As much as possible big bulky things go in the back and smaller denser things go in the front.

• The tent goes on top of the rear rack as do the Crocs.
• One rear pannier typically has the sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cloths line, and pillow.
• The other rear pannier has mostly clothing. If carrying hiking shoes (light trail runners) they go here too. The hiking shoes are only along if a lot of hiking is expected, like when we stopped for a week in Yosemite.
• Food might be in the top of either or both rear panniers.
• One front pannier has tools, spare parts, first aid kit, maps other than the ones currently in use.
• The other front pannier has stove and other cook and eating stuff, fuel, water filter, and toiletries.
• Lots of little things go in the handlebar bag including anything theft worthy and thing that I want to grab quickly.
• Things like a wind breaker or other clothing that I am likely to need during the day go under a pannier flap.
• Extra water goes under a flap in cool weather or in a pannier in hot weather. It gets extremely hot under a flap in hot weather and stays surprisingly cool in a pannier.

I find that this allows me to remember where things are and to find things that I need at the same time in mostly the same place.