I was pleasantly surprised when, after not visiting the forums in a while, I saw my BONY BAG post was still alive. In reading the recent comments there continue to be a lot of good suggestions. But what keeps going through my mind is that when you're doing a kit for someone else you've got to keep their skills, ability, willingness and interest in mind.

For example, I agree a compass would be very useful and I seriously considered putting a real one in the kit. But I know my daughter, and she doesn't know how to use a compass, nor would she remember if I tried to teach her.

Weight is also a factor. I had to balance what I thought she needed vs. what I thought she would consider a reasonable weight to carry.

She is home this semester and before she goes back next semester I'm going to review the suggestions and make some changes to the contents, and post the changes here.

-Kurt