Bob,

Although I agree with you on "BEST" lists, the 10 essentials (especially in the latest, groupings instead of items version) is the distillation of many years of group thought. Although you may not agree with all the choices specifically, as a whole, the availability of these ten AND the knowledge of how to use them, they will see you through the night. They are IMHO also an excellent marker of the preparedness of a hiker and the attitude they carry with them. Particularly if you count them with some acceptance of differences in approach, which this study did.

What I think they were looking for was an indication of the approach of the "average" hiker toward preparedness, not the presence or absence of any specific item. I agree with you food is the least important.

Respectfully,

Jerry