I think the # one thing neglected in small PSK is shelter. There is a definite trade off between size/weight and durability regarding shelter. 4 season tent vs space blanket.

This what I have come up with as a minimum.

20' of nylon cord for rigging
5' or so of duct tape folded flat for repair/reinforce
space blanket
.99 cent poncho

Vac packed to reduce size. It is not as big as it looks. The space blanket is on the other side and you cant see it.

ETA: bag it is vac packed in doubles as a water container.

Comments?

Instead of the poncho, would a garbage bag be a better choice? I put one in a small ziploc bag but never thought about the string and duct tape but I am going to work on it as soon as I get done typing.

The poncho is prefolded and thus smaller than I can ever seem to get a garbage bag.

My hammock isn't much bigger than that in it's compression sack. While it doesn't have a top I can easily make one with a tube-tent or plastic bag and cord which could be stuffed into the hammock bag <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Never thought of your idea great one <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I can fold a bag small enough to fit in a Altoids tin.

As an alternative/addition, consider the following:

Swap out the nylon cord for 110 lb dacron. 100 feet of dacron line will take up less space and is more practical. Include a half dozen wire ties and maybe some nails, which shouldn't add to the profile of the package, although the nails may add a little weight. I've found these items useful for shelter construction. You may be surprised how quickly 20 feet of line gets used up.

Clever, simple. I'd be curious to see anyone improve on it without defeating the purpose.

aluminum nails.
-Ligther
-More enviro. safe

I`d also reccomend the thinner nails (steel) but smaller and can still hold things together.

As far as more cord you cuold always add some paracord to your knives(s) and or ligther to get an extra couple feet.


This smaller, nice, shelter 'contest' just popped into my head lol... Time to see what I can come up wtih <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Tacoma Mtn Rescue Tube Tent from REI here

I've read (I think on this forum but I cannot find the posting) of folks adding screw eyes to their kits to twist into trees to make tie-down points for tarps, etc. Small screw eyes could be used in a fishing kit to fashion line guides for an improvised fishing pole.