How to Pack for Camping, 1877

"Lay out the blanket flat, and roll it as tightly as possible without folding it, enclosing the other baggage as you roll; then tie it in a number of places to prevent unrolling, and the shifting about of things inside; and finally tie or strap together the two ends, and throw the ring thus made over the shoulder, and wear it as you do the strap of the haversack,-- diagonally across the body... you will probably prefer the roll to the knapsack." 

John Mead Gould, Hints for Camping and Walking (1877)

This also works well if you are trying to transport a python on your camping expedition.