“This is not an article on packing or otherwise transporting outfits into the bush, but I wish to say this in regard to packing foods, that all packages and containers should be as light as possible consistent with strength and durability. Paper sacks are not the proper thing, for they are so easily torn. It is by far the better plan to have small duck or muslin bags for all dry foods. Nothing should be taken if put up in wooden boxes or other containers having sharp edges or corners, but all such articles should be removed and placed in the cloth sacks. If this is impossible it is better to eliminate such goods from the list.” (Kreps 1919, )

“The Camp Chests . — Two boxes will be required to carry these tools , accessories , the cook and mess – kit , and the stove or stoves . They should be strongly constructed , to with stand rough handling , and may well be specially made instead of the usual packing boxes . If this is done , each should be 36 inches long , 30 inches wide , and 24 inches deep , outside dimensions , and have two removable lengthwise partitions . The lid should swing on a pair of hinges from which the pins can be withdrawn , and be secured with hasp , staple , and padlock . Such a box should have a rope handle at each end , and be roped for shipping . In camp , set on its side , on a couple of square sticks of wood , with the lid re moved and the partitions in place it becomes a good table and cupboard for the commissary tent . Two boxes placed end to end furnish a table 6 feet long by 2 feet wide , with 32 square feet of shelf room underneath . The lids , placed on makeshift supports , will furnish another big table .” (Cave 1914, 55)

I hate having my gear in a box with no organization or plan of action. My personal box, which I already wrote and article over and made a video for, is a clear example of me correcting that problem. As soon as I open it my eyes can clearly see laid out on a shallow shelf my smaller items in a single layer. I can quickly grab what I need and the smaller articles do not get lost in the jumble of bigger and bulkier items, namely my clothing. I even have bundles grouping things together that are usually stored in the open bottom of the box, these include my fire kit and my toiletry roll.

My preference for organization extends to my camp gear. I have four main boxes to keep my equipment in good organization and order. My tent box includes my wall tent, fly, and stakes. It is the heaviest and largest box and when it is empty and propped up, it makes a fine support for a table using the lid as a top surface. I use an old apple crate with modifications and a specialized lid to keep my cook kit, cooking utensils, and cups in an organized “cupboard”. I use another crate as my pantry for canned goods The lid can be transformed into a hanging shelf, much like what Horace Kephart suggested in his book and can be seen from the image below.