I know I know.... I removed a lot of stuff and much of it had to do with him. The reduction of gear has become quite an interesting topic. I even received a PM from a long time member for whom I have a lot of respect. He paid me some very nice compliments on my original kit and very politely expressed some dissappointment in what I ended up with after I reduced it to where it is currently at. I must admit that it does make me think that perhaps the original problem was not with the kit itself as much as with me not having the discipline to carry it. I know most of you would think I am nuts for not having the discipline to strap a Maxpedition M-2 to my belt for day hikes when you are carrying Maxpedition Fatboys and other large pack-sized bags every single day. It's certainly given me much to think about. One thing is for sure. If I did go back to a larger kit, I have certainly gotten some great suggestions from this thread on how to improve it's quality.