Spring is on its way and that means spring trips are coming up fast! It also means packing for all of those trips which can be a little tricky sometimes, particularly if you are just getting into paddling. Packing is one of the most difficult things about backcountry camping if you don't know what you need and what you don't. The best way to find out what you need and what you don't is by experience but that's not always so easy.
If you want to pack efficiently you need to know how each piece of your gear performs under a variety of conditions. If you don't have much experience with a piece of equipment go on some day trips prior to your big trip. It is best to try your gear out in both the rain/cold and sun/hot. You also need to know what you realistically use and what you can leave behind without putting you or your group in danger (ie. just because you don't use your first aid kit doesn't mean you can leave it behind!).
I like to start packing several days to a week before I leave for my trip. This allows me to do several things; check over all of my gear, I can think about what I need throughout the week and just keep adding to the pile, and take the time to assess what I really need and what I really don't. If I can't add something to my pile right away (ie. jacket because you need it for the rest of the week) I start making a list of what I still need to get. Once I have a pretty good pile going I start to pack my gear away into the appropriate dry bags/packs.
When I am packing up my gear I am constantly thinking about when I am going to use this piece of gear and I try to place the gear in a logical order so I don't have to dig to the bottom of my bag to get my breakfast out. I also consider what are "smellables" and keep all of those items together and separate from my other gear.
If your gear is taking up too much space go through it again and pull out the "wants". If your gear is still not fitting talk with your other group members and see how much stuff they are taking and ask them to help you dial in your gear. Other group members can be very helpful with trimming down your equipment, however, don't let them strip you of things that you need. For example, if you are a chronically cold person make sure you have enough clothing to keep you comfortable without going overboard. Everyone should have approximately the same amount of equipment for the same trip.
Remember that you the one that has to carry all of that gear to camp or over the portages so be safe in your packing but be realistic too!
Feel free to ask us any questions you may have!
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