Good points, and I agree with you that depending on the time of year and the weather, priorities will shift.

Here in the part of Los Angeles where I live the high over the next few days is going to be around 100F/38C and the low 70F/21C. In heat like that, extra clothing is hardly a primary concern.

HJ

On further thought - this list is good...and the key is making any kit small enough to carry every time...for me thats a pound* and book size. (plus food, water, clothing...)




TRO

* ~1/2 kilo

Absolutely. The most important thing to pack in any survival kit is common sense. One cannot just throw the same kit in one's backpack and think that one is simultaneously prepared for both Saudia Arabia and Alaska. A list is just a starting point that one must think through.

Oh, sorry, my list wasn't very clear. In the fourth set of ten, when I say "headnet", I'm referring to a mosquito net that one places over one's hat. It can be a life saver in heavy bug country. Insect repellent is listed in the third set of ten.

OK, that's a very good point. I will modify my list accordingly.

Thank you very much for some really good feedback.

HJ

Well said. That's basically where I'm coming from. I think of thermal regulation and hydration (unless there's an acute medical issue or I'm in imminent danger) as job one in survival. Signaling follows thereafter. Hopefully my list reflects those priorities.

HJ

Nice site. Is that your site?

Yeah, that's a great area. I've been there several times. A bit far for anything less than a three day weekend, but I sure love it up there.

HJ

Trekking poles? In terms of emergency use, do you use them to construct a shelter? And the camera? As a signaling device using the flash?

I agree with you on the rope & biner for XC stuff. As for lights, I've got two on my list, and I think I'll leave it at that believing it a reasonable compromise between weight and safety.

OK, you got me there on the P38. I'm former Army, hence my bias. People aren't using cans as much these days, so it's probably not critical. QUESTION: What if anything would you replace it with?

Seems like no one likes my radio idea. I actually had a HAM radio in mind not FRS/GRMS, but yes, it's probably not an essential.

On the pen & paper thing, I'll probably bump that down a notch, but let me tell you a note pinned to a trail junction sign might just save your life some day.

Ah, you caught me on that one. I was engaging in a bit of hyperbole with Rich there. There are some good areas to fish in the backcountry in So. Cal. albeit few and far between. What I was really driving at is that there is no fishing on most of hikes I go on. My lack of fishing gear also reflects my priorities: thermal regulation, hydration, and signaling.

Oh, you too?

HJ

Well, that's actually really a good point. The kit you won't carry isn't going to do you much good.

I myself have been considering the purchase of a McMurdo FastFind 210 even though I already have a perfectly good ACR Terrafix. Why? The ACR is bulky and takes up a fair amount of room in the little pack I take on side trips while on a backpack. I'm much more likely to carry the truly pocket sized McMurdo than the big, clunky ACR.

I'll have to weigh my kit and see what it comes to. Stay tuned.

HJ

Thanks, but no, just something in my bookmarks.

Yes, unfortunate that it's so distant from you. Even when I lived/worked in the Pismo Beach/San Luis Obispo area, required three-days minimum ... and five days was heaven.

This is closer (I assume) to your area: Sespe Wilderness/Sespe Creek. Another great hike if you haven't tried yet. And there's water!

Oh, yes, the Sespe. The Sespe is one of the reasons I'm on this site. I spent three days there in 1984 -- on a one day hike. I will never forget the Sespe. My interest in wilderness survival is far more than academic.

I've been wanting to do this hot springs hike in the Sespe Wilderness. It's much closer than the first area you suggested but still over two hours drive each way.

HJ

Now that made me chuckle ... three days on a one day hike. Sounds like there's an instructive story somewhere in there.