As others have said, lose the Cohglan 4-in-1.It is the matchsafe/whistle/compass/really-bad-twine combo item, right? Even a pill bottle is a better match safe. And along with a better match safe, I hope the matches aren't in the little boxes they came in. Great matches, the boxes suck. As many as you are carrying, I might almost say split them between two cases, put in one a zipper bag, and wrap it in duct tape.

In fact, get rid off all thier hard plastic items. In my experince, they are made from very hard plastics, and are brittle. They will shatter at the first chance. Better whistle, and second wet compass. It might cost a bit more, but they won't fail when you need them.

In the States, there is a company called Delorme that puts out road map books by the state that also have basic topographical details. Is there something similiar there? A little bulky, but worthwhile. I have it along the back of my pack, in a large zipper bag.

Two rolls of TP? Are they full-sized rolls, or the little camper-sized ones?

I noticed a lot of redundency. Is this for two people? If it is, add another pair of work gloves. And socks for both. If it's just for you, switch the second shadehat (boonie-type?), bugnet and sierra cup for a watch cap, more batteries, and the mini radio that was mentioned.

Reply to ironraven's post:

''As others have said, lose the Cohglan 4-in-1.It is the matchsafe/whistle/compass/really-bad-twine combo item, right? ''

No it isn't. The coghlan's 4-1 whistle is a small black/yellow device
with a whistle/ button compass/ thermometer and magnefying glass
http://www.ausruestungsladen.de/grafik/shop/product/380240.jpg

It's a great thing, wouldn't change it for the world.

''I might almost say split them between two cases, put in one a zipper bag, and wrap it in duct tape.''

They are split into 2 35 mmm photo- containers. The kit already contains a roll of duct-tape.

''Two rolls of TP? Are they full-sized rolls, or the little camper-sized ones? ''

Doug includes 3 in his kit, they come packet in two, the camper ones that is.

''I noticed a lot of redundency. Is this for two people? If it is, add another pair of work gloves. And socks for both. If it's just for you, switch the second shadehat (boonie-type?), bugnet and sierra cup for a watch cap, more batteries, and the mini radio that was mentioned.''

The kit is designed for 2, therefor there are multiple items of the same sort. I think I should keep the hats,bugnets and sierra cup because of that.
There are more than enough batteries since this kit is oriented for 24-hrs. I wouldn't use 1 set of batteries, let alone two.
I don't want to add any clothing to my kit, because it's a survival kit (no BOB- bag for urban emergencies.) and I believe clothing isn't a survival-priority, since you already wearing a set on your person.
Therefor a small radio wouldn't be a priority either (it's a survival kit, not a urban BOB bag.)

I had to be thorough on this one..... nothing personal



<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've never seen that littlle gizmo, it's cute, and definantly not the kludge I was thinking of.

For the second match case, this duct tape could be salvaged, but it's really intended to in effect mummify the matches.

The radio can be tiny, the size of a deck of cards. For a survival situation, this actually has a few uses. The biggest is a weather report.

Since it is a pack for two, I have no problem with the redundancy. I wasn't possitive, as there is only the one mess kit. However, I can't too strongly suggest adding socks. And you can't count on the clothes on your back being sufficent if the weather decides to change on you. BUT, that is one of the things taht have to be a compromise.

Bin the tube tent in faviour of a hoochie, or failing that, a lightweight, ripstop, milspec poncho or two. Very versatile bit of kit. Do all sorts of things with it.
p.s. WHAT EXACTLY is your definition of a "normal" climate???

A normal climate? Well it's hard to explain, since I'm so used to it, but I'll try.

The climate in Holland isn't extremely cold or hot. So there are rearly snowstorms or very hot weather.

Averaged temperature of about 18-21 degrees C. In winter 10-15.

The weather is usually good. No rain, but not a lot of sunshine either.

Maybe PC2K can supliment this?

I also have a survival backpack with similar contents. Because the weather here can get pretty cold & nasty my emphasis is on warmth:

socks (ironraven’s suggestion)
wool or fleece toque
mittens
plastic bags (med size) to pull over your dry socks if your boots become wet
extra clothing (fleece is very warm, light & compressible)

Try to imagine yourself huddling against the wind & rain, chilled & miserable, what do you need/want to make it through the night?

Rope & carabineers give you flexibility for shelter set-up
Small pad to sit on (you want something to keep you off the ground)
Hammock & tarp are interesting shelter options

I use my pack on a regular basis when outdoors, it allows me to evaluate it and improve the contents - change them according to seasons...

cheers!

holland has a sea climate, this means the the temperature in the summer is not too hot, because of the cold sea water cooling it. In the winter the temperature is keeped reasonable high, because the warm golfstream is warming the air. This means out temperature usually doesn't drop more than minium 10 celcius at night in the winter ( although there has been places where the temperature has dropped to minum 20 degrees celcius locally at night ) and the summer temperature doesn't go higher than 35 degrees in the summer. Average temperature in the winter is usually higher than 0 degree celsius and the avergae summer temperature is about 25.

Personnaly i wouldn't carry 8 KG of emergency kit, in the dutch terrain, because of the short distances, well reception and many other visiters on pretty much every piece of "wilderness".

Anywhere in Britain and Atlantic/North Sea coast can get pretty cold, wet and unpleasant. Irrespective of the time of year. In terms of continental Europe, surviving the first 24/48hrs is always going to be the big issue. And I think that an all band (SW, LW, FM, AM) radio with earpeace is a good idea. It allow's you to obtain intelligence about the situation and it's not as if the (travel varieties) things weigh anything.

Sounds like your winters are perfect hypothermia conditions.