I'll be keeping an eye. Just put together this list of gear I already own, and recommend if anyone is looking...
No clue if any of this will be on sale, but worth checking throughout the day...
Awesome list! I'd just like to add some variants.
Knife: Leatherman Sidekick $50 I like having a multi-tool with a saw.
Light: Black Diamond Cosmo $25 has red light for good night vision.
Water Bladder: 6-10L MSR Dromedary, $45-$50. I got the 10L last year and its opened up a lot of backpacking areas for me.
Water Filter: Sawyer squeeze $25 Just a cheaper version.
Stove & Pot: Jetboil minimo integrated system $135
Battery Pack: Anker Astro E1 6700mAh $17 Holds about double the charge, although if you are only charging one device, the Anker PowerCore 3350mAh will be fine.
Solar Charger:Anker PowerPort 21W $62 or for 2 oz lighter theAnker PowerPort Lite 15W $50
Dehydrated food: Mountain House $8-12
Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock $45
GPS: Garmin GPSMAP 64s $245
Camp Chair: Alite Monarch for $70 or Alite Mayfly $100
Replace the $70 Katadyn filter with a $20 Sawyer filter.
Replace the $60 Petzl with a $20 Wowtac A2.
I am also looking for a set of hiking poles.
The $30 Monoprice CF poles are considered the best/lightest for the money. You really don't want heavy poles.
Do I need any other cookware?
Are you planning to actually cook or are you eating trail mix the entire time?
I was considering the Lifestraw, but after doing some more research, opted for this instead:
Don't waste your money on a lifestraw. Get a sawyer mini, it's a better filter for less money. http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1385436079&sr=8-2&keywords=sawyer+mini
It might depend on what they already have but...
Multi-Tool (Many will recommend a leatherman instead)
Glass Breaker (other brands/styles too)
There is also stuff like tools, ammo cans, mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and some firearm accessories.
I used this filter and it worked just fine
Grab yourself one of these or one of these. They will filter bacteria and Protozoa no problem, basically never need to be replaced, are small and light enough to fit in your purse or bag and are a much more affordable option to bottled water in times like these where there may be shortages. Life Straw also makes personal water bottles and pitchers for your fridge that are reasonably affordable.
Don't do it. Buy a Sawyer Mini if you want something cheap and functional.
https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2
You shouldn't rely on that Camelbak device, I've seen anecdotal reports that the don't actually do much of anything to sterilize water.
Not only that, but you can get the Sawyer Mini for about $20. It will filter 100,000 gallons, can be used in all sorts of ways instead of just a bottle, is more compact than a bottle, and actually works.
And you don't have to charge it.
Get something like an Anker battery pack, then you can do away with the solar charger and the camelbak bottle.
Might want to look at this.
I don't know much about the life straw but what advantages does it have over something like the Sawyer system which is rated for 100,000-1,000,000 gallons and is comparably priced? Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System by Sawyer http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_umrNsb1XA6P2K