i can't really give you any tips as to size.however the day bag that i use on canoe trips has several zip pockets,it's a small fishermans gear bag,to ID what is in each pocket i have a different pull on each zipper tab.the pocket with the first aid gear has a yellow bit of cord--the fire light stuff old leather lace,the other side with the bug net,compass,duct tape,has a white bit of para cord.so on as the bag looks the same all the way around--main bag with pouches on each end and a large one each side--it can get confusing in the dark or rain as to which pocket you are trying to open to find what.the main big bag however remains a mess with a water filter-lunch-camera-fishing lures-so on all jumbled in.......