I frequently use one component of my BoB/GHB, a Yaesu RX-7 handheld amateur radio. I use it to monitor both National Weather service and local Skywarn network while traveling under severe weather warnings and alerts. I use the radio to avoid be out where I might need the rest of the gear.

The other thing I use frequently is the rain parka.

I commute through both urban and rural (Detroit to Lansing) by car-pool/van-pool, so my BoB/GHB is my REI laptop/messenger bag. In the cold months I carry cold weather gear in a separate backpack. Occasionally that cold weather gear gets used too.