In this short and practical Soldier's Five video, SGT Ryan Biss (an instructor at WONCO-A) explains how to pack your pack to ensure that it is balanced and sits correctly on your back.
He also explains how to ensure that commonly used items are most accessible.
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What was the last, large black item the SGT put in the main compartment of the pack - it sounded like "wet mat"? Is that like a ground sheet or a sleeping mat?
The general principles are similiar. Sleeping bags will be stuffed into the bottom (generally better than rolling them) and the hootchie can be stored in a small thin compartment that forms part of the top flap of the pack. The guidance on the use of external pouches is all relevant. Generally Cadets will be issued with old style water bottle pouches which can also be fixed to the outside of the packl on molle or older style belt fittings.