Thanks Denis and Chaos. I'm going flashlight shopping on the weekend!

My thoughts, YMMV


For PSK, I think the mini bic and mag block are enough fire. I think the Kick, Vise, and Sak are a bit much, I don't think the Vise is bringing much to the table, I would stick to the Kick and SAK, though I hope the SAK has scissors, which are handy sometimes. The mini-Mag you may want to upgrade, there are superior options for the size/weight/battery, but it is up to you and what you are comfortable.

Nothing wrong with that, especially since Ritter PSK has a backup compass. Try to waterproof map when possible, or store in waterproof container.

A solid addition, especially to a daypack. Keep the extra-batteries to a minimum, with only maybe 1 extra set, use freshly charged rechargeables for the primary battery load, that way, you know are starting with a full charge.
I would add some Tick Tweezers (I like these better than AMK's tweezers), both for ticks and splinters,some benadryl, for critter bites that give a bad reaction. An ACE bandage for a sprain. I might only take 1 triangular as I don't anticipate major gashes (but you never know), and I can improvise a pressure dressing with the bandanas, think about the accidents that are most likely to happen and plan accordingly.


I have no really problems with this, a fixed is better, but a folder is sufficient, and a Sierra is good for gathering wood and making shelter. I might add a metal bladedtrowel, as it can dig cat holes, firepits, channel water away from shelter, dig out root vegetables, etc, but it is not an absolute necessity.

I really think this is too much. I would go with 1 poncho and 1 groundsheet (tyvek, garbage bag, painter's tarp, etc). The poncho will keep you dry, and the sheet will waterproof a shelter. The Woolblanket is alot for a daypack. a Watchcap and down vest would be better for warmth and less bulky, depending on the temps. I would lose the blanket, add a cap, down or fleece vest, work gloves (hand protection good), and a spare of wool socks (wet feets bad) and undies (accidents do happen) in a small stuffsack. Imagine your temporary shelter, and your extended shelter (and then practice them). For a night or two, you can away with a sitting on a groundcloth under a tree nested in a poncho and heatsheet (especially with the vest,gloves, and cap, and especially if you stuff the area with leaves or pine needles), in most conditions this should suffice. If you need anything more elaborate, you can construct something with the saw and sheet. You may want to add a FEW nails and tent stakes (like 4 nails and 2 stakes) to help secure lines.


Looks good, I would add a nesting stainless steel cup and some teabags, though I guess you can also brew the kleen kanteen, but I believe in easy warm liquids. A piece of aquarium tubing (for water collection) and a small sieve with a coffee filter or three or cheese cloth for filtering particulates can make water collection and consumption easier. I would add some hydration tables or electrolyte mix in case of dehydration, and a pack of koolaid (crystallite, etc) to kill the taste of treated water.

Birthday candles can melt, be sure to bag them. I am a big fan of the shoe polish tin with lint and petroleum jelly, (though a bag of lint and boot polish is pretty damn good too) but go with what you are comfortable with.

I don't really have a problem with these. A hat for sun and rain protection is a good idea, as are sunglasses. Cell phones are good, cell phones with gps are better (but more expensive). Don't forget good old change and a calling card in case the phone dies and you happen upon a payphone (or a vending machine). Carry a battery charger for your phone and put your phone in a waterproof sack so it is less likely to die. A pad and pencil can be good, both for messaging, and to remind you what you used and didn't use, or wish you had brought. Some needle, thread, super glue (be careful with glue, it leaks), and safety pins can be handy for blowouts in gear or clothing, and add little to bulk or weight. A deck of cards can help with the boredom of waiting, and help distract the mind.

Hope you find this helpful,

Crowe

I've ditched the magnesium bar and taken out the SAK. I moved the Buck folder from the main pack to here instead.



Working on it!



I've got the map and compass in a Coglan's waterproof map bag.



Good idea. More load lightening. Thanks!



The kit has a small tensor in there and I've changed the tweezers. I like 2 triangulars for splinting, slinging and donuts, and bandanas for pressure bandages. They're light and small.



I debated that but they're heavy and I can improvise.



I upgrade clothing in the winter, but for these few months the ponchos will keep us dry when hiking and we use the blanket frequently for lunch, etc. It also helps pad the bag.



I took the canteen cup out in favour of the kleen kanteen because I can store water in it. I agree about warm drinks, but I don't like tea as much as hot chocolate.



I've got a filter in one of the water bottles, and it's got a built-in straw so should work the same.



mmMMM. Cherry koolaid. Tang...



They're in a well-sealed match safe with some strike-anywheres.



I ALWAYS wear a hat and sunglasses when I'm on the trail. I did throw my extra glasses (in hard case) in though.



Added a few quartes and put the phone in a waterproof bag. Thanks!



Good idea. Thanks!



Nice. Thanks!



Indeed! Thanks!

This is a great post with outstanding feedback.

Earlier you mentioned the SPOT 2. I like that idea. Especially if you came across an injured hiker on the trail.

I always take a GPS. As far as a compass goes, the Silva Ranger is my favorite.

What is your clothing set-up?

Right now we're into hot summer days and warm summer nights, that are perfect for sleeping. Soon the nights will be hot for a few weeks too. We've gotten a lot of rain this year. By September, the cooler weather should be back.

We always socks, long pants and LS shirts, which can zip-off or roll up, with an undershirt so the shirt can be removed. Rain jackets are always with us and we wear good solid hiking footwear.

In the cooler and cold months, we change it up to heavier, warmer clothes, heavier rain and winter gear, and more laters.

Thanks so much Outdoor_Quest!

A GPS is on my Christmas wish list!

It drived my husband crazy that I think about things like running into an injured hiker. Nice to meet someone like-minded.

It has happened to me. Not a really common occurrence, but it is worth considering. We were able to make a considerable difference - the victim was in the hospital within two hours instead of at least eight hours that would have been normal.

It's happened to me too Hikermor that's why it's always in the back of my mind.

Glad you were there to help!

Ditch the FAK.
Duct tape,toilet paper,some ibuprofen, and benadryl for a day hike is plenty.

Get a combo bug and sunscreen lotion and repackage in a small bottle.

Dump two sharps for a SAK with saw like a Victorinox Camper or Farmer

Dump heavy wool blanket for USGI woobie or even better, a Kifaru one.

Add some Sliver grippers or equivalent for ticks and splinters.

Add a needle. Very useful.

Get a Zebralight single AA headlight. Great light.