A great roll top bag can be used to meet all sorts of needs, from packing up camping gear to building a survival kit. When you consider the kinds of items that belong in a survival kit, you can see how important it is to keep those items dry.
The roll top design is perfect for waterproof storage, but some worry about the lack of space. How much can you really fit in tactical roll top bags? How can you pack them so it’s easy to retrieve what you need without having to unpack the entire thing?
Read on for our top packing efficiency tips when you’re using tactical roll top bags for any occasion.
Try the Ranger Roll Method
First, let’s talk about packing clothes and other textiles in a roll-top bag. Having clean, dry layers can make your camping or hunting trip safer and more pleasant, but those layers can take up a lot of valuable space.
The Ranger Roll method has been used by the US military for decades. It involves folding clothing into a neat rectangle before rolling each piece into a tight coil. Learn how to roll any item of clothing and become an expert on this time-tested mode of efficient travel packing.
Prioritize Your Layers
When you open up a tactical roll top bag, you get a sort of vertical tube. This is one of the biggest sources of potential frustration because anything at the bottom is hard to get to.
While there’s not much you can do to alleviate this problem, you can reduce the amount of times you need to get to the bottom of the bag. Start by packing the gear you only need when you arrive at your destination, like cooking gear. In the middle, pack bulky items like clothing and sleeping gear, followed by frequent-use items like water, snacks, and rain protection.
Use Packing Cubes
Maybe you still don’t like the idea of having all your gear crammed into one big pocket. If organization is just as important to you as space maximization, you’re going to want to invest in packing cubes.
Packing cubes are great for keeping like items together and keeping track of smaller equipment. For example, you might pack separate outfits in separate packing cubes to make retrieval and changing easy. You can also use packing cubes to store small tools like pocket knives and flashlights so they don’t get jumbled up with everything else.
Utilize External Pockets
Our tactical roll top bag comes with five water-resistant nylon molle bags of various sizes. These smaller bags are designed for external use and are completely detachable, making customization a breeze.
When you have external pockets, you can devote more internal space to bulky items like clothing. Use the external pockets for items you need to grab quickly, like flashlights, bear mace, food, and first aid supplies.
Secure Bigger Gear with External Straps
Removable external bags aren’t the only thing that give our roll top bag a leg up. This bag also has several external straps to expand what you can carry on your back.
For example, you can clip your tent or sleeping bag to your pack for hands-free hiking. You can also use the external straps to secure archery equipment. This system of organization is also useful for survival kit storage, making it easy to grab your pack and go.
Additional Tips for Packing Tactical Roll Top Bags
Before you put any of these space-saving techniques to use, we have a few more tips to keep in mind. Remember, the key is to pack a bag that’s easy (and safe) to carry, even when the primary goal is to maximize bag space.
Practice Even Weight Distribution
No matter which method you use, it’s important that you distribute weight evenly across your bag. Make sure the weight is as even as possible from left to right. Place heavier items closer to the back of the pack to prevent the bag from pulling away from your body.
Test your weight distribution by assessing the pressure on your shoulders. You should also use waist and chest straps to avoid putting full pressure on your spine.
Adjust Your Compression Straps
When you close your roll top bag, you’ll buckle verticle straps into place. These buckles keep the top flap from opening and exposing your gear to the elements. When used properly, they also help to keep your gear from shifting around.
With your bag on a solid surface like a table, close the roll top and use your body weight to press down on the bag. Buckle the straps and adjust them so they’re snug but not taut. (Over-tightening these straps can warp the bag or damage your gear.)
Don’t Overpack Your Roll Top Bag
When you open your roll top bag, you’ll have about seven inches of extra vertical space. This seven-inch piece of fabric is what rolls to improve water resistance and bug protection.
Don’t overpack your bag to the point that you can’t roll and shut the top. It may seem tempting to squeeze more space out of your bag, but failing to properly close it can put you and your gear at risk.
Experiment with Different Methods
As you can see, there are a few different ways to approach the issue of space when using a tactical roll top bag. No one technique is better than the other and it all comes down to personal preference.
Try different methods on camping, hiking, or hunting trips. You’ll know you’ve found the right method for you when both packing and retrieving items feel smooth and intuitive.
Specialty Gear Is Your One-Stop Shop for Tactical Gear
Tactical roll top bags are one of the best choices for keeping your gear dry and protected. With these packing efficiency tips, you can make the most of your roll top bag and ditch the frustration of limited space.
Specialty Gear is your premier destination for high-quality outdoor adventure equipment. We don’t sell any products that we haven’t tested, meaning everything you find here meets our rigorous quality standards. Shop our full collection today.