hi as----using side compression straps i put rollmat one side and tent/shelter on the other---for security the drawstring from the tent bag is attached to compression strap---a small stuff sack is put over drawstring gap to stop rain---when pitching the rollmat goes under tent so do not worry if it gets wet----as mike fd says this makes for a quick tent setup if it is raining----also sometimes carry waterbottle attached to front of shoulderstrap and if i am using meths jam bottle in rollmat----cinched down tight theres nothing loose to rattle and roll-----i also mainly walk with the hip belt undone so i think i would notice if pack was unbalanced
Ideally I'd like everything inside but with food and stuff it doesn't normally happen. So I have a closed cell mat on one side, and the tent/bivvy bag on the other.
A warning. Things on the outside can get plucked off by spiky branches, so need to be very well secured.
And things that swing are a total disaster if you're trying to balance, so everything must be tied hard to the sack.
Depends on what 'sac I'm using and how long i'm going for. I prefer to keep everything inside pac, but in summer when don't need heavier layers, using 'small' pac, for a 5 -7 day walk, as food takes up a lot of the room in sac, will (if I've no choice), carry tent, sleep mat, on outside till I've enough space to put inside. maybe 2 -3 days
PS. If I didn't have to carry food for dug, would be able to carry in sac from start!!.
