Reddit mentions: The best outdoor backpack accessories

Sure!

Platypus is a really good brand that I can recommended for sure. I like the fact that the connecting tube is on the top of the bladder rather than bottom, easier to manage and move around. Though with this one, you cannot turn it inside out but still easy to clean. link here.

Geigerrig is the one I used the most. I didn’t have any bladders to go through (only a couple) but that’s because I legit love the Geigerrig. It’s a pressurized hydration pack (you pump with a bulb, it pressurized the hydration pack, then you can spray water from the mouthpiece.) Incredibly easy to use and their lifetime warranty is truly amazing. Dishwasher safe was such a huge relief. link here.

The Geigerrig is my favorite but it’s expensive so this is different brand but save some money. Just not pressurized. link here.

Will work for sure! I bought an osprey one from REI for sale, ~$60-80 or so. Yeah, the price is steep but I have used it for 2 EDCs, 2 Moonrises, and about to be it's first time seeing lolla! I've gone camping,hiking, and biking with it too and its great. For me, I saw it as an investment since I knew I would use it heavily since I love being outdoors. I do recommend buying a cleaning kit from amazon, this is the one I bought recently:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJ74DPH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hope that helps! Also, if you hang with molly, or have friends who do, when you share water with them, tell them to make sure they dont bite too hard on the valve. Some of my friends and or strangers who I have given water to have bitten through the rubber valve (easily replaced <$10). So yeah just something to keep in mind!

Nice thorough review. +1.

I have the similar AK rig, and I have to admit, I wish I had gone with a 100% MOLLE rig.

I did a chunk of research the other day, and I think personally I'd have to go with a waist-loaded option. For whatever reason, having straps on my shoulders makes it annoying to really couch a blaster in my shoulder, on top of the straps -- don't ask me why, it's just always... Not quite right.

That said, if I had to rebuy my rig, I'd spend a bit more and get this setup:

• Condor Gen 2 BattleBelt + Condor Duty Belt
  
• Condor Dual AK Mag Pouch or Tri AK Mag Pouch
  
• Single-Point Sling
  
  I'd probably go with a double pouch on each side, carrying 8x18 + 2 or 3 in/on the blaster + sidearm + holdouts. More than enough.
  
  Everything's on the waist, out of the way so you keep utmost in upper-body maneuverability. Everything's also off to the side, so you can go prone/flat against walls pretty easily on either side, whereas the chest rig made bellying up to a wall less than ideal.
  
  If I wanted to go for extras, I'd want to look at a Mag Recovery Dump Pouch for one side.
  
  For those that want the shoulder support, you can get an H-Harness
  
  Now for the really crazy research that I did.
  
  I considered adding hydration of some kind, which gets a bit tricky for waist packs. The slickest hydration pack I could probably find was the Condor Hydro Harness which actually fits nicely with all of their gear -- but you need to have a compatible chest rig to use it properly... Which means things on the shoulders. Even more cobbled together solutions, such as an H-Harness + Hydration carrier has the same problem, although less so.
  
  Fortunately, there are solutions! MOLLE-compatible 'side' hydration pouches, such as the Source Kangaroo 1L or the Blackout! Side Hydration Pouch would take the water off the back. 1L is a lot less, as most backpacks are 2, 2.5, or even more in capacity. The downside of any hydration pouch is twofold in this case:
  
  

1. You don't have any good way to keep the water line near your mouth, since you lack shoulder straps.
   
   
2. Cleaning bladders is a pain!
   
   That said, Source does make some pretty awesome extras, both of which seem really useful the former of which may even work to deal with problem #1 in this case.
   
   There's another alternative to this, too, though! I personally find my Nerf habit totally niche, so I always feel a bit guilty getting something JUST for Nerf... But Nalgene bottles or the like are really useful otherwise, so that's always a nice option.
   
   

• Getting just a MOLLE Nalgene carrier or generic bottle pouch would work fine. Solid Nalgene bottles have pros and cons though. Pros: it's rigid and strong, which means it takes impact and wear very well. Cons: It's hard, so it doesn't collapse, and it's generally more bulky.
  
• You can get soft Nalgene Canteens in 32oz or 48oz and put them in some sort of suitable pouch. I imagine the 32oz canteen would fit rather well in the standard bottle carrier, although I don't know how well the bottle carrier collapses, making the presence of a canteen possibly moot.
  
• Turn any Nalgene (or smaller water bottles, if the usual 32oz is too large) into a hydration carrier with a straw adapter. Popular ones include SmarTube or Source SNEP, both of which include a Nalgene-compatible 63mm wide-mouth adapter, and the Condor Nalgene carrier has a straw pass-thru in the top. Obviously, the downside to this is that the thing you're drinking from generally needs to be upright to ensure constant water supply. Not that big of an issue, but it does limit canteen pouch options to ones that will hold the thing upright.
  
  I personally think I'd lean towards the straw option, as it's easier to clean and more universally usable, although I'm not entirely certain I'd like the bulk of a Nalgene bottle on my waist and the slosh factor, both of which are lesser issues when dealing with a bladder. Maybe I'll try and find a suitable pouch for a 32oz Nalgene canteen and get the SNEP...
  
  EDIT: Malformed link.

Lightsaber Lamp or chopsticks are pretty cool. This apron, this thermos, these playing cards, this bottle opener, and this ice cube tray are also pretty sweet!

There's a variety of cat tote bags but I personally love this one or this one. I also love these coasters, this plush, this game, this cup, and these magnets.

This camping first aid kit looks super useful, as does this multitool, and you can never have too many torches. An inflatable pillow, or a funky backpack cover might be cool too.

I'm not great at looking for stuff for kids yet, so I can't really cover that aspect, but I hope you like some of these suggestions!

​

I have used two systems in my time spent hiking. One was a 96oz [Nalgene wide mouth canteen] (https://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-96-Ounce-Mouth-Canteen-Bottle/dp/B000BS0AR4/ref=pd_sim_468_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000BS0AR4&pd_rd_r=6G5N7XE6N68GYYMSM1ZB&pd_rd_w=IB7cI&pd_rd_wg=6zKwz&psc=1&refRID=6G5N7XE6N68GYYMSM1ZB) with a [Source Convertube] (https://www.amazon.com/Source-Outdoor-Convertube-Bottle-Adapter/dp/B004QMF0U8). The second is a [Osprey 3L bag] (https://www.amazon.com/OSPREY-Hydraulics-Reservoir-Liter-Color/dp/B01JSSNKRO/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1498454724&sr=1-2&keywords=osprey+3l+hydration+bladder).

I loved my Nalgene/Source convertube combo. Easy to fill and clean. I had an unfortunate situation with hot water tasting like scalded onions being put into the bag(not my mistake but I paid a heavy price for it). After cleaning it with bleach twice, the water tasted normal but the bag smelled like the onion water for a little while. After 4 bleach cleanings it smelled fine. The Nalgene ended up busting when I had to break hard in my car. It fell from the passenger seat into the floor. I e-mailed Nalgene about but didn't get a reply. I was interested in finding out if they thought the bleach or the hot water might have compromised the bag. The hot liquid warning was for 212 degrees and the water was not boiling when placed into the bag. The Source hydration kit was great. It worked flawlessly. No taste or smells. Easily cleaned. The rubber washer that I lost didn't seem to be a standard size and was impossible to replace. Otherwise I would still use it.

With the Osprey I found that the throughput of water was higher than the Nalgene/Source combo. The water has a slight plastic taste. I have used it less than 5 times and the plastic taste has lessened with subsequent uses. So I am hoping that it will go away completely. The hard side of the bag helps a lot. It would be harder to place it into my Osprey bag without it. The quick connect tubing is a good idea. The bite valve is harder to clean than the Source one I had. The Osprey bag itself was as easy to clean if not more so than the Nalgene wide mouth canteen. The tubing is stiff and makes it difficult to connect the [Osprey quick connect kit] (https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Hydraulics-Quick-Connect-Kit/dp/B00IO06L92/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1498455360&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=osprey+adapter+kit). I think a nice touch is that the plastic clip that holds the flap shut is attached to the bag so it will not be lost. I love the magnetic chest strap clip that came with the bag. A thing to note is that when I purchased the my hydration bag, it listed that the bag under normal use should last a year. The description was vague as to how much use it was tested for in a year. I have a feeling the upper seal will eventually fail but it has not leaked on me yet.

Overall, I have not been disappointed in either of my choices. Both of the choices I have had will perform quite well. I would substitute a Platypus bag for the Nalgene if I had a do over.

That Neverwet stuff is amazing, but I don' think it is designed for fabrics per se. It would probably come off with the natural movement and abrasion from a few hours of riding. You're better off just getting a good quality pair of snowpants and taking good care of 'em. If you want to touch up your gear, something like this might work better: http://www.amazon.com/Granger-09004-XT-Waterproofer/dp/B0028XERR4

Gorruck 34L GR2 Coyote Tan - a good bag, heavy, uncomfortable, probably give it to my grandchildren in like 50 years

Flip Flops - generic things

Bigblue 28W solar charger - very good, can charge my battery up during the day if i leave it in the sun which I've never really done honestly

Jakemy hardware tools - seamed useful? i've never needed this

Army glove shells - i thought i used these a lot and were indistructable but now that i think of it, i don't use them that often and are probably pretty cheaply made.

Sharpie, pen, all weather notebook - probably should switch over to a fisher space pen...

Straws - these are probably already broken.

Whistle - really really really loud

Fire-striker, matches, lighter - i'm not sure i have enough ways to start a fire

Fresnel lens - ok, now i have enough

LED flashlight - i used to go running in the middle of the night with this flashlight, its tiny

LED flashlight - this isn't the one i have but looks kinda similar? i don't remember where i got mine

Earbuds - generic cheap earbuds

Leatherman Surge - given to me by my wife for passing the bar. thanks wife!

First Aide kit - i put mine together from stuff i've stolen from friends houses whenever i go over and use the bathroom

playing cards - these look very similar to the ones i have, they are plastic so they won't get rained on

glasses/ sunglasses - i have really bad vision

personal hygiene kit - aahhhh dry shaving

Sawyer Mini / syringe, collapsible canteen (dirty), heavy duty straw - i've never used this

collapsible canteen (clean) - i've never used this either

sewing kit - i've used this a lot

ID tags - i guess if i get blown up they'll know my blood type?

garbage bag - for when my pockets are full

elastic bands - i use these when packing to keep rolled socks and things from falling apart

Salt - i have nooooo idea why i have this

cooking grate - i'm not going to hold meat over a fire with a stick like some sort of caveman

heavy duty ziplock bag - in case my mapcase breaks and other reasons

rip-patch - leftover from when i needed a pack because i bought a crummy cheap inflatable sleeping pad.

Army Fleece Beanie - i always keep this at the top of my pack

4 Bungie Cords - not the one i use but similar. to make a field-expedient shelter

Trowel - for disposal of biological wastes

Lensatic compass - because GPS should only be a backup

Pocketboy 130 folding saw - i have a bigger one for yardwork, this small one is really great

Tent stakes - for tent staking

Ravpower 26800 Battery - use this all the time can fast chage my stuff

Battery Battery holder, cables, wall charger - all fits togehter like glove!

Army Poncho - wear it, make a tent out of it etc

Microfiber towel - not the one i use but similar. i mainly use this for when the kids accidentally fall in a lake like they tend to do for some reason

Down Jacket - cheap chinese knockoff... i feel bad for not buying american

Wet weather top - not sure this is worth the space/weight

Wet Weather bottom - not sure if this is worth the weight/space

Silkweights - PJs! and warmth

Jungle Blanket - this is a lot better than the army's woobie. lighter and warmer

Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet - again, gift from wife. she wanted me to chop things and be more manly, generally. now i come home with parts of wildlife for her to cook

Map of New England - or, how i stopped worrying and love dismounted land navigation

PT belt - keeps me safe in all situations

Compression straps - i don't like lashing things to the outside but i guess i can if i wanted to

Fork and Spoon - stole these from the kitchen. i'll probably be replacing this soon with something titanium.

​

EDIT: i just priced it out: $1,585.08 total

Great video! Can't believe you're bringing an external monitor/keyboard/mouse with you, but I guess it makes sense given your job. Is the water bottle necessary? You can use plastic bottles or try out a rollable plastic bottle like Evernew (https://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASIRMO?th=1&psc=1). I'd also recommend against the UE Boom. I love mine and it is nice for travel, but it takes up quite a bit of space. If I'm desperate for a speaker nowadays I take the UE Roll which is much more compact and has an elastic band making it easier to wrap onto things.

You can definitely get away with a few less boxers/socks, but if you hate doing laundry then it is what it is. To go a step further you could probably ditch the Chucks and just keep the Nike/sandal combo, but I'm the same way and usually pack Chucks or Vans because they're great casual shoes and pack up relatively small.

i first tried it about 10 years ago with a Platypus Gravityworks filter and it blew my mind. Since then i give just about every other filter in-line and theyre all pretty good. Platty is the heaviest and most expensive and Sawyer mini is the cheapest, lightest, but shortest lived with the most drinking resistance (but thats still not much resistance at all).

The liberation of being able to just scoop up your water and go - especially with a bigmouth type bladder, is really nice.

The lightest version ive found so far is an Evernew 2L zip-top bladder (1.8oz) + Evernew bottle drink tube kit (1.8oz) + Hydroblu or Vecto filter (1.4oz) = 5oz

Adding capacity means i only need to add additional 1.8oz 2L bottles since the hose + filter can be swapped from bladder to bladder.

EVERNEW water bag 2L EBY209 (japan import) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHW23YA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_coiRCbQ205J6R

EVERNEW Hydration Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AQYY2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AoiRCbET78B19

Versa Flow Light-Weight Camping and Outdoor Water Filter System - Hollow Fiber Inline or Straw Filter with Clear Window that Filters 100,000 gallons for Survivor and Emergency Filtration (Personal) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTAMKHE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_epiRCbDWMAXRP

While the Evernew is the lightest, Hydrapack Shapeshifter (short & fat version) at 4.8oz with the hose, and 2.9 without, is still my preferred because its easier to handle in and out of my pack’s side pockets. Its soft whereas the Evernew is pretty stiff

Hydrapak Shape-Shift 2L Reversible Reservoir, Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSVTIHR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VuiRCb5B7BW05

Good move. I've been rucking around with my GR1 for about 2 months now. I love it, and will never use anything else. I thought I would regret it, but I don't.

I got the kit too. Everything is pretty useful. I did upgrade my reflective to these(the 9" ones fit perfectly in the molle).

I also got these to hold my hydration in place. I wasn't a big fan of the little bungee tie that came with the kit.

If you want a bite valve for the hydration bladder this one is the one you're looking for.

Hey! So I found my scrappy little pack list I had before I left. Hope this helps at all :)

• Bring strapless bra
  
• Underwater camera!!!!!!
  
• Download Hola (hola.org) this one!!! This is GREAT for watching shows abroad
  
• Health Insurance - World Nomads
  
• Power of attorney
  
  
• Berry Plus Laundry Detergent
  
• 4x (2 boxes)
  
• Contact Solution
  
• Tampons (lots)
  
• Lancome Mascara
  
• MAC powder
  
• Revlon Eyeliner 2x
  
• Eye drops
  
• Watch (you don't want to be pulling out your phone to tell the time)
  
• Electrolyte packets
  
• Tennis shoes
  
• New sandals
  
• Gear Ties
  
• Clothing line
  
• Universal Sink Stopper
  
• Deck of cards
  
• Journal
  
• Packing Cubes
  
• Kindle
  
• Adapters
  
• Quick dry towel
  
• Memory cards
  
• Ear plugs
  
• Sleep Mask
  
• SF refrigerator magnets for hosts
  
• Alarm clock (Don't use your phone - not good to leave out)
  
• Headlamp
  
• Bamboo utensils
  
• Carabiner
  
• iPad with Logitech keyboard case
  
• Good head phones
  
• Anti-malaria pills
  
• Pepto bismol
  
• Cipro
  
• Advil
  
• Pink eye eye drops (you never know!)
  
• Sleeping pills
  
• Small brush
  
• Toilettry Bag
  
• Rain jacket
  
• Fleece
  
• kleen canteen
  
• Combo padlocks (combo better than key - if you lose the key you're screwed)
  
• Sun dress
  
• New Tivas? - Take old tivas to cobbler
  
• Bottle opener
  
• Scarf
  
• Combo+wire cord to tie the backpack to a bed
  
• Sea to Summit Mini Backpack
  
• Manicuring scissors/file/tweezers
  
• Steripod Toothbrush cover
  
• Toothbrush
  
• Mini First Aid Kit
  
• Razors (gotta stay fresh!)
  
• Shampoo & Conditioner
  
• Flats
  
• Mini Sewing Kit
  
• Hand sanitizer
  
• Epipen
  
• Neosporin
  
• Ziplock baggies (big and small)
  
• Face lotion (x3)
  
• New Bra/undies
  
• Flip flops for showers (old navy)
  
• Super glue
  
• Cliff bars
  
• New Jeans
  
• Backpack - Osprey Waypoint 85
  
• Backpack rain cover
  
• Mini umbrella
  
• Dry Bag
  
• Stuff sack for laundry
  
• Shoe bags
  
• Grocery Bag
  
• Leather strap over purse
  
• Kleenex
  
• Q-tips
  
• Deoderant
  
• Hair ties
  
• Shower gel
  
• Pajamas
  
• Travel Pillow
  
• Sleep sack
  
• tent?
  
  
• Check contact prescription
  
• New glasses
  
• Check up
  
• Get immunizations - yellow immunizations card!
  
• Get a youth card through STA (see 13 ways link above)
  
  
• India
  
• Vietnam
  
• (Dual citizen to Spain - don't need visa for Brazil)
  

I ran a sawyer mini off of a platypus drom for a couple months on the PCT. Not only the cheapest and lightest gravity system I'm aware of, but as long as we backflushed after each use we had no issues even in the desert. The mini threaded directly onto the drom and we cut the drom hose shorter, stuck it on the Mini's "out" nipple and then used the piece that came with the drom to thread onto the top of Smartwater bottles. As long as we kept it loose for some airflow into the bottle we had a great stream. Once we were done filtering all we had to do was screw the piece onto the bottle the rest of the way, lift it up above the drom and give it a squeeze to clear the filter. Pretty damn cheap and easy. You won't break any speed records, nor will it last long if you aren't diligent about backflushing every couple liters, but in this day and age you don't need to pay $100 for a MSR Hyperflow for personal use. Though I absolutely love MSR equipment, filters included and there's a place for them too. Hit me up if you want to know more!

Also- well done getting your Eagle. Got mine in '06. Represent us well out there!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVV54DF

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0014BD3DK/ref=mp_s_a_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1501437765&sr=8-20&refinements=p_89%3APlatypus&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=platypus+water+bladder&dpPl=1&dpID=41MP4QIC5WL&ref=plSrch

No real experience with this product but it could be a good compromise between the ease of drinking with a hose without the annoyance of refilling a bladder inside the pack. Different reviews say that it works on Smart Water bottles. Might be something interesting to try out.

I've linked this to you in another thread. Here it is again:

• https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP131-PointOne-Squeeze/dp/B005EHPVQW
  
• https://sawyer.com/products/sawyer-squeeze-filter-system-sp131
  
  Sawyer is the brand. Squeeze and Mini are 2 of their popular filter models for backpackers. They are similar design, the Mini being smaller.
  
  
  ------
  As I said before, the Squeeze model has a faster flow rate and is slower to clog. The Squeeze is generally preferred because of the time savings, in exchange for a bit more weight and cost.
  I have both and definitely prefer the Squeeze.
  Nothing wrong with starting out with the Mini model. If you get frustrated with how hard / long it takes, or how often you have to backflush it - just upgrade to the Squeeze model (or to chemicals like AquaMira).
  
  -----
  I also recommend getting an extra dirty bag or two. This is the bag you use to scoop water from the source - and is screwed onto the filter. I have the 900 and 1500 ml Evernew brand bags and they works great.
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-2000-ml/dp/B001ASLWSK
  
  
  ----
  I would recommend doing a bit of search before posting up so many basic questions. These are very common and easily discovered if you look in any of the outdoor subreddits.
  Basic questions are fine, it just seems that you are asking a lot of them repeatedly. You may get more value if you focus a bit, ask specific questions, and take the time to soak in the advice given.

I just ran a few more liters through it and the flow rate is now acceptable on the Squeeze. I'm currently getting all my gear ready now for today's trip. I always feel like I'm forgetting something, but it is only for a night so I should be fine.

Also, I have some 2L Evernew water containers that I use for my water filtration system. I have one for dirty water, two for clean water, and I have a bunch of interconnects to connect to a bunch of stuff. I love these things. They have been much tougher than the ones that come with the Squeeze. Also, the way that I have mine, I can set it up as a gravity feed system and do other stuff at camp while the water filters.

I don't know much about these backpacks. I know Outdoor Vitals has a related podcast where they mentioned that they're not happy with the design of their current backpack.

Speaking to backpacks I know of in your price range, I'd recommend the Kelty Redwing 50 (or if you prefer sierra.com). It's a good pack, especially to get you going. Its strengths are organization: plenty of pockets and sleeves to stash things, there are passthroughs behind the upper pockets on the sides so that you can slide long objects behind the pocket and rest them in the waterbottle mesh pocket (tent poles, trekking poles, sun umbrella). It's not very waterproof, so you might want to get a pack cover and it does not have hipbelt pockets, but you could buy one from a different vendor: Gossamer Gear has good ones that ship quick, but they are not waterproof so if rain is in the forecast, bring a ziploc sandwich bag for your electronics.

It has an adjustable torso length system to get your pack fitted to you (it's a little confusing to work at first, but it's good adjustability).

Just be careful to get the newer model that hides the daisy chain webbing on the front of the pack. In the old model, this daisy chain is visible.

It can be a PITA but also it weighs very little and is pretty simple to use - just gets annoying "squeezing" a lot of water through the filter, specially if you are filling up like 4L of water for camp. I did buy a 900mL Evernew water bag that works much better than the bag that comes with the squeeze. I also saw a post AT hiker review where he mention that getting the regular squeeze is better than the mini, since it has much better flow. He suggested for short (non thru hikes) that the mini should be fine but he preferred the regular, even with the little weight penalty.

From what I've read the platypus bottles have issues with the threading. I recommend these evernew bags which have no issues with threading. In the event your sawyer bags break you could use one for filtering in a pickle. I carry two 1.5L
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AQYY38

However the suggestion of the smart water bottles probably works just as well at a fraction of the price. I don't know what the bottles weigh but the 1.5L evernew bags are 1.5oz. I like the bags because they get smaller if I'm not using one.

Also, I love my sawyer squeeze. I didn't get the mini due to reading about flow issues. I don't have a mini so I can't make a real judgement call.

Sorry latitude, didn't mean to blast your comment. I was just looking to add relevant information to the discussion.

Great tips! Wash your hands with soap when you can. I carry a hand sanitizer bottle filled with eco-friendly soap to wash my hands as often as possible.

Also, if you have a Camelbak, you NEED to invest in a nipple cover. I discovered it last year, thanks to someone on this subreddit, and it has revolutionized our group at fests. No more poppin a nipple into your mouth in the dark that's been god knows where, covered in dust. Get yourself one of these now: https://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Unisex-Bite-Valve-Cover/dp/B000YU3MME

They make a cover for that. Best ~$10 I've ever spent. Always keep your nipple clean! :)

https://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Unisex-Bite-Valve-Cover/dp/B000YU3MME

I use a Sawyer Mini with a 3 L Camelbak water bladder and an Evernew reservoir. I modified the Evernew by putting some holes with grommets in the extra plastic on the bottom and running some string through it so i can hang it from a tree or whatever. Then I fill it up, screw on the Sawyer Mini, and attach that directly to the Camelbak via the tube I drink out of. Water flows from the Evernew, through the filter, into the Camelbak. Pretty easy setup, it works great for me.

I drink way too much water all the time, thus the large amount of water I bring with me on trips. Also, haven't invested in a filtration device yet, but that is next!

So, from left to right:

• Canon T6 with 18-55mm lens and two extra batteries - Good starter camera (Just getting into photography)
  
  
• Nalgene 1L bottle
  
  
• Paracord Survival Bracelet - has compass, flint, and knife
  
  
• Gerber Multi-Tool
  
  
• Cheap $9 "Survival Knife" from walmart with flint
  
  
• Coleman 300 Lumen flashlight with extra batteries
  
  
• Cheap 200 Lumen headlamp with extra batteries
  
  
• A way too big first aid kit (has basically everything you need for anything)
  
  
• Portwest Classic Rain Jacket (also very cheap with no liner, will be upgrading sooner than later!)
  
  
• And lastly, the Teton Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration pack. I've upgraded the 2-liter bladder in this to a 3 liter camelback bladder since I drink way to much water!
  
  And that's it! Here's the links to everything below:
  
  
• Canon T6: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DJDSAVU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Nalgene 1L: Get these at academy sports! They're only $10 there and hold literally anything including boiling water.
  
  
• Paracord: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FZBZWHE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Knife: Don't even know the brand, but it gets the job done, definitely recommend spending some more money on this rather than a camera
  
  
• Coleman Light: https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Divide-300-Lumen-BatteryLock-Flashlight/dp/B01BUEO9LA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495394484&sr=8-2&keywords=Coleman+300+Lumen
  
  
• Headlamp: Not sure of the brand on this either, got it from Gander Mountain since they're going out of business in my area
  
  
• Way too big first aid kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000069EYA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Portwest Rain Jacket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDIP4D8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Teton Pack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OXPC07E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Camelback Bladder: https://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-90857-Antidote-Accessory-Reservoir/dp/B00B5E9Q3M/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1495394613&sr=1-5&keywords=camelbak+3l
  
  
  

https://www.amazon.com/EVERNEW-EBY207-Evernew-Water-1500ml/dp/B001ASIRMO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1533760953&sr=8-2&keywords=evernew%2Bhydration%2Btube&th=1&psc=1

super light, super packable, quite durable. I've been using a pair of these for years.

Compatible with sawyer squeeze as well

I also am not a bladder fan and could not adapt to shoulder bottles ( though they do a great job as a counter ballance) I found an inbetween solution. Source makes a kit to adapt a hose to water bottles (prob DIY one aswell) This might be a good temp solution if you are not ready to spend on a pack yet. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004QMF0U8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484171712&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=source+hydration+bottle&dpPl=1&dpID=313jEs5YEAL&ref=plSrch

The following is strictly a backpacking list, as it includes lightweight items that cost more for that reason:

ULA Circuit Pack $225, 41 oz
Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent $289, 42 oz
Therm-a-rest X-lite regular size sleeping pad $100, 16 oz
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 degree Sleeping Bag $250, 20 oz
Sawyer Squeeze Mini Water Filter $23, 2 oz
Evernew Water Bag 900 mL + 2000 mL $30, 2.5 oz
MSR Pocket Rocket $40, 3 oz
Petzl Tikkina $20, 3 oz
Some cheap aluminum cookpot, $20 5 oz

Total: $997, 8.4 lbs

The main ones I'm actually recommending are the first 6 on the list, as the rest were just chosen to show that it is possible to stay under $1000 with everything else you'll need, although unfortunately with sales tax it's over $1000 already.

Another thing to take into consideration is that some of the National Parks like Yosemite NP and Sequoia NP require bear canisters like a Bear Vault or a Bearikade.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VIK28MY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BH0JAbK7WSW53 Emily confirmed that CAMELBAKS like these should be okay. :) so hydration packs with pockets are cool.

There are adapters that allow you to use a drink tube with a bottle.

http://www.amazon.com/Source-Outdoor-Convertube-Bottle-Adapter/dp/B004QMF0U8

These are a little gimmicky, but the idea is pretty simple. I used a similar set up before getting a pack that facilitates water bottle use a little better (on my old pack I couldnt retrieve water bottles with the pack on). Quality might be hit or miss, but considering what it really consists of there's not much to break. It's a bite valve, a tube, and a cap with a breather valve that screws onto a bottle.

It only solves some of the issues brought up. You still won't be able to judge remaining water.

UPDATE: So I ended up getting an elastic ruck cover off amazon with a cinch strap clip on it to hold it tight to the bag. Took it up to 100mph with no issues. I’m looking into getting some DWR but for now this seems to work fine.

I picked the medium size for my 26L GR1. Fits perfectly

Just FYI: If you go for the Squeeze, get one of these Evernew bags.

They are much nicer and way easier to fill than the standard bags Sawyer ships with that filter.

I have http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QI8KKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QI8M5Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QI8S46/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

on the way. The ability to fill the bladder without taking everything off is going to be awesome.

EverNew are the water bags that fit, and they're a lot better than the bags that come with the Sawyer.

But right now it's kind of hard to find them. Once word got out they they're a good fit on the Sawyer filters they've been sold out.

http://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-900-ml/dp/B001ASIRMO

I have a 2 small drysacks, which I can just stuff things into, which is pretty nice. and a specific case for my phone or ipod

Edit: Also, I have a raincover for my backpack. keeps the water out. and you dont have to worry about anyone unzipping your backpack in a busy place.

• http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Products-3-Pack-Ultimate-Sack/dp/B001AZNATC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369243924&sr=8-1&keywords=drysack
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-UL-Raincover-Titanium-Medium/dp/B000MNLDP6/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1369243977&sr=1-1&keywords=osprey+rain+cover

I usually camp in areas where water is pretty readily available (Lake Superior/Michigan). I carry two 1L evernew bags, which I fill with dirty water. The top is a standard 1L bottle cap, so I use a DIY prefilter I made out of a soda bottle top and a mesh screen during the filling process. Then I screw the sawyer directly onto the top of the bag. The bags are much better in this format than bottles as they compress as you drink, and you don't have vacuum problems.

The Evernew system is great. I like it a lot.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000AQYY2Y?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

I use this kit. Most important part is the hanger because it lets your bladder dry out properly so you don’t need to use soap on it. Best $8 you’ll spend.

I doubt you will find what you seek.

The most waterproof bags you can find will look something like this:

BackSak

Observe the somewhat complex closure mechanism required to ensure the bag is truly waterproof.
This bag probably doesn't have any internal pockets or padded sleeves for a laptop either.

What I think you might want to consider is a waterproof rainfly to cover your existing (laptop-friendly) backpack.

JoyWalker

The 'official' cleaning kits come with something like this. That would seem to suggest that's the preferred way to do it, even if you save money by bending a wire hanger yourself.

I bought size small, and it fits my 26L GR1 pretty well. Plus it's cheap so who cares what happens to it...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6R4FBT

I use and love this tube which comes with adapters for a bunch of common bottles

Plus one to this suggestion. Evernew is another great brand:

https://www.amazon.com/EVERNEW-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASLWSK

She doesn't necessarily need to buy a hydration pack, just the bladder which is much cheaper.

I bought this one for Bonnaroo last year and it was perfect. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071DQSZB8/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VIK28MY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BH0JAbK7WSW53

This minus the solar panel (apparently waterproof doesn't mean "can survive a downpour at electric Forest).

And if we're talking safety, what about the safety of the belongings of the attending folk? Clear bags seem to spell high risk of theft. I know most people have the best intentions, but I've seen people at other festivals who didn't have clear bags get their stuff pick-pocketed! Like I understand the fear of someone bringing a weapon in, but isn't that the purpose of searches? And what's going to happen when 90% of the attending folk are turned away for not having a clear bag...

From my experience these are good:
https://www.amazon.com/Hydration-Reservoir-Military-Replacement-Climbing/dp/B071DQSZB8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=waterbags+bladdrs&qid=1563148472&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I have a really long scrub brush thingy I bought for cleaning out my hose. I disconnect both sides and run that through with some water/bleach solution. Same with the mouthpiece, take it apart and use the scrubby thing.

https://www.amazon.com/TAGVO-Hydration-Cleaning-Universal-Collapsible/dp/B01GPXBOVY/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_468_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DYWGJAFNN56C9MNPH5SS

I use a very odd and different style pack

I replaced the bladder with this.

Its extremely light weight and very comfortable. I did have to add my own waist strap which to me in the only con and its a small one in my eyes. They also aren't cheap, I bought mine used off of ebay and its been rock solid for going on 2 years now. Still looks practically brand new.

They make these backpack covers that are kinda like a shower cap for your backpack. They have an elastic band that wraps around the outside of the pack, covering it with a thin water proof layer. They are cheap and this solution allows you to pick whatever backpack you want.

https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Walker-Waterproof-Breathable-Traveling/dp/B01N6R4FBT/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502726427&sr=8-3&keywords=waterproof+cover+backpack

I went straight to the Evernew bags. The bags that sawyer sells are pretty terrible.

Cool, thanks. I might get that Platypus one instead since it's about the same price ($30) on Amazon. Do you have any problems filling it or anything like that? I was looking at another Platypus bag here and some of the reviews made it sound like a total pain in the ass to work with, which is what lead me to the Camelpak.

look for kits for cleaning water bladders, they have small, soft brushes on long springs so you can scrub the inside of the silicone tube that goes from the bladder to the demand valve. Should work just fine on an STP. Found one! There's probably others that don't have the extra stuff if you prefer.

You don’t need to buy a whole new pack. This happened to me and I bought this from Amazon and have never had problems.

Any bottle you have or want, with this

This:

http://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASISRS#

With this:

Evernew Hydration Tube EBY271 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AQYY2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5xkJub17B09EB

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004QMF0U8

I'd say each person should have their own Sawyer Squeeze at the minimum. Also a backup for if the filter clogs and can't be cleaned/backflushed (aquamira tabs is what I carry with my first aid stuff). Those bags do break too, so having a backup squeeze bag for each person is crucial.

I use these bags: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ASLWSK

Its a clip to hold up a hydration bladder.