I use a small tarp and lay everything on it. If your packing a long way, some use a piece of Tryvex. You may have to run it through the dryer several times to soften it up so you don't slide off.
Exo sells a bladder hanger that go in the pack or between the frame and pack. It clips to the existing holders. I have used one for two years and am happy with it.
I have one and agree with the other comments. This tent is great for three or four people and with the stove a palace for 2 guys. It will condensate if it rains for 3 or more days but it drys up in the day. I have the annex, floor protector, and roof protector.
I've used a Marmot 15 degree down bag on those dates and was fine with a bivy. I believe you are pushing the limit of a 35 Degree bag. I would suggest a warmer bag. A zero degree bag would be a good idea.
I had the BA q-core until the valve failed. I was never cold in September. If I expected colder weather I carried a blue walmart foam pad and all was good. I since purchased a Synmat 9 since I mostly tent camp for elk. I expect to use it this October.
I use the green, blue and orange. All felt weird for the first little while. The best way to get used to them is to do you training with your boots on and the insole in them. Your feet get used to the feeling.
We use coleman 150qt coolers. Not expensive and hold the ice ok. A boned out elk will fit in one 150 qt possibly in a 120 qt but no smaller. We fill with ice and place 10 lbs or better of dry ice on top. This will hold the ice for better than 15 hrs. When you stop to sleep, drain off the water...
I have a exo 3500 and am quite happy with its performance in the field. I got 5 days of gear in it and used it to haul parts of an elk off a mountain. I don't know anything about the HPG.
Toll tags work the same way in Texas but there are no gates. They keep a record of your credit card and debit it to bring your account to 40.00 or what ever when the balance goes too low. If you have no account there are cameras that photograph your license plate, run the tag and send the...
My humble opinion is that you can learn more valuable info on sites like this than any book. Books can generalize but these posters have actual experiences, all different, that give you the knowledge you need to be successful. You can search any topic on this and at least 3 others that will set...