A tidy daypack isn’t about making everything fit. It’s about finding what you need without emptying the bag on a windy hillside.
Put the items you’re least likely to use at the bottom. Keep heavier items close to your back rather than hanging off the outside. Give frequently used things — snacks, a map, tissues and a spare layer — an easy-to-reach pocket or the top of the main compartment.
Keep your rain layer near the top, even when the forecast looks settled. If you carry wet kit, put it in a separate bag so it doesn’t soak the rest.
Before setting off, zip every pocket and take a short walk with the pack on. If it swings, rattles or pulls backwards, rearrange the load.
Pack for the next stop, not just the start.