That's right, the water for the bug out trip is not usually a problem around here. In a worst case (the creek is dead after a quake) we can reconsider the bug out location to another one on the shore and make a simple distiller. That plastic 58oz bottle was decided as a most lightweight container fitting that backpack's pocket and as a good resource for various improvisations (it has texture reinforced thick flat sides). I have steel bottles in other 2 bags.

Agreed. I had an original Schrade Tough Tool and it was a solid tool (though as noted, a bit big and awkward). The knockoffs you see now are junk. A sad fate for a proud brand.

As an aside: I also still have several of the ViseGrip / Shcrade combination tools. These were a genuine 5" ViseGrip with a Schrade locking blade, hex bit driver, and a scraper blade in the handle. Very stout, compact tool for real work. Great for the glovebox.

I've heard patent wars killed all of them?

Thanks for the response. I'll give the nichrome wire a try.

Swimming goggles - great idea!

Wow! Nice!

Great looking kit, Alex. The only thing I don't see is clothes. I need a change in my AO but it might not be an issue for you in yours. Does it rain or get cold at night there?

I like that your bag is small and appears to be well equipped to meet most needs. I often see bags that appear to be really heavy and I wonder how far and how fast someone can travel with them.

I carry more water and I'm in the PNW but my idea is to get home without having to purify (20 miles) unless the trip turns into more than one day. I'm ready to purify but that'll take time that I want to use covering ground.