How to Pack a Duffle Bag

There are many wrong ways to pack a duffle bag (or for that matter, a hiking pack) and there are a few right ways, which, if you observe and keep to, will enhance your experience, whether you’re packing for a weekend away, an extended trip, or just a few nights on the trail. 

Either way, here’s your basic primer. In no time you’ll be packing like a seasoned pro. 

The Bottom

The bottom of your duffle bag should be packed with your heaviest and bulkiest items, those that you probably won’t need to access at a moment’s notice. 

Your shoes, boots, or heavy electronics should go in the bottom of the duffle bag. If you are bringing electronics, pack them in their own separate, dedicated cases as well to protect them before loading them into the duffle. Large or bulky coats or outerwear can also go at the bottom.

Anything else that’s large, cumbersome, heavy, or which you don’t need immediately can also go at the bottom of the duffle bag. 

The Middle Layer

The middle layer of your duffle bag is where you’ll want to store shirts, pants, underwear and socks, along with any other gear that you might need from time to time but which you shouldn’t ever need to access right away. 

One tip to master here is a technique known as the “Army Roll” or “Ranger Roll” which is a space saving technique for rolling clothing (specifically shirts) so that they pack more neatly and take up space. When done properly, an Army Rolled shirt will also come out wrinkle-free.

The Top 

Now you have to think about what to pack at the top of the duffle bag. Here is where you will want to pack lighter items as well as anything that is mission critical, and which you might have a need to retrieve at the drop of a hat.

This means if you’ll be packing your phone, wallet, keys, ID, medicine, any important documents, or anything else fragile or which you might need to retrieve immediately, place it at the top of the pack. 

Also, another thing to keep in mind here is that though rainwear is technically bulky, you should pack it at the top of the pack because it’ll be no good at the bottom if you’re out somewhere and it suddenly starts to pour. 

If You Have a MOLLE Duffle Bag

One great thing about military duffle bags (vintage aside) is that many modern options are MOLLE duffle bags which are incredibly versatile and modular. 

Not only can you expand a MOLLE duffle bag with other packs and pouches, but the MOLLE slots themselves can be used for clipping gear and other essentials. 

So, for instance, if you don’t want to pack your keys in the pack, you can clip them to the MOLLE slots, which you can also do with lights, knives, and other tools you’ll be packing. Doing so keeps them more accessible than they’d be even packed at the top of the duffle.

Pro Tip: Use Packing Cubes

One other thing you can do to help the duffle bag keep its shape and improve the organization within is to use packing cubes.

Packing cubes will help the duffle bag maintain its shape and will also compartmentalize the interior of the duffle bag so everything stays in order and well-organized. 

What Is the 5 4 2 3 1 Rule in Packing?

For those of you packing for vacations on which you will be mostly bringing along clothing and other domestic accessories, one good rule to keep to is the 5 4 3 2 1 rule.

This rule posits that you should bring along 5 types of tops, including shirts, tanks, blouses, and the like. 

With these 5 tops you should also bring 4 bottoms, a combination of shorts and long pants, to go with them.

You should also bring 3 pairs of shoes or other footwear, including a pair of comfortable walking shoes, a dressier option if you’ll be going out, and a pair that’s more protective for inclement weather.

You should also bring along 2 dressier pieces of clothing, such as a dress, blazer, cardigan, or something like that, along with 1 set of accessories, inclusive of a hat, sunglasses, or anything else like that. 

Shop Military Duffle Bags (Vintage and MOLLE Options Too)

In the market for a new military duffle bag? Vintage is a great option that can help you save money, but we also carry numerous modern options as well, including MOLLE duffle bags. We also carry a wide range of field gear to pack for your trips and travels.

Shop our collection and get in touch with us if you have any questions about anything we sell and we will be more than happy to help.