Wow - I could ruminate on this question for quite awhile.

The e-Pico light mention reminds me that I've used one I keep on a house key lanyard many times to find dog poop when I and neighbors take our pups out for after-dark walks.

A Petzl Zipka I began carrying after 9/11 lit the way home from work during a power outage that occurred mid-commute.

This summer after a historic storm (the mid-Atlantic's "derecho"), one of my prep tools (a Gransfors Bruks "American Felling Axe") was used to open up the road after a tree fell.

On a weekend vacation, my car's first aid kit recently gave a pregnant friend relief from a headache (no one else had Tylenol).

The Bic lighters and matches I now keep in vehicles and numerous purses, packs and bags have come in handy countless times.

I've been thankful for the spork in my glove compartment when grabbing a meal at Taco Bell.

I'm often called upon to come up with a knife or Leatherman since many friends know I've probably got one (or more) on me.

The hiking boots and jacket I keep in my car came in handy when I unexpectedly had the opportunity to take a Harley for a spin on a mild summer evening.

My preparedness efforts began with the good fortune of experiencing the utility of having camping gear on hand during a power outage.

So kudos to camping-preparedness gear, for me - an avid camper - they tend to blur.