Place bulky, heavy items on the bottom of the duffle bag. This creates a solid base, which helps prevent the bag from falling over when placed upright. The duffle bag will also be safer to lift with heavier objects placed on the bottom.
Fill the middle with clothing and accessories. Fold each piece of clothing half and start rolling at one end until a solid shape is formed. Don't worry about making perfect rolls because the goal is to pack, not to make a neat military display. Layer thin items such as t-shirts on top of each other prior to rolling to make the process faster and save space. Use rubber bands, safety pins, or cording to secure items together for quick retrieval. Consider placing clothing inside waterproof storage bags. Although the duffle bag liner may be water resistant, opening the bag in the rain or snow can lead to wet clothing.
Store toiletries in a waterproof plastic bag near the top of the duffle bag. Items such as shampoo, lotion and repellent can become crushed and leak onto clothing and equipment if not stored properly. Squeeze out excess air from the plastic bag before sealing it to help prevent leaks. Storing toiletries at the top of the duffle bag also makes personal hygiene more efficient if you're short on time.
Use all available space to your advantage. Army duffle bags are designed to be durable and pliable to maximize your hauling potential. Sliding small items such as straps, laces, and sock rolls along the sides of the duffle bag fills in gaps and helps provide cushioning. Store items inside boots to protect them and use all available space. Using space to your advantage is especially important when packing to meet mission requirements.
Pack food, identification, and other essentials at the top of the duffle bag. What good does packing a snack do if you can't reach it? Stay prepared for adverse weather by keeping rain gear at the top of the duffle bag. Reserving the top spot of the bag for items needed during and immediately following your trip can save you the heartache of having to frantically unpack and repack the bag to avoid missing a deadline.
