Packing Up

Stuff Sacks
A handy way to organize your gear is by putting clothing into one stuff sack, cooking utensils into another, and so on. Bread wrappers can be used as stuff sacks. Even better are 1-gallon self-sealing plastic bags. Sturdy nylon stuff sacks can be purchased at camp supply stores.

Loading a Pack
In addition to your own gear, you might carry some patrol or group equipment. Your share might include several pots, part of a tent, a camp stove, and some food. Arrange soft items in your pack so that they will cushion your back. Keep your rain gear, flashlight, first aid kit, and water bottle near the top or in the outside pockets where you can reach them easily.
If there is room, you can put your sleeping bag inside your pack. Otherwise, wrap it with a ground cloth or stuff it in a plastic trash bag to protect it from the elements, and tuck it under the pack's top flap or strap it to the frame.

Stowing items of gear in the same place in your pack each time you get ready for the trail helps you quickly find what you need when you need it.