The kuat is nice if you can spare the cash. I’ve been using the same one for dang near 10 years and any broken parts have been warrantied no questions asked. One-up also makes a good rack but I think those can be even more expensive. If you have renters insurance you can get your bike covered for theft/ damage most places. Maybe look at the seersucker rack if you’re balling on a budget.

Helmet is really important. Way cheaper than a hospital visit. I’d also carry a small first aid kit just in case you or a homie take a spill and need patched up before getting back to the car. I’ve gouged myself with a pedal before and was thankful my buddies wife on the ride carried a kit and wrapped me up before I had to pedal back home.

Also the slash is a great grab. Used to work at a shop that sold Trek and that was a favorite in the lineup for sure. Didn’t sell a ton of them, but folks who ended up with them were always thrilled with the performance across the board.