Since I tend to use simple packs without a lot of pockets I rely on "ditty" bags. I found that mesh works well so I can see the contents. Everything I carry (except fuel bottle) usually ends up in 4 or 5 different bags of different sizes. My wife made a couple from leftover noseeum mesh.

Nothing is carried loosely. Like items are grouped together in the same bag. The key to making this system work is to return each item to its proper bag immediately after it's used, without exception. That takes a little discipline. Things get lost when I procrastinate and don't put them away immediately. Then I forget where they went. I'm getting old <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

At night when I go to sleep I leave out my light and that's it. When I wake up in the morning I know where everything is.

It takes more time to operate this way but in the long run it's less time consuming than looking for things all the time.

A place for everything and everything in it's place. That's the speech my kids get when I tell them to clean their rooms.

Also.......whenever I leave my campsite I always pause, look back and check for anything I forgot like that overlooked tent stake. You never know what you'll find lying next to that log you used for a seat.