Should have mentioned in my earlier post that I've been kinda torn myself about a similiar issue. I carry around a godawful amount of first aid/emergency medical equipment as part of my job requirements (EMT on film sets), I also keep a "personal" equipment pack in the car as well as the usual tools, spare water, etc. What I'm trying to balance is the need for an additional kit of "survival" stuff vs what I'm already carrying around.

So I'm real curious as to how this thread goes as well.

Oh, yeah, welcome to the group newguy, from a pretty new guy.

John E