Always try to keep your heaviest gear as close to your back as possible. But if your pack is too small, strap it to the bottom of the pack or tuck it under the lid. Pack your clothes around it all to keep it in place.

Pack your sleeping gear in the bottom of the pack. The outer pouch is a great place for water filters, a light jacket, or your camp shoes for when you want to swap out of your hiking boots.

Everything you need to grab on the fly, especially the first aid kit in an emergency. From bug spray or sunscreen to rain gear, a jacket or extra snacks. Keep it in reach, no digging required.

Chest straps are a great place for bear spray and sunglasses. The hip belt is perfect for snacks, tools or a headlamp. Strap trekking poles, tent poles and water bottles to the sides to keep them nearby.

Keep all the heaviest gear as close to your back as possible with the lightest stuff on top to maintain your center of gravity and improve your balance on the trail.

While ultralight backpacking seems like a great idea, it's definitely not for everybody. You need to decide what you need in order to be comfortable and what you can live without.