Originally Posted by
Lyle
Generally, stuff sacks are simply organizing aids. Old frame packs - LOTS of pockets for organizing. Newer internal or frameless packs - fewer, larger pockets not as great for organizing. Thus, folks now use more stuff sacks.
I do not count on them for water proofing, I use a garbage bag pack liner, ziplocks and pack cover for that. Stuff sacks are relatively heavy, so the fewer the better. Today, I sometimes use one for the sleeping bag, but only sometimes, depending on the situation. Usually the sleeping bag just gets stuffed in the bottom of the pack where it can compress only as much as necessary (better for the bag) and where it can fill all the nooks and crannies of the pack. I usually carry food in one - use it for bear bagging if necessary. The food bag is further organized with plastic grocery bags - one for dinners, one for lunches, one for snacks, and one for breakfasts/beverages. This system works for me, I can always find what I want quickly. The only other stuff sack I carry is a very small "ditty" bag with things like repair tape, needle/thread, spare batteries, emergency fire starter, etc. In the Colin Fletcher organizational method, this would be my "workshop" or "garage" (hardware).
Otherwise, everything is just placed, logically into the pack/pockets. Clothing that "must stay dry" are inside the garbage bag liner, other things are on top of it. Electonics, maps, notebooks etc. have ziplocks.
There is no "right" answer for how many stuff sacks. You will develop your own system. The important part is to find a home for all your gear, so that you can readily find it when you need/want it.