Yep. This and another "micro" kit (which will probably be a carbon copy of this kit with the addition of signalling equipment) I am working on for certain specific situations that require it (won't bore you with lengthy details) are exactly why I'm asking about puritabs in the other thread.

As you can see I decided to stick with the MP-1 tabs. I repacked this morning and actually only have two MP-1 tabs in there now. I had to make a choice between 3 MP-1 tabs and 3 Sparklite Tinders or 2 MP-1 tabs and 4 sparklite tinders. I decided (atleast for the moment) that since fire/warmth is important in these winter months, I best opt for an extra tinder. Those tinders are invaluable (to me anyway) when it's pouring rain and you need to get a fire going.

I didn't just start this thread to brag about my new knife (although I'd be lieing if I said that I don't enjoy sharing it with my ETS buddies). I am also hoping to get opinions on what I am choosing to keep in it. With that in mind I have made some changes that I would to share.

I have recently grown tired of wearing my watch. I still have the clock on my cell phone so there is no issue there but this does leave me without a compass. So, since I am EDCing the new CRK Shadow III and happen to also own a Tadgear SAS compass I thought ... welll ... you know where I'm going with this.

Here's the new list w/ some explanation of why I chose certain items. The packing method is for all practical purposes the same as the above pics. Please give me your opinions, ideas, critique on this "kit" and how I may be able to imporve it.

-- 2" x 1' Duct Tape - With only one condom for a water treatment/storage I feel I must have a way to patch it up if needed.
-- 1 SAS Compass - I have been EDCing a compass for so long (in my watches) that I simply feel naked and helpless without one.
-- 1 Ferrocerium Rod - This is my one and only fire starter. No room for redundancy in a kit this small. I had to make it a little smaller than what I originally had (shown in the pic) so I cut about a 1/4 off of it and drilled a lanyard hole in the end to make it so I could operate it with a lanyard attached and still have about the same amount of useable striking area as a full-size rod with no lanyard to act as improved handle
-- 1 Condom - Water storage and purification.
-- 2 Katadyn MP-1 Tabs - Water Purification
-- 4 Sparklite Tinders - Fire making
-- 4"sq of HD aluminum foil - This was added primarily as a packing aid since duct tape doesnt stick well to the shiny side, however I imagine this could be used as an extremely crude and barely even effective visual signalling device.
-- 6' of 100# Fireline - I doubt I need to explain to any member of this forum the need for cordage for lanyards, lashing, etc.

I would have loved to add a whistle and mirror but there is simply no room so I will have to rely on burning green leaves to make white smoke for daytime visual signalling, fire/flame light for nighttime visual signalling and my lungs for audible signalling if/when the items in this kit are truely all that I have on me. I probably dont need to tell you that if/when possible to carry other items in addition to this kit, my Fox40 mini whistle and a lighter are at the top of the list followed closely by a large sheet of plastic and a signal mirror.


Edited by brian (11/19/04 04:34 PM)
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