I'm planning a multi-day hiking trip and need advice on packing my backpack. How can I waterproof my gear, especially my sleeping bag, and how should I distribute weight for comfort? Summarize the key recommendations from the American Hiking Society.
Navigate to 'americanhiking.org' Click on 'Go Hiking' Under 'Hiking 101', click 'Learn More' Scroll down the page to find and click on 'How to Pack a Backpack' Identify and extract recommendations for waterproofing a backpack and its contents. Identify and extract recommendations for distributing weight, specifically regarding sleeping bags and heavy items. Synthesize these recommendations into a concise answer.
State that a good pack cover keeps both the pack and its contents dry, and recommend putting clothing and electronics in resealable plastic bags or lining the pack with a trash bag. Mention that stuff sacks with down sleeping bags should be lined with a plastic bag, especially if on the outside, because down sleeping bags must be completely dry to be effective. State that heavier items should be kept close to the back and higher up in the pack to maintain a center of gravity and prevent back strain. Confirm that the sleeping bag belongs at the bottom of the pack, or lashed to the frame below the pack itself for external frame packs.