Hacksaw,

Great post.

As another thought, innovation is what drives the preparedness game. It follows in the vein of some of the other posts where someone poses the question "what can this thingamabob be used for?". The P-38 question comes to mind. If you watch the Food Network program "Good Eats" the host has a certain disdain for "uni-taskers" in the kitchen. The same should apply to prepapredness.

Was it you that had a crisis of conscience about having too much gear or ultralightitis? I think the priciple for all of us is to practice with the least amount of stuff and see where it gets us. Then adapt and grow as necessary.

Final note: I still love the M65 field jacket. Then again I would since I'm a retired US Air Force guy.

MoBOB