Booklearning, as has been pointed out, is good, but street smarts is what makes you live.

When I inherited my father's grab and go bag, currently called a BOB, I wondered at his lack of street smarts on some levels. He was a chemist, an archer, a woodworker, and a survialist. Except... He had nothing to make food with(like a gerry kit or even a tin cup). And every peice of metal(pins, needles knives) had a layer of rust on it...

Since then, I have a monthly 'pack'night. I go through and replace what needs to be, refold, rearrange and ressupply myself. I learn from good, and bad, examples.

When going out without any 'gear', I have found that I do need a knife. A larger woodsmans or even machete is my personal preference. Without that, I sit and wait for the next short bus. It is so ingrained that I cannot even think about being in the wilds, urban or rual, without at least some blade on me.

Reminds me of the EDC thread.

Rena