Reading all your comments here, I realize I'm totally unpreprared when I go out (granted I don't go very far, but 15 miles is still a long way to walk home if I had to). I just jump on my bike and head out with a water bottle in it's cage and a phone if my BF is there to remind me to take it.

Luckily I hear rumors that Bikeless in WI has a hydration pack waiting for me....she (and the pack?) will be arriving in just a month for a bit of hiking in the Scottish hills. After that I should be better prepared. And I am planning a shopping trip to REI in May. What should I buy? Multitool? Repair kit? (do they come with instructions?)

On my commute to work, I of course carry a back pack (as all Norwegians do) with my lunch, some water, a dry t-shirt, and my knitting (for keeping me occupied on the train).