I've been asking myself a question... Isn't it wiser to use survival or first aid gear during your regular "usage pattern" instead of building and tossing kits in backpacks or glove compartments and forget about them until you need'em?

For example, i've been assembling my own small survival kit to take out on my backcountry day hikes. I was asking myself : "should I put my Leatherman Micra in there and buy another knife?". I carry the Micra all the time on my key ring, so I don't see why I should purchase a different knife for my kit. Assuming there is a survival situation, I will be carrying the Micra as well as the "kit" I have prepared.

Another example : the space blanket. I've chosen to purchase a higher-end, rugged plastic/foil blanket with holes at the corners. I will add this to my backpack, and i'm positive I will use it more that I even imagined (to sit or even lay down, as shelter during pouring rain, etc.). Why purchase and forget a cheap 1$ blanket to be used exclusively in the survival kit?

I'm sure you see my point... I am tending to streamline my kits a little bit and try not to be too redundant with my gear. On a day-to-day basis, I simply use anything I need to use, and keep seldom used items in the kits. I resupply when it's time to do so. Much, much more cost and space efficient, and it keeps you in "touch" with your gear so you know what you have and how to use everything.

This might go against the crowd; I am just sharing my opinion with you. Ttyl! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />