A clove hitch (for attaching a line to something) and a tautline hitch (for adjusting guy lines on a tent or tarp) are pretty handy too...

I can see another reason to keep the number of knots down that I've been struggling with lately. I've been learning some new knots just for fun and found that for some I could have sworn I had down cold I had to actually look up. If you stick with 10-15 I think you will have an easier time keeping in practice and making sure that you have them down to the point where you can do them when you're hungry, tired, cold and unfocused but still be able to find one that's right for the job


And to add to the list I one I think you should learn that I wonder how many people bother with: Monkey's Fist (http://www.igkt.net/beginners/monkeys-fist.php)

I just wanted to know what it's main uses are? Such as water purification,antiseptic applications.

how much per quart for water purification?

Great that you added location, training and seasons to your list - Much easier to understand the needs of your kit.

seems like a lot for a day hike

how much does all that weigh?

I carry one of these while hiking: http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09136.html

All you do is scoop up some water from a lake or stream, put the cap on, and drink.

Regarding knots: I tend to forget them if I don't use them for a while.

Regarding the GI Poncho: Carried one for years stuffed in a cargo pocket. It's not a great way to carry the thing, but I can live with it. It's a very useful piece of gear. Though, looking at the prices on 'em online, it's not much more to get a high tech lighter one.

Regarding the Space Pen: The things are nigh indestructible. However, you'll note there's also a pencil on the list as backup. =)

Regarding mosquito repellent: I'm guessing the 95% DEET repellent will do the job on 'em.

Well, it's not for a day hike. It's for when a day hike turns into a week hike unexpectedly, and that's been known to happen. I don't plan to get way out in the back country, but you can still get into a world of hurt right in your own back yard if you have bad luck.

It's a long list, but most of the items don't weigh much. I plan to do my short hikes near home loaded down to test the weight, and will adjust it as needed, or switch to a small pack instead of the water carrier's pouch. In fact, that'd probably give me a good spot to stuff my outer layers if I get hot from walking, and I could keep the poncho stowed in an outer pocket too, so I may go that route anyway.

I considered the headlamp idea, but decided to go for a mini-maglite instead. I figured in a survival situation moving about in the dark is just inviting an accident, and with the mini-maglite I can set it up for area light. I also have the photon type light and a small Coast LED light for backup. The mini-mag can also be used creatively for a couple of other things that a little head lamp can't.

At the risk of boring you, I offer yet again the approach I take to evaluating what gear is appropriate.

I think you might examine your kit against the Rule of Threes (you may die if you go: 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food). And then I suggest checking to see if you have gear in each of whatever survival categories you salute; at this time mine include First Aid, Shelter, Fire, Water, Food, Navigation, Light, Signaling, Self-protection, Hygiene, and Morale.

If you used these criteria for a moment to review your kit, what would you see?