(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best outdoor backpack accessories

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

UPDATE:

I saw two good sales, and I got a bit excited and so now I have the Unsettle Commuter and the Patagonia Stormfront Roll Top both on their way to me for the final, in-person showdown. I've found an external water bottle holder that will clip onto the Pat, and I've also spotted a handbag organiser that will mitigate the lack of internal pockets (see below for links to both). If the Pat looks good re: carry on luggage sizes, and holds enough, I think it will probably be the one I keep. The dimensions look better than the Unsettle one, and the waterproofing looks much more effective.

If anyone is interested I will update later but just to say thanks for all the suggestions and detailed reasoning I really appreciate it and am very excited for my new backpack :)

Water bottle holder:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HV2IUPM/?coliid=IACXEZN6GVJSD&colid=YUI2S3Y4KCP4&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Bag organiser:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GWOQ5I4/?coliid=I223PHU9NJMI1F&colid=YUI2S3Y4KCP4&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

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.

Sure here my take on your kit.

Much of your gear, is old school, thus real heavy, like things wrapped or made in leather. Seek to lighten up. Replace some with multiple usage instead of single use when possible.

You will increase your mileage with less efforts by reducing bulk and weight.

I love the pipes, I bring a few cigars myself. I like smoking stogies late at night by camp fire. Helps with bugs.

I would replace the 2 flasks with a single 3L water bladder.

Carry a box of Aquatabs, water filtering is not always enough. (Viruses in some context) and to cleanup/purify your water bladder.

The plastic spork (mine broke in the middle of a meal) with a titanium spork (exta long so it fits nicely inside those meal bags without burning or contaminating your meal on inserting your dirty camping fingers into your meal at each shovel full).

Substitute those meal bags with oatmeal and dehydrated fruit for breakfasts and lentils and rice, mixed with dehydrated mushrooms and vegetables for most meals. Made fresh at each site by simply boiling it in water with some seasoning, and is much healthier and low sodium and no preservative. It's less weight, more compact and each meal costing under $1.50 or less.

You can use Red Lentil, yellow or black , add rice, third of a cup of two colors around 1/2 cup total, add dehydrated veggies, shopped shiitake mushrooms or your favored dehydrated and chopped mushroom etc... Salt, pepper, etc, Fill water to the 500 ML mark, boil and voilà. You wont be able to find a cheaper yet healthy meal packed smaller, lighter and higher energy in any other way. This is a time proven recipe.

You can keep one or two envelope meals for when too tired to prep a real meal...

Add some energy bars, or protein bars for lunches, do not stop to eat, simply hike while munching on those, and you will never be hungry during hikes. Drink more fluids than usual.

You need a hat. (helps prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke). Practice hat on in the sunlight, and hat off in the shades. It makes wearing a hat more bearable and reduces moisture loss.

You need bug repellent, and a facial bug net (depending on when and where, black flies can be a real issue).

Those simple meals should be complemented with "Electrolytes" boosters on hikes where you sweat profusely on hot days to replace fluids and other essential chemicals your body needs. Your sweat expresses chemicals that deplete your electrolytes and can make you sick to your stomach even though you hydrate, as water alone doest replace depleted body salts.

You have too many knives, you only need one. I substituted 3 of mine with a single mini multi tool and Light my fire knife which is so light my mini multi tool is actually heavier. You can sometimes find fully functional super mini multi tools in dollar stores for under $5.00 you really don't need anything more...

You need some para-cord (550 Lbs test). Great for surviving unexpected events or If only to repair shoe laces, hang food bags away from bears on a 15 foot branch or use as an line to secure a tent or tarp for day use on rainy days.

You need a small hiker's saw, with plastic handle (ultra light yet functional).

Ditch those gripless shoes and get real hikers, they provide real grip on slick even wet dirt, synthetics are ultra light, they breathe and you wont have any blisters. These look bloody uncomfortable for genuine long mileage hiking.

Get some carbon fiber hiking poles. (Costco has great robust light weight units for under $30.00)

Ditch the Kindle and learn mindfulness meditation. After all you are in deep wilderness in nature, learn to enjoy it...

That's a lot of features to cover in that pretty small price range. Just a few questions to clarify. Would you happen to know in liters how big you would want your backpack to be? If not, maybe a reference point? Also how waterproof are we talking about here? Like go swimming with it? Or just rain?

If it is for rain, you have two possible options in my opinion:

1. Get a backpack that is fully waterproof, one that you can go swimming with. The only issue with this is that it is pretty much only toploading, so it's hard to get stuff out of.
   
   Here is an example of backpacks like this: https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Pak-Waterproof-Backpack-Front-Zippered/dp/B074MGP4L6/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1518309614&sr=8-12&keywords=waterproof+backpack
   You roll up the top and clip it closed.
   
   
2. Get a raincover for your backpack. This option is the one I would recommend since it's easy and you can transfer this feature to any backpack, you just need to carry it, but it takes up pretty much no room at all.
   Here's a example of that: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0789CV3Y7/ref=sr_1_3_twi_col_ti_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1518310066&sr=8-3&keywords=rain+cover
   
   Some backpacks will say they are water resistant, but that could mean it only holds up in the rain for a few minute or maybe even just a few seconds so be careful with that.
   
   Now about features for a smartphone? Are talking charging ports? What exactly are you looking for? And for anti-theft, same thing again, what exact features are we talking about here?
   
   I found a few backpacks that may suit your needs. They 12-17 liters which is pretty small but it should be able to fit 1 to 2 books. They both have a charger port you can charge your phone with. Anti-theft in that zippers cannot be accessed unless the taken off. And said to be made of water resistant materials but I'd say go with the raincover just in case.
   

• https://www.amazon.com/Anti-theft-Backpack-Business-Students-Charging/dp/B01MR6LNZZ/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518310581&sr=1-3&keywords=anti-theft+backpack
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-ONSON-Charging-Resistant-Notebook/dp/B07855YD3S/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518310581&sr=1-5&keywords=anti-theft+backpack
  
  

The best "rain gear" that you can possibly buy are fenders for your bike. They'll keep most of the water from the roadway off of you. Invest your money here first.


You don't need panniers. If you are a student, you likely already have a backpack. Just buy a rain cover for it. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M45GOWW.


I recommend bringing extra clothing and showering. It would also be really helpful if you have somewhere you can hang your rain gear up for the day to dry out.


You should be able to find some decent bike pants on Amazon for around $25. Hiking pants could work as well, but biking pants will do a better job of staying out of your drive train due to the tight fit.


Get something to cover your shoes. Shoes take a LONG time to dry. Given that you'll hit the road twice a day, wet shoes may seem like they'll never dry.


Also, consider picking up a pair of gloves, a skull cap or toque, and a rain cover for your helmet.

+1, mylar balloons work great. I recently ordered one of these as (hopefully) a more permanent solution. My thinking was I could open up the top using the slide lock when I needed to sanitize. Assuming it doesn't leak, it should work well as a CO2 reservoir.

Edit: Forgot to post link, RJ-Sport 2.0L Water Bladder - Ideal Replacement Zip Top 2L Hydration Bladder Reservoir for Hiking https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F3LPDM3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uegqDb6YHEQY6

It's the LANZON 3L Water Bladder. Has a lot of features my previous one didn't have such as a hanging loop, anti-microbial coating, and top that opens for easier cleaning. It should be noted that the hose can come out if it's not connected well (found that out after a hike with a slightly leaky bag). I'm pretty happy happy with it so far.

I asked the same question a while back on the Reaper forums and got some good answers. Here's the thread: Travelling with minis.

Based on the advice there I wound up using Really Useful boxes with sheets of 60 mil adhesive magnet on the bottom. Then I bought a bunch of steel washers and glued them to the bases. It took a while but it worked out nicely. Wrap it all up with a strap to keep it shut and a Strap-a-Handle to make it easier to carry.

If you do this, take a magnet to the hardware store when you buy your washers -- some of them are stainless steel which doesn't work very well with magnets. You need galvanized steel.

Do you really need to haul all 300 back and forth? If you can limit it down a bit that will help.

Hello everyone!

I had been wanting to post my edc for school and felt since the semester is almost over, now would be a great time. I am a computer science major and have been carrying this with me for several months now. Also, pls excuse the obvious line down the middle - i merged two seperate pictures together. So here is my edc from L>R, T>B.

1. [Dell Inspiron 13 5000 2-1 Laptop - upgraded to ssd] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KPJBNK/?coliid=I1GW25Q5H1PRGC&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
2. [Portable 2K Monitor] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GDDG3WJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
   
3. [Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8"] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DXVKQU6/?coliid=I30KIDP5OPIEAJ&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
4. [Samsung Galaxy Tab cover] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013LKLDQ0/?coliid=IBT2WKWKJ8WCV&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
5. Degree deodorant/body spray
   
6. [Five-Star 1-1.2 inch Zipper Binder] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00COHAJQW/?coliid=I3AJVWHYPKUKIP&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
7. [Cliffnotes Statistics book] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764563882/?coliid=I3KQKEY8MUDSYT&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
8. [Weekly Planner] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWF2VS9/?coliid=I3NPS8L0T44MB6&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
   
9. Snack
   
10. [Maglite Mini LED Flashlight] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HFBR1O/?coliid=IPIZ47DZ3YAQK&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
11. [Dell Power Companion 18000 mAh battery] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PC9HG0Q/?coliid=I3TOCRL4ALQLZB&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
12. Laptop power brick in two parts
    
13. [Samsung 64 GB 3.0 flash drive duo] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013UHK0TK/?coliid=I1GCQN4CLWL20T&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
14. [Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG7MZP0/?coliid=I13DJEPDK4W4K6&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
15. [Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBGU4PY/?coliid=I1Q8LPNTWUYWM9&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
16. [Fisher Space military pen] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NXDFC8/?coliid=I2EJ6P9U4BUWZ4&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
17. [Skilcraft B3 Aviator multifunction pen] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KKPGHQ/?coliid=I2TE4MXP76ML33&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
18. [Portable tablet/phone/switch stand] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZAYH58/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
19. Downy Fabric dewrinkler spray
    
20. Portable Lysol spray
    
21. Work/School ID
    
22. [Portable CPR face shield] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011MIQX4/?coliid=I1O45DFTMWUHAV&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
23. Various single use medicine
    
24. [C++ Pocket reference] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596004966/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
25. Microfiber towel
    
26. [3 in 1 threaded usb cable] (https://www.walmart.com/ip/3-1-Lightning-Cable-USB-C-Cable-iHaper-Apple-MFi-Certified-chrging-Sync-Cable-1m-Nylon-Braided-Bulletproof-Material-High-Speed-Sync-Quick-chrge-iPhon/102599920?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227256658686&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=304459247725&wl4=aud-566049426705:pla-545878314906&wl5=9026166&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=102599920&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8_PfBRC3ARIsAOzJ2uoI0nzcc7TDGxqiTgIZxVjy0Jibd5ZS05gnXVFp2umPPzJpor5KyjIaAoNxEALw_wcB)
    
27. [Mini usb charging cable - plus the usb transfer cable that came with calculator] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UY57VDK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
28. [Micro usb Cable] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTXZ3U8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
29. [Mini HDMI - HDMI cable] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P2KH178/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
30. [TI-84 PLUS CE Graphing Calculator] (https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-84-Graphing-Calculator/dp/B00TFYYWQA/ref=lp_2530606011_1_4?srs=2530606011&ie=UTF8&qid=1543362147&sr=8-4)
    
31. Sunglasses
    
32. [Vectron charging case for LG Bluetooth headphones] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LF4W9DA/?coliid=I7NGM5OCPFXW7&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
33. [Not pictured - LG Tone Platinum Bluetooth Headphones] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E6K7K02/?coliid=I1N2LPPTGNOIHY&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
34. First Aid Kit
    
35. Lip Balm
    
36. Portable sewing kit
    
37. Tic Tacs
    
38. Purell
    
39. [C# Pocket reference] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1491988533/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
40. [Backpack cover] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01449GWW2/?coliid=I1M6ZTRJINMZ9L&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
41. [Umbrella] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F8APXQM/?coliid=I19IFY33R4OGH8&colid=15RV6KZEPXKI7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)
    
42. [Not pictured - Swiss Digital TSA friendly backpack] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H5CRRPF/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
    
    I do carry all of this with me. It's not too heavy as I've tried to minimize the weight of the items I did decide I wanted to carry.
    
    Some bonus pics are below:
    
    [Backpack loaded will all the above] (https://imgur.com/XRBubGH)
    
    [Another showing the strip that reflects light - one of the reasons I purchased it] (https://imgur.com/lkirjJf)
    
    [The Headphone case w/ the headphones] (https://imgur.com/UQFNF53)
    
    [Inside of Five-Star Binder for those curious] (https://imgur.com/aVPxA2l)
    
    [Bulit in organization in the backpack] (https://imgur.com/m0KAvOa)
    
    [The reason I carry the extra monitor/keyboard/mouse/etc] (https://imgur.com/n6QRldz)

This one is by a brand I recognize. The small looks like it would probably work.

This one is better cause hi-viz

When shopping make sure to see if the pictures look like it'll work with your backpack. On the hi-viz one the picture reviews are good. Usually you need a little lip on the top of your pack to have the large stretchy edge hook onto. It'll make sense when you see the pics.

Good on you for getting some proper training done in this area and reporting back. Rain is a factor my bag would be much less prepared for. I have a decent, breathable rain jacket, but my gear would likely be soaked (not to mention a little added water weight). I'm toying with the idea of putting everything in plastic bags for starters, but in the very near future, I'm looking at purchasing a back pack raincover.

Clif bars and water are something I rarely leave the house without. Whether I'm on the road or going for a long walk.

Lastly, /r/bugout would likely be interested in your trials and they love to offer up constructive feedback.

I always bring a few items to every show I do to prevent those "oh shoot!" moments:

• Leatherman Wave- I love this multitool. I'd recommend the extra bit kit as well. It all fits in the included sheath.
  
• Sound Tools Sniffer Sender, available in many flavors.
  
• Electronics tool kit, any brand with a similar assortment of bits will do.
  
• QBox, as others have mentioned. It is so incredibly useful and while it is pricey, there is no alternative that I'm aware of that will do what it does and saves my ass like it does.
  
• SD Card 16-32GB, as well as a 64GB flash drive for last minute file transfers. Be careful what format you choose for the flash drive- pick something that will work across as many computers/mixers/recorders as possible. Research what gear you use and see what format they accept. As a rule of thumb, don't store vital or long term files on the SD card because it will likely get formatted for every use because each device is different.
  
• Backup battery pack for charging phones (10,000 mAh+) – this works well for powering many 5v items like converters and some small DA's
  
• Gender benders- Male to Male, Female to Female
  
• Ibuprofen - more of a "gig bag" item than a WTF kit item, but I always bring some with me in a small travel size pill container.
  
• Head Lamp. It is so useful to have. When I don't need it, I hang it around my neck if my kit isn't nearby.
  
• Batteries in dedicated caddy. I keep half and half alkaline and Ikea LADDA rechargeable AA's as well as 4 9v cells with me.
  
• One or two backpack rain covers. One for my pack, and one for a small piece of equipment on stage that needs to covered in a hurry. The elastic around the outside helps it stay secured.
  
• Phone charger and additional USB cables. I bring two Lightning cables for my Apple devices, but I also bring a USB Mini B and USB Micro B just in case.
  
  Ninja edit for links and more detail.

Just started boarding this season and have a big trip coming up as well...Breck, Vail, and Keystone. Every time I have been I crave water all day and end up eating snow. I usually hit it pretty hard, getting there when lifts open and not stopping till about 4. If you are going to get after it I would say a hydration pack is a must. I just got the 16L Dakine Heli, but that is because I live out here and plan on doing some hiking with my board into back country eventually.
If you are just going to be staying on the mountain check out the regular Heli. The sleeve is insulated, but you have to purchase a separate hydration pack, which is ok cause you can get a large enough one to last you all day. Also you can get an insulated reservoir on top of the insulated backpack which should keep your water from freezing (which is a definite possibility.)
So now that I am doing writing a novel about this...bottom line is get one, you can use it in the future for a bunch of other shit, but it will be crucial if you are not used to the altitude and will be shredding up the mountain.
PS If you can make it Vail, do it...Breck and Key are great, but Vail is in a league of its own.
I am just realized that we will be up there at the same time...maybe I'll see ya in the pow.
Here is the website for the packs.
http://www.dakine.com/snowboard/packs/snow/

http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-UnBottle-Hydration-Pack-Graphite/dp/B000IF7YL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1299036424&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-3416-GAGB-Get-A-Grip-CXC-Bladder/dp/B002PLUIVS/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2

Weird, I looked all over but you don't have there what we have in Europe... The closest I can see is Nuun's stuff... for instance http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Hydration-Electrolyte-Enhanced-Tangerine/dp/B002F1SY4G/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1413403739&sr=8-6&keywords=effervescent+magnesium+potassium ... Here we can basically get them separately based on whatever mineral/etc we need with different flavours (some better than others, definitely more mineral content and vitamins in all of them). It looks like Nuun also has a ton of other flavours (some a gram or two of carbs more than others). Shame you can't get what we have here though (not a brag -- really, it's actually just weird; I pay like $1.50 each for 2 types of tubes with 20 tablets each which get me through a week or two, easy. I wonder if you can mail order them -- I can give you the company name, it's based out of France and I know it has a website...

1. Waterproof rain jacket and pants. The jacket needs to be hooded for the rain not to run down your neck (wear the hood under your helmet). The pants need to have zippers on the sides so you can quickly get in and out of them. Don't be fooled by marketing trying to sell you "breathable" rain clothes for hundreds of dollars. You can get good combos for as little as 50 bucks. Truly waterproof clothing will definitely block airflow which means you will sweat. The only question is how much you sweat. Hence,...
   
   
2. Short sleeved bike jersey made of quick dry fabric. This is important. You need to stay light under your rain clothing, otherwise you will sweat like crazy. You hang this up along with your rain clothes when you arrive at work and it will be dry by the time you ride home. Put whatever shirt you're going to wear for work into you backpack along with some deodorant.
   
   
3. Vaude Bike Gaiter (long). These go over your shoes and under your rain pants and keep your shoes and ankles dry.
   
   
4. Waterproof backpack, or a rain cover.
   
   This is all you will need. I've been commuting like this for two years, 30 mile round trip, through all sorts of heavy rain and snow and I stay completely dry.

Hammocks are light, easy to set up, and keep you off the wet ground.

A box of goldfish Like This is the perfect size to fit in a sustainment pouch.

These are relatively inexpensive, but cool to have items:

Long Handled grill basket

Collapsible solar light

personal water filter

Haul and hang kitchen organizer

Daypack There's nothing special about this particular one, but every car camper needs a daypack for hiking.

Battery pack for charging small electronics

Weatherproof matches

Hiker's Emergency whistle

Mosquito head net

Hydration bladder

Collapsible water jug

Condiment squeeze bottles (for more efficient cooler packing)

Lots of EQV users--myself included--have success slapping a CamelBak bite valve on the bag's glass stem to keep vapor in.

I've heard of people using something like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006ZV5OIQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_31?qid=1466224027&sr=8-31&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=camelbak+bite+valve&dpPl=1&dpID=31ny3TqN1mL&ref=plSrch with the Extreme Q bag. I haven't tried it myself, so I can't comment on how well it would work.

http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Bite-Valve-Color-Pack/dp/B006ZV5OIQ

I use these, they fit right on the tip of the glass tube snugly and only let vapor out when you bite down and take a hit. I suggest buying the 3 pack because gnawing on them will wear it down after a month or so and need to be replaced.

Edit: Fixed the link, was on mobile at the time

https://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Way-Hydration-Reservoir-Bicycling/dp/B010IS0OUE/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1483623437&sr=1-4&keywords=water+bladder

this works fine. Not as nice as the camelbak it replaced but nothing wrong with it.

I have not, but if I had to I'd start with a combination of Grimlok carabiners and webbing.

Grimlocks

Webbing straps

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MQE3O7E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They sell them in packs of 3. Why steal?