Pack covers and liners
When I bought my first “modern” (internal frame) bag, a Baltero, it weighed five pounds (they are lighter now) and came with a pack cover.
Covers are great to keep water or snow out of your pack.
When I switched to an Exos I bought an Osprey pack cover to go with it. Price, etc., that was competitive with the REI cover and it kept my pack dry through some rough weather.
I kept the cover for my Levity, but also switched to ThePacka.com which combined a rain cover with a rain jacket/poncho. It worked well on the Appalachian Trail.
The Packa kept my shoulder straps dry which was a plus.
I eventually switched to a Hyperlite which is made out of Dyneema and pretty much waterproof.
However, I did start using a pack liner with it.
Most people just use a trash sack. Generally a leaf or yard refuse bag. 3 mil bags are too heavy.
Costco used to sell contractor bags that were clear. I really liked those. I’d estimate they were 1.5 mil.
I switched to a Dyneema pack liner. I really liked it. Until I my Hyperlite started to wear and wasn’t as water tight. The rain that got inside disappeared because the liner wicked it inside and into my sleeping bag.
I know have a Kakwa—a bag by Durston. It resists water but I use a nylofume bag as a liner. They cost about $2.50 and last well. Clear.
I use a waterproof/water resistant stuff sack for my sleeping bag because it compresses exactly to the size of the bottom of my pack.
I don’t rely on it and keep it inside the Nylofume. I have a dry bag for my electronics and use a Dyneema food bag for my spare clothes.
I also use that for a pillow.
It worked well on the CDT but I got really lucky with rain. We hid in a tent from rain a few times but did not end up hiking in heavy rain this year.
Caveat. Many pack covers as they wear end up to where they wet out and then wet through. Most thru hikers end up relying on their pack liner and many dispense with covers at some point.
Dyneema packs are really resistant but will leak trace amounts through their seams.
Dry sacks really should be stress tested before you rely on them.
Choice of trash sack is often a matter of personal preference. I just wish the clear ones from Costco were still an option.
However, other clear bags are available so I’ll have to experiment. Too bad everyone wants to sell them to me in lots of 200+ bags.
Nylofume bags block scent, are truly waterproof and I wish they were slightly larger. I’m using one now.
Water bags: EverNew
I had EverNew recommended to me and bought this one new from Gear Trade for about half price.
I have bought and sold gear at Gear Trade and been very pleased with the experience.
No guarantee that you will have the same experience but I’m not getting referral fees, kick backs or reimbursement for mentioning them.
But this will put me at two new Platypus or Platypus style bags for water carries next year.
I’ll know more but this looks like a winner right now.
Inexpensive gear from Home Depot
On our first long hike on the Appalachian Trail I bought fleece gloves for Happy6 and I from Home Depot.
They were inexpensive, warm and saw us through some very cold weather in March.
Now HD has merino wool gloves for just under $10. Not what I need, but a great gear item if you do at a great price — and gear that will take some use and abuse.
And these gloves are perfect for climbing Katahdin and for going through the Notch.
Never overlook the less expensive sources.
Other cheap gear
https://www.facebook.com/share/8VbBXFqiLoLvyRiW/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Over the years I’ve used a lot of 32 degree gear.