Bar end shifters. Why? Becuase of all the bike parts I've worked on, bar end shifters are by far the least likely to fail. Deore rapid fire with MTB set ups.
Tektro cantilevers, Onyx, or Deore V-btrakes, depending on your brake levers.
Deore LX rear derailer, Deore or Tiagra front-- best performance for the money.
8 speed MTB cassette and chain (SRAM)
Brookes or San Marcos saddle (rolls)
I'm a big believer in Sun CR-18 rims. Mavic rims are better, I'm running MA-3 on my bike currently, but CR-18s are about the cheapest rim out there, and it's track record for touring and MTBs is very good.
I hate treaded headsets.
Sugino 110 cranks, (used Shimano 110 work great as well)