Thanks guys.

Les, I always dress (in layers) for the worst potential weather. right now that means either a winter jacket or gortex shell over fleece. My regular hiking kit has a gi poncho it, along with better shelter stuff and a change of clothes. this pack isn't going far off-road so it's much more minimalist.

i've got a tarp tipi en route and will likely put that in here for shelter. (Haven't git it yet so not sure about the size/weight. The specs say it's about 3 pounds.) For now though, my son wants to try to make one of cody lundin's super shelters, so I'm packing that stuff, hoping we'll get a chance to do it soon.

this kit is intended for a planned outting so we'll pack food as we go, along with more water. my son got some MH mac n cheese for Christmas, so that'll likely be the first meal.

i thought about adding another way to make water but, honestly, we're not going far so figure it's easier to carry the water we plan to use with us.