Karl,<br><br>Well, I’m the wrong one to ask whether you’re “over-kitted”. Like you, I have different kits for different circumstances. Not only do I have “hiking” and “urban” kits, but I’m starting to evolve a different urban kit for the times when I’m facing metal detectors and x-ray machines. I also find that I pack and re-pack, and there’s some bleedover between “kit” and pocket and pouch carry, so it’s hard to honestly say exactly what’s in any given kit over time… either urban kit gets carried in a shoulder pouch that also has some larger items in it that vary with weather and circumstances.<br><br>I also carry a Fresnel lens, as well as an oven bag for water, and a P-38 can opener in my wallet. For me, the Fresnel lens is for emergencies when I don’t have reading glasses, more than any idea of firestarting- my eyes no longer focus well at distances shorter than 3 feet or so. I routinely carry a lighter and Leatherman micra in my pocket and a BSA "Hot Spark" ferrocerium rod with my keys.<br><br>Because of my paranoia about the eyesight (I read that Teddy Roosevelt took something like 25 pairs of glasses up San Juan hill- I sympathize), I have a tiny multi-folding pair in my urban kit, aside from the spare I usually carry in the pouch. I also carry a tiny FM radio and earphones, which I consider essential for my “urban” kit. I know from experience the frustration of seeing the news choppers from the ground, knowing that they can see what's going on, but not knowing what they’re saying. I also have a whistle (thinking “trapped in the rubble” as opposed to “lost”). And, being a knife nut, the kit contains 2 X-acto blades as well as a Gerber LST folder. Another P-38, another BSA "Hot Spark" ferrocerium rod (the P-38s work as strikers for these), another lighter. Needle and thread- no buttons. Photon 3 in the kit- though I also usually have a Petzl Zipka in the pouch, a tiny LED headlamp with a retractable cord that can be fastened to a forearm or equipment as well as working as a headband- it’s too handy for it’s size to leave behind.<br><br>The pouch always contains at least a flexible Platypus water bottle (empty and flat), a tiny, flat, Totes pocket umbrella, a couple of lawn-leaf size plastic bags, a large but thin black silk bandana, a polarpile cap and neck gaitor (flat, they just feel like padding), and yet another pair of spare specs. If I’m not facing metal detectors, it carries a Leatherman Wave as well.<br><br>I too, consider a compass essential, especially in unfamiliar areas of a city where line of sight is typically very short. I try to always have a local map in the pouch. I have also de-emphasized tinder, since that’s one thing that there never seems to be a shortage of in urban areas, and realistic opportunities to use a fire are much rarer.<br><br>I’m carrying more cord than you are- about 30 feet of flat nylon that looks like bootlace. I do have a plastic bag and one of Blue Line Outfitter’s tiny vials containing 20 water purification tablets. That’s probably paranoia, but they are tiny, and two local urban areas have had trouble keeping the tap water safe in recent years even without emergencies for an excuse.<br><br>I’m not carrying duct tape. I do have some in the vehicle and value it highly, but I was never sure that a foot or less would really be useful.<br><br>No, no snares or fishing gear. <br><br>The kit also contains what I consider easily the most essential single item of “urban” equipment, something that can work near-miracles if used freely and intelligently, and can often substitute for anything other item in the kit, and more, though nothing else will substitute for it… and it’s something that’s totally useless in the wilderness. Money.<br><br>Urban requirements really are different, I’d like to see more discussion and ideas about them… not just gear, but techniques as well.<br>