Make bundles out of your clothes. Group items together, such as a shirt, pants, socks and underwear. Roll each bundle into a cylindrical shape to reduce wrinkles. Dress clothes can be rolled but will come out with a few wrinkles, so check to see if your destination offers an iron.
Place each rolled bundle into a separate zip-lock bag. Use one gallon- or two gallon-sized bags for clothes. Pack toiletry items in smaller zip-lock bags in case of leakage. Items are easily mixed-up in drop-bottom duffel bags, and plastic bags help to keep everything separate. Plastic bags can later be used to store dirty or wet clothes.
Place your lowest-priority items or things you won't need right away in the bottom of your bag. These items should also be durable. Layer rows of the plastic-bundled clothing, placing the largest bundles towards the bottom of the bag and smaller bundles toward the top. Fragile items can be packed in the center of the bag, surrounded by soft items.
Place items that you will need right away into the mesh zippered compartment on the inside top panel of the bag. Fill any extra space in the bag with items such as shoes, underwear and socks.
Secure the load. Tighten the interior compression straps, zip the bag closed, and tighten the exterior compression straps. Place a small padlock on the exterior zipper to help prevent theft.
Place soiled or wet items in leftover plastic bags and store separately in the drop-bottom section of the bag. The drop-bottom compartment can also be used as extra space for items purchased while traveling.
