Short trips are where overpacking becomes obvious. The route is usually simple, but the vehicle gets cluttered anyway because it feels harmless to bring a little extra.
Pack by access pattern
Anything needed during the drive should be reachable from the cabin or the tailgate. Anything only needed at camp can stay deeper in the loadout.
Build one weather pivot
Instead of carrying every possible variation of clothing, pack around the most likely weather swing. A single insulation layer, dependable rain shell, and dry socks solve more problems than a giant duffel.
Keep recovery gear separate from camping gear
Recovery items should not be buried under chairs and cookware. When the route gets muddy or rocky, finding a strap in thirty seconds matters more than having a perfect packing grid.