Pack your sack thinking that the first thing out needs to be the last thing in. Remember, you will need to access things during your walk as well, such as food and waterproofs. Don't bury your over-trousers in the middle of your sack- when it starts raining, you'll need them quickly. This is often where top and side pockets come in.

The sack should weigh no more than a quarter of your body weight. Be warned: this will be checked regularly!!!!

Ten tips for packing your rucksack:

1) Light, bulky items at the bottom (ie sleeping bag)

2) Spare clothes in separate bags and labelled.

3) Food wrapped and labelled for each day.

4) The tent needs to be near the centre of gravity (if possible, divide the sections between the group).

5) The stove and pans need to be high up as well (NOT directly against your back).

6) Your on-route equipment should be on top (remember also that you have pockets on your clothing - this may save taking your pack off and on again)

7) Side pockets should be for liquids. Fuel and water will balance and if either leak, they won't get your kit wet.

8) Smaller items can be lost between larger items. However, make sure you don't leave gaps in your packing.

9) Your karrimat should ON TOP of your sack (packing it below will damage it every time you take your sack off and put it down).

10) Smaller handy items in the lid (first aid kit, money, camera etc).