Where should heavy items be positioned in your pack for optimal balance?

Positioning heavy items close to your back within your pack is crucial for maintaining optimal balance and stability while carrying a load. This approach keeps the center of gravity of the load aligned with your body's center of gravity, which helps prevent strain and reduces the risk of injury. When heavy items are situated near your back, it allows for better weight distribution, enabling you to maintain better control over your pack's movement as you navigate uneven terrain.

In contrast, placing heavy items at the bottom or in outer pockets can lead to an unbalanced load, causing you to lean forward or sideways, which may result in fatigue and difficulty in maneuvering. Similarly, putting heavy items in the front pocket can shift the weight forward, negatively impacting your balance and making it harder to walk upright. This positioning can lead to misalignment and additional strain on your muscles and joints during a search and rescue operation. Therefore, keeping heavy items close to your back is the best practice for ensuring both safety and efficiency while on the move.