(Part 2) Best outdoor backpack accessories according to redditors
We found 197 Reddit comments discussing the best outdoor backpack accessories. We ranked the 115 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Not sure if this is the best place to post this, but if anyone's camelback bladder is grimy/old or just need a new one, there's a nice sale on amazon for a $16 camelback reservoir, 70 oz. You can also get the 100 oz at REI for $17. They're normally double the price. Here are some links:
Amazon
REI
Hey! So I found my scrappy little pack list I had before I left. Hope this helps at all :)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MQE3O7E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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:
And that's it! Here's the links to everything below:
I didn't... I think the mods did. So I'm going to sneak in and repost.
What are some of the staple gadgets and gizmos you have to maximize portability, versatility, durability, and price, time, and space efficiency?
Here's my list:
-Feiyue shoes. Crazy cheap, they take up no room, and they don't look out-of-place in most situations.
-Light My Fire titanium spork. This is the only eating utensil I ever use, and I take it everywhere.
-Pyrex 4-cup Bowl. As long as I'm just making food for me, this dish is the only one I need. It can withstand pretty much everything, and the microwave-friendly lid is awesome.
-Platypus roll-up water bottles. Carrying around an empty water bottle is really annoying. These guys hold lots of water, and only take up as much space as the volume of water they contain.
-Milk crates and heavy-duty Rubbermaid containers instead of furniture. The only thing you can really do with a chair is use it as a chair, and the only thing you can do with a chest of drawers is use it as a chest of drawers. Might as well combine the two -- and make them really light and portable to boot!
-Lifetime folding table. This is the closest thing I have to furniture.
-Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed. It's a twin mattress, or two separate twin mattresses, or a king-size bed, it's comfortable as poo, and it folds up to nothing.
-Night Ize Gear Ties. I've used these for everything from coathangers to patching the handle on a neighbor's lawnmower to attaching the basket to my bike.
-MicroNet Microfiber Towel. Linen actually takes up a surprising amount of room. This guy works great, and folds away to nothing.
-Wellspring FlipNote. I've had my FlipNote for 5 years and it's been in my pocket every single day -- whether I was in South Africa, military combat training, business meetings, or going out with friends. It's an idea journal, an address book, a wallet, a writing surface, a pen... all kinds of stuff, and it's super-slim and super-durable.
-Bug-out bag. This isn't quite the one I have -- mine was about $60 and came with a CamelBak and tube inside -- but it's the right idea. When I was discharged from the military, I fit my entire life in this amazing backpack with room left over for the full CamelBak and hiked up and down the California coast for several days with no problems. The same backpack's still the only piece of luggage I use for travel, for class, for everything. It expands from normal backpack size to HUGE.
TL;DR If I can't pack everything I own into my tiny car in one hour, I have too much stuff.
(Edit: This list isn't everything I own, but it's the things that I figure would be useful to anyone.)
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
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
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.
Better to get the Sawyer Squeeze. Works on the same principle but can be back-flushed so the filter can be field-maintained without tools, and extends the life. They don't guarantee the included pouches but Platypus bags are compatible and are more durable.
For the lazy: Homepage, Amazon
After experimenting with other brands, I find Source brand water resevoirs to be superior. No bad tastes, easy to fill, and never had one leak.
I’ve used a cheap cover from amazon for my rucker. I’ve only used it once so I can’t vouch for its durability, but it worked great when I did use it. It was a light rain, but my pack was completely dry underneath.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H4MTQVG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
+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
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
Sure thing!
shorts
shirt
underwear
bubble
socks
backpack
(last two are amazon.de links, as amazon.com doesn't have it)
https://www.amazon.com/Vbestlife-Transparent-Waterproof-Drawstring-Traveling/dp/B07F2593W6
So this was my husband and I's first Christmas together and we traveled to Quebec City with just our stockings, so very small presents. I think my favorite from him was a necklace with a tiny blue elephant pendant and he seems most thrilled with the inflatable color changing solar lantern that I got him.
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.
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.
It looks like you're going to be in the heat for most of the summer, and won't be able to count on water fountains. I think hydration belts are your best option, but I also know there are those soft plastic rubber flasks that might work better for you in conjunction with a regular flipbelt or something. Since you can just fold it up after you're empty, it might be less cumbersome than a full on hydration belt.
I have not, but if I had to I'd start with a combination of Grimlok carabiners and webbing.
Grimlocks
Webbing straps
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 just use a plain MSI laptop backpack I got with my laptop. It's not waterproof but it does alright in light mist/snow. One thing I did get for really rainy day was a reflective backpack cover (link). It helps a ton if you're looking for a cheap option.
This is the rain cover (Osprey Ultralight Rain Cover if the link doesn't work). I stick it in the bottom where you roll up the duffel conversion flap (you'll see what I mean if you get the pack).
I unfortunately have never taken RyanAir (US-based) so I'm not sure what the size restrictions are.
I have the Medium/Large pack and Osprey's official dimensions are 21x14x9 inches or 53.3x35.5x22.9 cm, and at your height you'll want the M/L (I'm the same).
Ryanair's policy is 55x40x20cm & 10kg and that will be a tough fit in the depth dimension, because it will change based on how you pack the bag. Weight shouldn't be a problem (my Ireland packing was 8kg).
I just ordered the Osprey Atmos 65 AG backpack.
Should I also order the Osprey UltraLight Raincover for it? Otherwise what do people use? A contractor garbage bag?
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.
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.
Yep, zero degrees Fahrenheit. It was pretty cold.
Do you wear that under your jacket?
I have this Source Outdoors bladder and only the hose has a bit of insulation. I've used it in cold temperatures before (mid-30s + wind), but nothing like this.
If he doesn't have a good hydration setup yet then I'd suggest a Qore
Or a simple source hydration
As for a glock holster we would need to know which one he has (brand. WE, EF, TM, etc) b.c most of them aren't real steel sized and thus use smaller or larger holsters
I just bought this CamelBak bladder, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00437WWMA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I plan to put this into some cheap backpack and drink through the tube. How's that work?
Do you think this setup will work?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JYHFJA/ref=gno_cart_title_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QX3UJ2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1KR89NQOCOASV
I've had this guy for a year and it's falling apart:
https://www.amazon.com/WACOOL-Hydration-Bladder-Leak-Proof-Reservoir/dp/B016SSZD3G/
The name brand version is pretty fine. It's got a cover for the tube, a decent enough mouthpiece, and it's of a decent capacity.
https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-90352-Omega-Water-Reservoir/dp/B002QX3UJ2/
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These are the most common carriers or bladders with bags I see in the army:
The I lost/threw away my camelbak after basic but I want to look professional
May or may not come with side clips for the carrier.
https://www.amazon.com/Voodoo-Tactical-Hydration-Carrier-MultiCam/dp/B0041DOI7S/
Just out of basic/I don't want to spend useless monies. Comes with side clips to attach to molle.
https://www.amazon.com/Mcguire-Gear-Tactical-Hydration-3-Liter/dp/B07PFY4829/
The only people that buy these in the units I've been in (3 intotal). Tend to add even more pouches and pockets with random cringy patches. They don't even carry anything in their bag.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X40EVPS/
If the product doesn't come with clips you can use any generic clip or carabiner.
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My personal advice
Literally any bag that can hold or fit the brand name 3L bladder. Just buy the camelbak bladder on it's own and find a used bag at a second hand store the carrier doesn't mean much as the bladder as you could literally just have a neutral colored draw string bag.
Then stuff both the bag and bladder in the bag you intend to use. If you need to clear your house (an Ill advised move) then you won't need water in the immediate circumstance. If you intend on wearing your backpack such as when you need to fully bug out and do foot march to your chosen location. From there you can sip and shoot (Ill advised move as well) needed. You still retain the option of walking around with the bladder and carrier on it's own when doing a patrol or when just sitting around.
Directly attaching the bladder to the armor is something I do infrequently as I find I need to attach it or strap it to my bag.
So following my advice:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3L-Water-Bladder-Bag-Military-Hiking-Camping-Hydration-Backpack-Camelbak-Pack/372282756359?hash=item56adc80d07
I toss a few of these into a day pack http://www.amazon.com/Platy-Soft-Bottle-Closure-Cap/dp/B002LSS68C with my cameras, a lightweight jacket, and my GPS (if I'm geocaching).