I thought I'd post the latest evolution of my gear categories. This is the scheme I use to plan and evaluate kits. The biggest oddness is that I include navigation in Signals. That's just how I think of it.

Medical
- First aid
- Personal meds
- Hygiene
- Reference info
Shelter
- Clothing
- Insulation (down etc.)
- Barrier (tarp etc.)
- Protection (bug juice, sunscreen, gloves, etc.)
Fire
- Flame
- Spark
- Tinder
- Fuel
Signals
- Beacons
--- Audible
--- Visible
--- Electronic
- Communication
--- Written
--- Visible
--- Electronic
- Navigation
--- Compass
--- Map
--- GPS
Water
- Actual
- Collection
- Storage
- Treatment
Food
- Actual
- Hunting (snare wire, fishing, etc.)
- Preparation (pots, racks)
- Seasoning
- Storage
Tools
- Separating
--- Knife
--- Saw
--- Hatchet
- Joining
--- Narrow cord
--- Thick cord
--- Tape
--- Glue
- Shaping
--- Multitool (pliers, file)
- Sewing
--- Awl
--- Needles
--- Thread

Bear