Hi Folks,

Thanks for the nice words, information and "been there - done that" replies.

I added my mini-survival kit to my work belt about 2 years ago for just the situation I found myself in last week (e.g. walk away from my vehicle for a moment to check something out and get lost or injured in the process). As I sat on that log in the bush last week contemplating spending the night my mini-kit looked very, very small.

I agree with those who posted that I need a mid-sized day hiking kit, it will include items not found in my mini-kit or EDC like shelter, first aid, water and food plus expand on the fire, light, signaling, navigation and mulit-purpose items/tools. I need to keep this kit light (5 to 10 pounds) so I am not tempted to leave it behind and it needs to be carried in a high backpack so it does not interfer with my work belt or backrest on the ATV or snowmobile.

This kit would be extremely important if I sink my snowmobile through the ice and only make it to shore with the equipment on me, I have done that before and it was a very cold experience. Lucky both times I was working with a partner and we doubled out on his machine back to the truck.

I liked the "note on the ATV" idea and may even call the new day kit the "Football" just to remind me of its importance.

I cannot see me stopping the way I like to explore in the bush (I have been turned around many times) so I will just have to modify my equipment carry and reevaluate my tactics for finding my way back out (e.g. study GPS manual).

I appreciate all your input.

Mike

P.S. Concerning water bladder type packs, what happens to them in very cold weather; do the keep working because of body heat, freeze-up, or freeze and expand to the point of bursting? I have no experience with this tye of water system.