I do carry some food, but a very limited amount. Basically maybe a half dozen granola bars. This is a bit of a calculated risk. I consider food somewhat optional within the couple of day period, but I want some food for energy and to keep my metabolism engaged. I do understand that I carry a risk of it affecting my energy level but I also don't have a lot of space to spare.

I carry a multi-tool and knife on my person. See the "body" section. Basically if all else goes to heck, I want my knife with me. I also wear my hiking boots full time which I didn't think to represent in the kit.

Unfortunately, the kit it is something like 35lbs. I've also recently (last half year) added a water bladder to the bag, so it isn't light.

By EDC, I mean I carry it pretty much everywhere I go. I do drive some times, and if so, I'll put it in the car while I drive, but then I haul it with me. Other days I take the train and carry it with me and then the aprox. 15 minute walk each way to and from the office. I used to take the bus and I'd carry it with me there as well.

When I'm in the burbs (where I live), I will leave it in the trunk while I am out and about, but I still try to have it close.

Agreed the water may be nasty. If I need to filter it, I can use a dust mask (like others have suggested coffee filters), my hanky or towel to filter the worst stuff and then hit it with the tablets.

The other thing is in addition to the the water in my bag, I would optimally grab water from my under-desk earthquake kit and throw it in the large Rollypolly, or clip it on to my pack before I left. This would give me several liters of water (I'm more concerned about water than food) and while it may not be enough to get me home, there is a fair chance it will get me past the chaos of the downtown area.

While the kit is a bit of a hybrid -- in addition to survival, it also addresses some convenience issues -- I do try to keep myself from just adding stuff and try to avoid single tasking objects if possible.

I'll think about the water filter tho. But I think it would mean I would have to get rid of something, probably my travel coffee cup (not shown) and I'm somewhat disinclined to do that.

-john