of course we could find a use for fishing gear other that fishing, I bet we could find a use for almost anything we may have. but....I was scratching my head and wondering............. what are my chances of needing to fish in the short term. Realisticly MOST situations are short term, If I get lost while geocaching I would like to think I will be rescued in at least 7 days at the very most. do I really need food in that time? It would be nice. I may loose a few pounds and be very hungry but I will live if I cant fish. besides, there are other ways to fish and catch food. but can I carry something which will be better than the fising kit? I know I will need water in that time frame. maybe some extra puri tabs? Maybe a better signal mirror?

The thing that drives me nuts is that not long ago a few of us. including taurus before he left had a big debate about the use of matches in a kit. I was totally convinced that they were a waste of space in my kit and stopped carrying them. Now after reading tarus post I once again am wondering if it is a big mistake NOT to have at least a few. I can make a fire with a spark tool. but some things can only be lit with a match. I dont think taurus ever expected to use the matches as he did but it got me thinking that there must be tonnes of other unexpected advantages of matches. maybe to light a signal flare where the striker has become wet ? good luck doing this with a sparky.

naturally this thought process has spilled over to my re-evaluating of every other item in my kit and wondering how useful it ACTUALLY is.


grrrrr........ I get so fustrated when I fret over gear.