The Seeker
& The Pack
Published: 8/10/2022
By: Kareem Elgusain
a: a bundle arranged for convenience in carrying, especially on the back
b: a group or pile of related objects
As defined by myself, a pack would be; a vessel that allows me to appropriately and safely explore the natural world.
In my pack, we will discover what myself and others consider while bundling for our journey through the elements.
*For this article, we will use a one-night stay and two-day hike as references for our packing.
The first step is to choose a pack appropriately suited for your body. This includes the pack’s capacity, size, shape, and ability to adjust and maneuver. Packing a few weeks prior to your hike is ideal, so you can get comfortable with it, break it in, and test out different packing techniques. Additionally, all of this will help the pack properly adjust to your body.
Next comes the weight of the pack. A few factors that play into this include climate, distance, and destination. Unnecessary weight becomes cumbersome, especially on a longer trek. I believe the weight art boils down to proper gear distribution and smart solutions to minimize wasted space in your back. These innovative solutions are also about the actual equipment. Lightweight and even homemade gear can help minimize wasted space and optimize the usability of the pack. The food you choose to pack with also dramatically impacts the weight you will be carrying.
This now leads us to the materials that we stow. A pack is intended for support, so an understanding that what you put in is what you will come out with is important. First, check the list of vital fuels (food, water). Now, we begin packing the necessary materials for the journey. (multi-tool, map/compass, first aid, weather-appropriate attire, tent/hammock, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trash storage). Many of these items will vary from person to person, but I believe these are essential items to consider when going on an overnight journey.
Lastly, there comes the unnecessary item(s). As much as I want to believe music is necessary, it isn’t vital, but it does bring me a lot of joy having it out on the trail with me. I think sticking to just one “luxury” item is perfectly ok.
Using trial and error over the last 24 years, I am still working towards mastering the craft of my pack. Take my notes into consideration, then test it out yourself and see what “pack” suits your next excursion.
Context
“The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
– Alexander Supertramp
Thoughts
– Do you have a packing method?
– What is the longest trip you have had to pack for?
– What is your favorite kind of luggage to haul around?
