern version of the hiking backpacks out there. They look like tall, oversized school backpacks with a lot more space and compartments. They also have a rigidity to them because of the internal frame. It is important that you pick one that fits your size and feels comfortable. They should not sit low toward your butt, but up on your lower back and hips.

The internal frame is made to increase strength and durability, and support the weight without straining your arms, shoulders, or upper back too much. They provide plenty of padding for the back and on the shoulder straps.

External Frame Backpack

These types of backpacks are more traditional, and some truly enjoy this style. They definitely offer a different experience as they are set up with an outside rectangular metal frame (external frame) with shoulder straps. They are designed to support different gear you have in stuff sacks or compression bags and are secured by the horizontal straps that go across the back.

The external frame backpack makes all of your gear easily accessible and helps to evenly distribute weight.

Properly Pack Your Backpack

The actual packing of your backpack is more important than you would think. It helps to distribute weight and gives items a designated spot. Here are some tips that will help a lot when packing:

To simplify everything: you want your heavier items at the very bottom of the main compartment and the lightest items towards the top. All other items and essentials can fit into the smaller pockets. When done properly, you’ll be able to fit all your necessary gear inside without trouble.

Ensuring your backpack is properly packed can make a huge difference, especially for those going on a thru-hike. It’s better to have way too much space than not enough at all!

Watch this video here to see in detail how to pack your backpack:

Can You Attach A Tent To The Outside Of A Backpack?

The simple answer is “yes, technically you could.” There are straps on the outside of your backpack that can easily strap your tent to it. However, when you carry your tent on the outside of your backpack, it leaves it open to possible damage. If you fall or if the tent bag gets snagged on anything like tree branches, it could cause tears or even parts of the tent to become bent.

So, keeping your tent inside the backpack is safer. When doing this, always make sure you have your tent and tent equipment packed properly. You can store the poles for your tent vertically in your backpack. That will be the easiest method, and it will take up less room that way.

The main tent body can fit into the core area of your backpack where the heaviest items go. Or, if you’re on a camping trip with someone else, then you can break up parts of the tent into both of your backpacks to save even more space.

Your tent peg bag can be kept separately at the top of your backpack.

Prevent a Wet Tent

Another reason why you should think before you attach tents to the exterior of your pack is to prevent them from getting wet. A wet tent could spell a miserable camping trip. You can’t have your shelter get wet, so taking extra precautions is wise.

You can do this by keeping the tent inside the backpack and using plastic garbage to line the interior of the backpack for extra protection. This is always why it is better to pack a tent towards the bottom of the backpack as well.

Making use of a compression bag or stuff sack could also provide additional protection for your tent.

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

When it comes to how to pack a tent in a backpack, it’s really not that hard. If you have an internal frame backpack, then you can fit the tent inside. If you have an external frame backpack, then your tent will be secured by compression straps, lash-on, or a rope with a secure knot and best kept in a stuff sack.

These backpacks are specifically designed for camping, hiking, and rugged terrain. They know to make use of as much space as possible. The tent is often kept toward the bottom of the backpack with the bulkier and heavier items like your sleeping bag.

There is always the option of attaching the tent to the outside of the pack, but you’ll want to make sure they have extra protection. Keep the rainfly inside your pack along with the tent peg bag, and the tent poles, which can be placed vertically in the pack.

-Happy Camping-

Frequently Asked Questions