This is an essential backpack packing hack for vagabonding and missions alike, to maximize deployment effectiveness and space efficiency.
The trick to packing ultra-light while being well equipped is quite simple; pack only the necessities for your foreseeable future in regards to geography, activities, events and in this case the weather / climates.
The 90 percent backpack packing method is not a specific hack or a pack modification, but a general and universally applicable overall packing strategy.
The problem: Your backpack is perfectly and fully loaded but nothing more can be added and anything that is removed must be packed in perfectly…
Just because a backpack has a certain capacity, doesn’t mean it should be packed to full capacity – until necessary.
This is the basis of the “90 Percent Packing Method”.
When packing a backpack, no more than 90 percent of its main cargo capacity should be filled. So there should be just enough to keep the pack formed and stable to its shape structure. Meaning, if too little is packed, the contents of the pack will shift and deform the pack’s shape, decreasing user comfort and mobility.
The 10 percent remaining space is reserved for the possibility of other items that may need to be added in the future or unexpectedly. You can still add more items within a fully packed and even bulging backpack but your backpack usage effectiveness is reduced.
A 100 percent packed backpack means that everything in it must be put in perfectly with every item placed just right in its exact place or it won’t fit. So packing and unpacking must be precise and methodical, every time.
But when filled to just 90 percent, the process of packing and unpacking is far less stringent and time consuming.
It’s like going on a long road trip with your friends in a sedan. It’s designed to comfortably seat 5 adults but the journey will be a much better experience with just the 4 of you plus room for gear, comfort and more options.
It’s about options. Even with less than “everything”, you can do more and the same things better.
[The featured backpack is a customized FAST Pack EDC made by Triple Aught Design.]
5 Comments
Good advice… I remember the old days when I used to pack my bag as much as possible just because it could fit it. But yeah, it’s unnecessary and can be a hinderance.
Great packing hack, but what backpack is that?
This is a great rule. I also add a couple zip up drop pouches and carabiners to connect items to my bag.
Llove your gear posts brother, more packing hacks please.