Ok folks, I would like some feed back on my psk. I have built it to ride in my pack or in my cargo pocket should I need to ditch my pack. It is carried in a mil spec GP pouch (large) and is "molle" compatable so it can be attached to a belt as well.
1. 60' 550 cord mil spec
2. 10' flat roll duct tape
3. gerber led aa flashlight w/spare batt.
4. fishing/sewing kit in chapstick tube.
6 #12 hooks
4 #12 trebble hooks
8 split shots
1 standard sewing needle
1 canvas needle
35 yds 10lbs spiderwire tapped to outside
5. bic lighter (gagged)
6. milspec survival matches
7. heat sheet blanket (large)
8. REI survival whistle (cant remeber the name of it..triple something)
9. strike force ferro rod w/ 1 tinder
10. 55 gal industrial trash bag
11. Howard mil spec signal mirror
12.3 pre-made snares
13. first aid kit in altoids tin(sealed)
4 standard bandaids
3 knuckle bandaids
4 stero strips
2 small gauze pads
2 burn cream pkts
2 antibiotic pkts
2' flat roll med tape
1 squeeze tube of super glue
1 pr tweezers
4 advil
4 excedrin
2 imodium ad
2 vicodine
15. leatherman juice
16. 12"x24" foil
17 plastic bag(from shake-n-bake box) water procurement/storage
18 tinder kit
3 esbit tabs
10 quick tinders
1 small ferro rod

Also in my fak is 6 water pur. tabs that I forgot to put on this list.

You could just pick one ferro-rod. Also, I didn't see a knife in the list, but a Leatherman in the pic so it's alright..

How about some gauze pads/rolls/field-dressing in case you get hurt

I dunno, 60 ft of 550 seems a bit much for the kit. You could reduce that to half, throw in 100 yards of 100 lb dacron line, and still have a lot of extra space from the difference. For that matter you could get rid of the 10 lb spiderwire then as well. Given the alternative fire-starting implements, one ferro rod should be sufficient. The amount of tinder seems a bit overkill too. Not saying they wouldn't be desired, just maybe a bit too much. I would use the extra space, then, for another light source, like a microlight, and see if you can get a couple HD Kotex or some such for major wound dressing.

Cutting the 550 cord down to half and replacing it with 100lbs dacron seems like a good idea. There are just so many uses for cordage. But alot of it is under the 100lbs static load mark.So the space that would gained in the pack would be a plus.
I EDC a leatherman wave and a benchmade folder (and my sidearm of course).Thought this was sufficient with the juice as a backup tool/knife. Another thing that slipped my list was the razor packed in my fsk.
Can you tell by my fire starting means and tinder kit I put fire way up on my list(not the top however)....this is my paranoia in kit/survival situation.

Ben....What is the Dacron you are refering to? I haven't been able to find any specs on Dacron. I appreciate any help you can give...Thanks a ton

Ain't that the same stuff as spiderware? (It's a thick, strong kind of fishing-thread)

Dacron refers to the thin, usually braided or twisted line made from Dacron fibers used for heavy sports fishing and kite flying. It doesn't stretch like nylon, and is somewhat abrasive. Dimensionally I have some 120 lb test that is about the same diameter as 12 lb monofilament fishing line. There are a host of similar synthetic strings out there that are used for much the same thing. Dacron was simply one of the first and is what I happen to have and is usually less expensive than the newer versions. I used 120 lb Dacron line for Halibut and King Salmon fishing up out of Hakai along the inside coast of Vancouver Island quite a few years ago, and it is TUFF STUFF!

I've seen it in weight strength from 50 to 200 lbs, and I think the 100 lb stuff is about ideal for most of us.

If you web search for kite string, you are bound to come across some suppliers. Additionally, we've talked about it on this forum quite a bit in the past; I remember at least two threads where it was discussed.

I like to pack a small locking, back-up folder in my kit. Agreed that you have too much cord - replace with food or signal gear.

Teacher

I am more than willing to remove some of the 550 cord to provide space for more signaling devices. But aside from the signal mirror, the REI whistle, the led flashlight and the orange heat sheet. what else could you pack in the confined space of this kit to use as a signal device?

What is the best place to find Dacron or Dacron equivalent? Can you get it pretty much anyplace fishing line is sold?

I think the Dacron he is talking about is more of a cordage. Although they do make fishing line as well and could be picked up at the usual suspect stores.

Besides paracord, my PSK cordage is braided nylon mason's line 150 lb test; inexpensive; low bulk; takes knots well; comes in variety of high-vis colors. To keep from getting tangled, I wrap around a plastic "credit card" (one of those blanks with no personal info, recycled from marketing mailers).

I didn't see a compass in your kit.

I EDC a garmin when out in the "field" But backup button compass would definately not hurt. Thanks...

Dacron is not Spiderwire. It is easier to tie and less stiff. 100# dacron fishing line is a good choice, but you're more likely to find it at store which sells fishing equipment to saltwater than to freshwater-only fishermen. I use spiderwire, but will probably switch to Dacron. I put my Ritter thin pencil in a drill chuck, spin it slowly, and spool up plenty on the pencil. Then hold it with an overwrap of electrical tape.

Saltwater fishing supply will be the likely place if you are looking for Dacron line used for fishing. Kite stores are another source, and the more likely place to find it on the internet. For the same pound test, it will be about half the diameter of mason's line.

Dacron line is not cordage. It is string, much the same as a heavy floss. There is some care as to how to tie it off, as its abrasive qualities can be a concern in certain bights and binds.

There ought to be some place around Houston that carries dacron fishing line.

Agreed. I carry a Magellan SporTrak myself (time to upgrade), but of course, they're battery-dependent, plus some possibility of malfunction of the unit's electronics. In the extreme, if I were incapacitated in some way, a companion might not know how to use it.

My PSK compass 'til a year ago was a button-style, then decided to upgrade to the next level for better reliability, accuracy, durability. Went with the Tru-Nord 150C for the lanyard/split-ring attachment point. A couple similar from other makers, but they slip my mind at the moment.

Thanks....I was just wondering if was basically the same stuff my son uses to make bowstrings..B-50.

Might might include;
rollup sunglasses
spare contacts
cash
protein bar (2)
compass
Micro squeeze water filter


And I'd drop fishing/ snare kits

...sunscreen

Wow! A blast from the past! I realize the OP hasn't been online in ten years but still- nice small kit!

Adding bug repellent wipes to my kit -- they are Wetnap(tm) size and easy to pack.

Added a small sunscreen tube to the truck...

For dacron cordage and rope: (among other sources)

https://www.amateurradiosupplies.com/Antenna-Rope-s/138.htm

I found bankline on Amazon. It is a lot lighter than paracord and usable in many situations where a lot of strength is not needed. Like stringing up a tarp shelter.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bankline&crid=D3R4AMAM3GZR&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_8

That page shows many varieties in many materials and configurations (flat rope anyone?).

Impressive necro. Countycomm has Dyneema thread and cord if that is of interest:

https://countycomm.com/products/combat-engineer-dyneema-thread

https://countycomm.com/products/dyneema-32-feet-130lbs-test