storage?

I just wad it all in there. Usually I'll wad the sleeping bag in the bottom. My tarp goes into the "hydration pouch" inside the backpack (I never use it for it's intended purpose). Same with the stakes. I do this just so it's easy to find. Then I put everything else on top sort of wadded in there. I use a silnylon stuff sack for my "everything bag"… it's pretty small but has everything I need in it (TP, lighter, AquaMira dropper bottles, etc… little stuff). I often put the food in the middle near my back, after pulling out a few snacks.

Outside the pack I put the things that I would want to use on the fly like raingear, platy bottles, extra layers, etc. I try to not have to stop and open my backpack during the days hiking. If I need it I put it in the mesh pockets.

The Maripsoa is basically perfect for me and the way I pack.

I like silnylon stuff sacks for organizing and to reduce the debris field when I unpack. I use a double-ended stuff sack for easy access to small clothing – socks, t-shirts, long undersear, gloves, cap, etc. I like to keep my poncho/tarp in an outside pocket with a mesh bottom. The stakes and other wet odds and ends go into that pocket as well. Silnylon stuff sacks weigh about an ounce and are relatively inexpensive ready-made as well as easy to make if you are so inclined.

The problems with stuffing everything loosely are first, that it takes up more room. If your pack is large, that is no problem. Otherwise, the combined mass of gear will be like a big spring resising the last few things you try to insert. Second, no pack is waterproof. If rain is persistant, you may want to use a pack liner in addition to an outside cover. Several stuff sacks make it much easier to load a pack with a liner inside.

Vick-

I didn't do a whole lot of looking around at what is available, but I am just wondering what type of double ended stuff sacks you use?

-Robbie