This was a key consideration for me in selecting a fixed blade; I wanted something that could be useful in a survival situation but that didn't come with a large weight penalty. I think that for most situations (I won't talk to the aircraft scenario because I don't know enough about it) a compromise can be found that is light enough to carry and tough enough to be a very useful survival tool.

For example, when I was looking the Becker Companion, by all accounts, it seemed like a perfect survival knife but the weight killed it for me. Now, my F1 can arguably do everything that Becker can and comes in at 1/3 of the weight. It's a great compromise between capability & weight; if I ever find myself in a situation where it is my only tool I don't think I could ask for better.

Personally, I have no use for a blade that I won't be carrying.

For me, what I carry on a planned outing is situational. It totally depends on the time of year, how far off road I'm going, the weather forecast, and how high the risk level is. (I.e. what's the likelihood of getting stuck? Practicing skills is something totally different.) I always have my Wave on my belt at a minimum, and then upgrade based on all those other factors. A fixed blade and a saw (Bacho Laplander) live in my BOB/GHB and I add an axe in the winter and early spring, but sometimes I'll just take the Wave on a day hike and leave the rest behind.

For me, there is no one size fits all solution. Every trip involves planning and repacking, unless it's a BOB shakedown trip like we did this weekend, where we just grab our BOBs and go.

I believe many people grossly underestimate just how much can be accomplished with a smaller fixed-blade knife. They are to be respected, IMO.

While I would not question the wisdom of carrying an extra half gallon of water, especially in your environment, I don't really have that need. Living in Minnesota - Land o' Lakes, I could probably squeeze a half gallon of water out of my socks if I really needed it.

I don't follow your math however, as a half gallon of water weighs over 4 pounds, and a Becker BK7 weighs 12.9 ounces. You would have to 'not' carry 5 BK7s to equal the weight of the extra water.

I do agree with you on the 'casual hike' comment. I don't bring a big knife into a county or state park.