Seeking the advice and solutions from those who've been paddling longer than I (about a year,) on stowing and carrying assorted small items (water, food, binocs, camera, knife, bug stuff, sunblock, etc..)

I'll soon be building my first boat (Nick's S&G Night Heron). All of my paddling to date has been in other folks boats -- borrowed, rented, on tour, etc -- so this will be the first boat that I am outfitting myself. Most of my paddling is day trips, and in the South Carolina Low Country, much of it is in hot weather.

I'm thinking about outfitting the boat at the same time as I am making other purchases -- PDF, semi-drytop -- and I find I am thinking a lot about where to stow these little items. I've always been willing to make due in the various boats I've been in -- sometimes needing to open my skirt to access stuff... from time to time losing something from under and inadequate bungies... But it seems that with a little thought I can eliminate most of those hassles.

I'm just wondering, between knee tubes and day hatches, pockets and deck nets, hydration packs and bladders -- what solutions are you folks happiest with? Anything I don't see on commercial baots? Anything novel?

A good paddle park is about the only thing I am sure I am planning on at this point (hook and bungie).

Thanks in advance,
-Steve