Rucksack - a big bag to loose all your clothes in?

- Pack the side pockets first, they'll be easier to fill that way. (SP note - however, if you need to get at what is in the side pockets before you get to camp bear in mind not to fill the pockets too full.)
- Pack the Last things you need first, and vice versa so what you need least will be in the base of your rucksack with the exception of wet weather equipment and first aid equipment
- Keep your wet weather gear easily accessible in case of rain
- Put an empty bin bag in the rucksack and put everything into that. No rucksack is 100% waterproof but the bin liner will be.
- Make sure it fits and is comfortable, checking that there is plenty of padding on the shoulder straps and waist band
- Rucksacks sizes are measured in litres, buy one that will fit all your gear inside (50 litres is plenty for a weekend camp, 65 for walking expeditions)
- Always pack the same things in the same places when you pack your rucksack - that way you will be able to find it easier camp after camp.

Packing - the standard advise is to pack the heaviest things at the top, but don't make the it top heavy otherwise you may topple over.
Before you pack, get out all the equipment you need, and pack up e.g. Sleeping Bags in their stuff sacks. It is easier to check you have everything that way and similar stuff can be packed together at the same time.
Your sleeping mat can be strapped to the outside of the bag
Rucksacks divided into compartments make finding things easier

Many people have different ideas about how to fill a rucksack, I put my clothes in the bottom compartment, others put their sleeping bags there for example. The best advice is YOU PACK IT. If your mum packs your rucksack then it is packed how she would like it packed - not how you would like it. You won't know where anything is and will not be able to find things, or worse, accuse your mum of not packing something when it isn't where you would have packed it. By all means get some help gathering all your equipment together but then you pack the bag yourself.

Remember to unpack the rucksack fully soon after you get home. Remember the odd sock left festering in the bottom. It is tempting to say 'Ill just have a quick sleep then unpack the rucksack' after a camp, however you do this and it will soon be Thursday and your rucksack will begin to smell

From Conyers School Rucksack Packing and Load Carrying:-
Note: These notes are for walking and camping expeditions, not camping where you spend all the weekend at one campsite.

Read these notes, they may give you some tips on how to pack a bag if you are still unsure

Rucksacks are never waterproof. Waterproof rucksack liners are available, but you can also use a heavy duty polythene bag inside and have all your gear in this. Inside all your gear should be wrapped in carrier bags and the bags tied with elastic bands.

Packing
Weight should not exceed 1/4 of ones body weight and should be carried near to the center of gravity (near Shoulders and back).
Last in First Out, what you need first pack last:

Sleeping bag and spare clothing at the bottom
Tent, stove, food, water and fuel bottle next (keep fuel away from food) Note: I think water bottle should be packed last for a walking expedition - apart from lunch it is one thing you do need easy access to)
Waterproofs, First aid kit, hat, gloves, scarf etc and lunch at the top, in side pockets for easy access

Pack the rucksack solidly without creases and ensure everything you need is in the rucksack.

Load carrying
Keep the weight to a minimum (do you need 8 t-shirts for 1 weekend?)
Share items on a walking expedition such as stoves etc.
Only tent or tent poles and sleeping mat should be carried on the outside of the bag if you can't fit them in the bag, and these should be strapped securely to the top of the bag apparently easier to get through gates (Note: But not under low lying trees or past hedges)

Rucksack size
This depends on your size, type of expedition and sometimes finances (though some small rucksacks cost as much or more than big ones).
For your first expeditions borrow rucksacks to get experience of them and what you want, ask peoples opinions
Generally get between 65 and 75 litres with whatever pockets you want. The bigger the sack, the more you will put in it and the heavier it will be