Oh yes, I didn't notice the ion. I always recomend the Petzl Zipka headlamp because of its small size and weight, although it is more expensiv than the ion.

ditchfield

what is your hip pack list?

The list I am going to post is of the kit I am currently developing. I will put an x next to they items I already have, although most of the rest are on order. Some of the items on the list are vague because I was unsure of the specific item for the list. I will also put a / next to the items on order. The kit is contained in a british army OD utility pouch and a british army mess tin. The medical kit is lacking because I carry a large FAK in a double ammo pouch parellel to this kit.

No. Signals Group Collected
1 Whistle x
1 Signal Mirror /

Emergency Devices Group
1 Mora Training knife
1 Sharpening Stone?
1 Flint and Striker x
? Tinder /
25 Wind/waterproof matches x
1 Wire /
1 Wire Saw /
1 Compass /
1 Fishing Kit
1 Esbit Pocket Stove, 6 Fuel Tabs x
1 Torch /
2 Scalpel Blades x

Shelter & Personal Protection Group
1 Space Blanket x
1 Lip Salve x
1 Goggles?
1 Pair of Gloves

Medical Group
1 Bandage x
? Plasters x
? Paracetemal x

Water and Food Group
? Tea x
? Sugar x
50 Water Purification tablets x
1 Water Purification Pump /
1 Water Container /
1 Spoon x

Miscellaneous/ multi purpose Group
1 Tape x
? Parachute Cord x
? Candle
1 Survival Booklet x
1 Container x
? Paper
1 Pen x
1 Tweezers x
1 Sewing Kit x
? Duct Tape x

I will post the specific items in the kit when it is completed. Any critisism is welcome.

in the field: HELL NO ! it dries to way to fast and melting it is hrad to ! but if you bring the glue gun with you, it would be ok

instead of the the BCB mess-tin, the COLEMAN PEAK 1® ALUMINUM COOKSET might be another option.

After comparing the ion and zipka/tikka, I'm beginning to have doubts. the ion IS small, but has (apparently) 70 hrs burn time as opposed to 100 and something hrs burn time of the tikka. It would be fine for an emergency light, but it is also a backup light to my hiking gear. So maybe it should be brighter/last longer. looking at gear is a lot of fun, but actually paying for it is the difficult thing <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />!