Organize Small Gear with Accessory Bags
By Backpacks, Bags, and Apparel for Anywhere | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use accessory bags to organize small gear like cables, toiletries, and EDC items. Follow these steps for a clutter-free bag.
Quick answer
Use accessory bags to group small items by category, then stow them in your main bag for instant access and zero clutter.
Why accessory bags beat loose packing
Dumping cables, chargers, toiletries, and pocket items into a bag creates a jumbled mess. Accessory bags let you separate categories so you can grab what you need without digging. The trade-off is that you need to commit to a system — but once sorted, repacking is faster and nothing gets lost.
Steps to organize small gear with accessory bags
- Sort your small gear by category: Empty all pockets and compartments. Group items into categories: cables and chargers, toiletries, first aid, tools, and everyday carry (wallet, keys, earbuds). A common mistake is skipping this sort — you end up with one pouch that is still a jumble. Keep each category separate.
- Choose the right pouch size for each group: Select an accessory bag that fits each category without excess space. Use small pouches for cables and earbuds, medium for toiletries or a power bank, and large for bulkier gear like a camera battery pack or a full first aid kit. If a pouch is too large, items shift and defeat the purpose. Match size to load.
- Pack each pouch and close it securely: Place items inside so they lie flat and the pouch zips without straining. For the Mountain Accessory Bag, use the carabiner to clip it to a bag loop or key ring for quick access. Overstuffing a pouch makes it bulge and harder to fit in your main bag. Leave a little room.
- Stow pouches in your main bag by frequency of use: Put daily-use pouches (EDC, phone cables) in an external pocket or top compartment. Store less-used items (first aid, backup charger) deeper inside your bag. If you bury a frequently used pouch, you will end up digging again. Keep the order logical.
Product facts
- Accessory Bags: Organize everything from pens to power blocks in our Accessory Bags. These durable pouches come in three easily-transported sizes to optimize your everyday carry. Multiple sizes let you match the pouch to the item, so a small pouch holds cables and a larger one fits a power brick without wasted space.
Accessory Bags - Mountain Accessory Bag: Compact organization meets functional design in our everyday mini pouches. These versatile additions are perfect for enhancing your everyday carry kit or complementing your travel, camera, or day packs. Safely store essentials like cash, cards, AirPods, or camera batteries, and easily secure it to your bag with the custom Topo carabiner. The built-in carabiner lets you clip the pouch to a bag loop or key ring, keeping small valuables within reach without rummaging.
Mountain Accessory Bag
