Take a 1-qt. zip-top bag and fill it with toiletries that meet federal airline regulations, such as toothpaste, toothbrush and deodorant.
Fill the other bag with chargers and small computer gadgets, if needed. This bag should contain the chargers for your computer, cell phone and camera, as well as jump drives or digital memory cards.
Attach any keys to the clip provided in most backpacks to eliminate the chance that they will fall to the bottom of the bag and be out of reach when you need them at your destination.
Place your laptop in the provided pocket if the backpack has one. Follow this by books and magazines, going in order from largest to smallest. For example, start with folders and magazines then follow with notebooks and smaller novels or travel journals.
Fill in the space around books with an extra pair of underwear and socks, as well as any overnight travel needs such as a deflated neck pillow, book light and mask. Place your bag of chargers here, then place your bag of toiletries near the top for easy access at security.
Place smaller items that you will need to reach easily in the front part of your backpack. This may include your cell phone, digital camera and MP3 player. Use the individual pouches to separate each item.
Keep your billfold and passport easy accessible, but not right at the top of your zipped backpack. For example, keep your billfold in the front, but stuff it down a bit so that it could not quickly be grabbed if your bag were to open. Slide your passport between magazines or books when you do not need it.
