For external frame backpacks, you'd want to always pack heavier items at the bottom of the pack to help you keep your balance better. This type of pack also tend to have less room in the compartments so bulkier gear are usually tied to the frame of the pack. When tying your camping gear to the frame make sure they are secure and try not to let it swing.
For bulky items such as sleeping bags, I recommend that you use stuff sacks for protection against moisture and to make it less bulky for packing. Having a waterproof stuff sack is critical if you're using an external frame pack because you'll be tying the sleeping bag on the outside of the pack, preferably at the bottom.
As for internal frame backpacks, for hiking, pack heavier items at the top of the pack and lighter ones at the bottom. Doing this will shift the weight to the hips so that your shoulders won't tire easily.
For climbing and mountaineering, heavier items should be packed at the bottom of the pack and lighter items at the top. The reason for this is to keep the load close to the centre of gravity so that when you move, the load moves with you and your pack won't swing too much and move you instead.
If you're backpacking in a group it's a great idea to share the tent so that you can spread the weight out across a few people in your group by splitting the tent into parts. You can stuff the tent body and tent fly into the top of your pack to avoid damage from folding. Since the first thing that you're going to do when you reach camp will probably be to pitch your tent, packing the the tent at the top you the effort of unloading the rest of your pack just to get to it.
Raingear, first aid kit, gloves, snacks, sunglasses, map and compass should be packed where it is easily accessible. Your water bottles should also be easily accessed but make sure that they stay upright.
Your camp stove and other heavy gear like pots and pans should be kept close to your body. This will prevent the backpack from pulling away from your shoulders.
Jonsky Sicuna is a writer for Hiking-Camping-World.com. A 2 person tent is a popular backpacking tent. Most pack small enough to fit an internal frame backpack.
Tags: tent, leisure, outdoors, recreation, backpack, pack, internal frame backpack, external frame backpack