A pack compression system includes a pack enclosing an internal volume, a closing mechanism, and first and second compression mechanisms. The pack has a top, a bottom, a back panel extending between the top and bottom, an adapter for being positioned proximate the user's back, and a front panel opposite the back panel. The front panel includes an opening longitudinally extending between the top and the bottom to access the internal volume. The closing mechanism selectively closes the opening, the first and second compression mechanisms coupled to the pack on opposite lateral sides of the opening. Each compression mechanism extends from a first location proximate the back panel across the first opening to a second location proximate the back panel to compress the internal volume of the pack.