20 years ago, when internal-frame packs have not been popularized, the external-frame packs were the state-of-the-art choice for serious backpackers. However, this is no longer the case.

Knowledge of packing a backpack is essential. How you pack makes a big difference! Heavy items should go on top and close to your back; your sleeping bag goes at the bottom. Keep items you might need during the day handy : rainwear, lunch, water, sunglasses, maps, compass, first aid items, toilet paper.

Items in a pack should be waterproofed, organized and categorized to make sure a fast and easy accessibility, in addition, it also makes your backpack more compact. Small items and vulnerable items should be kept and protected using containers.

Other backpack accessories such as rain cover to waterproof your backpack, pouches to keep sunscreen, sunglasses, snack and other important documents handy, and stuff sacks to make your packing easier. Remember! Always organize your pack with stuff sacks and containers.

As a general rule, the weight of the backpack which you carry should be 1/4 to 1/5 of your body weight (1/3 for very fit).

There are commonly 3 types of tents - Ridge tent, Hoop tent and Dome tent.

If there will be bad weather, use a tent, if not, a tarp will be good enough.

In colder weather, the temperature inside the tent will be 10 degrees warmer than outside, an advantage. In hot weather, the temperature variance is even greater, and decidedly unwelcome. A tarp is a cooler choice.

Refillable stoves run on liquid gas. Recently, there are multi-fuel stoves that can run on unleaded gasoline from a gas station, kerosene, diesel fuel, or even dry-cleaning fluid.

Cartridge stoves are those use pre-filled, disposable gas cartridges containing butane or propane or both.

In high altitude area, which the weather is cold, butane does not burn that well, so propane cartridge will be a better choice.

Zzip stoves operate with a small battery that runs a fan that circulates air through the stove. Once the fire is started, it runs on just about anything that burns.

If there is no ice or snow, the bag rated at 20 degrees is able to keep you comfortable. If the weather is very cold (ice or snow), then you may need a bag rated to 0 or even lower depends on the temperature.

Don't be seduced by low numbers, unless you are going for ice or snow expedition. A 0-degree bag is virtually useless in the low land where the weather is hot.

You need a sleeping pad, not only for comfort, but also because body heat is lost through contact with cold ground.

 There are 11 essential items that should always be with a backpacker :