I have a teeny tiny under the saddle bag from target that I stuff an extra tube, a multi tool (w/ allen), patch kit, and sometimes a luna bar into. i have a mini pump that mounts on my frame by the water bottle cage. i used to not carry anything, but most of the open roads around here are really deserted (ie: farmland) and the only people to call to rescue me don't have cars or bikes!
I used to make fun of my friend who carried a camelbak on our short little rides on the rails-to-trails around where i grew up, but i tried one at my first mountain race and am hooked! i wear it for road riding too (which is all i've been doing lately). irulan is right, i don't even notice it after the first mile, and it has a handy pocket that fits a cell, ID, and some $$. i still tend to carry a bottle, "just in case," and since i go through a lot of water (helps with the asthma).
one question: what's a balaclava? i thought you were talking about a pastry at first!i'm trying to learn more about bike maintainance, but so far all i can do is lube a chain and change a tire
thanks!