Take into account the size of your tent when picking the backpack. Bigger tents will need bigger backpacks and vice versa. If you’ve already bought your backpack and you’re worried that your tent is too big, look into getting a compression bag. These bags will help you pack the tent as tightly as possible.
After a few rolls, lay the tent peg bag in a similar position. The goal here is to provide more support for the tent. Keep rolling the tent up.
You should only pack the tent when it’s dry. Packing a wet tent is very difficult and the tent weighs more, which can make walking with it a lot harder than walking with a dry tent.
Packing the tent in the middle means one of your heaviest items is not putting too much strain on your back. Consider whether you want to pack the tent vertically or horizontally. Vertically can make the tent more accessible when you need to take it out, while horizontal placement may make packing other items on top of the tent easier.
The biggest disadvantage is the risk of snagging the tent. With the tent on the outside, it’s much more vulnerable to damage from branches and other sharp objects. If the tent snags on a branch, the branch could cut the tent and it might ruin it. Another risk of packing the tent outside is it may fall off of the backpack. With the tent on the inside, you can have peace of mind knowing that it’s safe. But with the tent on the outside, there’s always the chance that it could become disconnected and you could be left without a tent.
Use a zip lock bag or another waterproof bag to store the tent for extra protection from the elements.
Make sure the compression straps and/or the frame are in good working condition before attaching your tent. [5] X Research source
By using this type of loop, you can at least have peace of mind that you won’t lose your tent in the middle of nowhere. While closed loop ties work best, any secure knot should be enough to do the job.
This will reduce your chances of injuring yourself by putting less strain on your back. [6] X Research source Placing the tent at the bottom of the pack will make it much easier to walk with than if it was attached at the top, which would make walking and moving with the backpack very awkward.
