Packing a frameless backpack is mostly about creating structure and keeping the load stable. Since there is no internal frame to transfer weight or hold shape, the way items are arranged inside the pack determines how comfortable it feels on your back. A well-packed frameless pack should feel like one solid unit, with the weight close to your body and no hard edges pressing into your spine.

The first step is to create a virtual frame. This is usually done with a foam sleeping pad, a sit pad, or a partially deflated inflatable pad. The pad should be folded flat and placed directly against the inside back panel of the pack, either loose, or in an internal pad pocket if your pack has one, like the one above. Some packs also have elastic straps to hold a pad on the outside of the main compartment, behind the shoulder straps. This can be advantageous for smaller-volume frameless packs because the pad uses less of the pack’s internal volume.

The pad should run most or all of the length of your back so the load is spread evenly. This layer prevents the pack from collapsing and keeps dense gear from poking you. When using a foam pad, it’s perfectly acceptable to cut a full-size pad, like a Therm-a-Rest Zlite or NEMO Switchback, into 3-4 sections to place inside the pack just behind your back. This will keep your load closer to your back and core muscles, making it easier to carry.

The surface of the foam pad inside the pack shows through the back panel

Once the back padding is in place, load the bottom of the pack with light, compressible items you will not need until camp. A sleeping bag or quilt works best here, ideally packed loose rather than tightly stuffed. Letting it fill the bottom helps stabilize the pack and creates cushioning for your lower back and hips. Sleep clothing can be added here to fully fill the space.

The heaviest items go in the middle of the pack. This area should sit close to your spine and roughly between your shoulders and hips. Food, cook gear, and other dense items belong here. Keeping weight close to your back reduces leverage and makes the pack feel lighter while walking. If you carry something rigid, it should be padded on the side facing your back.

As you load heavy items, fill every empty space with soft gear. Extra clothing, rain gear, or a tarp can be used to lock everything in place. This step matters more in a frameless pack than in a framed one. If items can shift, the pack will feel unstable and uncomfortable. When packed correctly, the contents should not move independently.

Some packs have elastic straps to hold an external pad in place.

Lighter items that you might want during the day can go near the top of the pack. These might include an insulation layer, a rain jacket, a first-aid kit, or a headlamp. Because they are light, placing them higher does not hurt balance, and they remain easy to access.

Recommended frameless backpacks

External pockets should be used for items you access often or for wet gear. Water bottles, snacks, maps, sunscreen, and rain gear are good candidates. Try to avoid storing heavy items far from your back, especially in large rear mesh pockets, because this increases sway and fatigue.

Once everything is packed, tighten the compression straps evenly and close the top securely. The pack should hold its shape when picked up. If you shake it gently and feel movement, reopen it and adjust until the load feels solid. A frameless pack works best when the total weight is kept reasonable, usually under about 20 to 25 pounds.

The Gossamer Gear Kumo has an external pad pocket.

Now, here is how this looks in practice with a Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo.

The Kumo includes a removable sit pad that is designed to act as the pack’s structure. Fold this pad and slide it into the external pad pocket so it runs the full length of the back panel. This immediately creates stiffness and protects your back from hard edges.

Next, place your quilt or sleeping bag loosely in the bottom of the main compartment. Let it expand to fill the corners of the pack. Add sleep clothes on top or alongside it so the bottom is fully filled and cushioned.

Place your food bag vertically in the center of the pack, directly against the sit pad. If you are carrying a small bear canister, it can go here as well, usually oriented vertically, with spare clothing placed between it and your back for padding. Add your cook kit next to or inside the food bag so it cannot move.

Use extra clothing to fill any gaps around the food or canister. A puffy jacket or rain shell works well for this. Press everything together so the middle of the pack feels dense and unified.

At the top of the pack, place items you may need during the day, such as your insulation layer, rain jacket if not worn, and first aid kit. Roll the top down firmly to keep the load compact.

Use the Kumo’s side pockets for water bottles and the rear mesh pocket for snacks, a map, or wet gear. Avoid putting dense items in the rear pocket since they sit far from your back and make the pack feel heavier.

When worn, a properly packed Kumo should feel stable, with the weight close to your back and no pressure points. If it feels floppy or pulls backward, it usually means the load is either too loose or too heavy for a frameless design.

You can apply this same packing technique to other frameless backpacks.

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