My 'cook pack' (the big ol' Rubbermaid) is also my 'food pack' for solo and two person trips. Dented pots are no fun and the semi rigid quality provides both protection and excellent access. I'll stick a bottle of gas or two in with my clothes for the start of non solo trips if need be.

The day food pack comes with at all times. I also have another day pack that holds the FA kit, rain gear, trowel, deet, sun screen, tackle....

The two are kept apart because one goes in the tent or at least the vestibule at night. Both are old Jansport (lifetime warranty?) type book bags. The day food one has been with me since the 70s. No complaints but it now holds a small rolldown inside for whatever can't take getting wet.

I wish my newer day pack were still more water-resistant but it doesn't look like it will totally die any time soon so I've turned to the yellow Park garbage bags for the jacket and whatever else always ends up inside or comes out as morning turns to afternoon....

Never does any food or food wrappers go in that pack or clothing pockets. Not even a juice bottle on a portage. Plenty of room in the day food pack for garbage, snacks and flavored water.

The notion that you will find something to fill every square inch of pack capacity you have is only true on the first few trips. After a while you discover it's a whole lot faster and easier to shove a pack in a pack on the second week then remember how you carefully fit everything in at home when things no longer fit quite right on the second day - in the rain.