1. Heavy and low, near the middle
Put your heaviest items, so tools, food and water, as low and central as you can. Weight near the bottom bracket makes the bike feel stable instead of top-heavy.

2. Bulky and light up front or on the bars
Sleeping bag and clothing are light but bulky, so they go in the bar bag or on top of the saddle pack. That keeps the heavy stuff from swinging around.

3. Keep accessible items close
Anything you'll want while riding, like snacks, a jacket or your phone, belongs in an outside pocket.

4. Pack the saddle pack tight
Roll your clothes and stuff them in firmly so nothing shifts. A loose saddle pack sways from side to side, and that's the number one reason a loaded bike feels wobbly.

5. Balance left and right
If you use fork or frame bags, split the weight evenly between the sides. Uneven loads pull at your steering and tire you out.

Do a car-park test ride
Before you leave, ride a slow figure of eight. Adjust anything that rubs, swings or rattles. Two minutes now saves a frustrating first hour.