The problem is if you need it, and dont have it, it could become a bad situation quickly.

Quick story: Last year I was one of the people in charge of a group of high school kids building a set for a play at night. Well, we had two kids up on a ladder, three kids putting a railing on a 7 foot high platform, as well as various tools being used. The power went out, luckily I had my Surefire A2, it was bright enough to light the stage up to get the kids off the high places and together until the power came back on, avoiding a bad situation. Just think if you are underground and the power goes out, it will be pretty black and scary, especially if the emergency lighting doesn't come on. A flashlight can be the difference between some clostrophobic lady causing a panic and everyone getting trampled or everyone huddled together singing Kumbaya. I think the weight is worth it, especially since my Surefires only weigh a couple ounces, yet are as bright as a 6D cell Mag light. As to water and a dust mask. A dust mask or even bandana weighs nothing and can save your life. A lot of people died in volcano eruptions from smoke and dust inhalation, as the dust and ash would cement in their lungs. I believe the same thing happened on 9/11. What a way to die, especially since it is pretty avoidable. The water you should always carry anyway. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />