Very true, MEC doesn't sell junk. (Another member here.)

As they correctly say, it's a Red Cross approved evacuation kit for one person. And, it has many items of value for urban disasters or pandemics; in fact it's weighted that way. I certainly wouldn't mind one of these in my closet or trunk, though of course I would flesh it out quite a bit. I can also see giving it as a gift to friends.

The one thing I notice is lack of a metal cup or small pot. That would be on my "A" list in any situation, and it takes up almost no room (I pack stuff inside). Though in an urban scenario, equivalent items are relatively easy to come by.

I often stop in at the coffee shop beside my local MEC ... seems like that cup of java usually sets me back about $200 (wink, wink).