I've decided to try a new approach to my kits, for outdoors/hiking/SAR scenario.

I used to keep my gear in specific kits : first-aid kit, survival kit, repair kit. I was not using the "layered" approach because I don't like having things all over in my pockets and on my belt.

Now, my first aid kit remains the same and stays in the backpack. I've decided to merge my survival and repair kits to make a bigger "survival and repair kit". In addition to this change, I took the essential items out of this kit and put them in a belt pouch to form my first and only layer, the rest of the kit(s) being in the backpack.

Essentials in this pouch :

Rite-in-the-rain notepad + pencil
Red super-adhesive duct tape
Spark-lite kit (stick + 8 TinderQwik I believe) + Bic + Candle
Photon Freedom
StarFlash mirror + Fox40 micro
Leatherman Micra
4 x MP1 water purifying tabs
Large orange trash bag
4 x band-aids

I am going to try to keep this pouch always with me, on the belt (pack's hipbelt or the belt that i'm wearing).

If I choose to take my main pack off, I will clip my first-layer pouch to my clothes and go. I might also carry a mini-bottle of water to be used for these situations... Clip and go.

The 1st layer really needs to stay on you. That way if you lose or have to ditch the backpack you still have the essentials on you.

Dave

I wonder why a six-pack of Heineken isnt on anyone's list but MINE?

This is what i'm trying to achieve, with the exception that this little first-layer pouch is not on my person per-se, but on the pack's hipbelt.

If I leave my main pack, I will remove the pouch from the belt before I go.

Too heavy... I drink it before I leave. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

(3 bottles the night before, 3 bottles as I wake up)

No, but an 8oz hip flask of fine brandy is in mine! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

-Blast

I'm glad Bee is able to keep her wits about her all the time and remember to clip her pouch on her belt. I know I would forget the one time I really needed it. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

That is why I have to keep my PSK items in my pockets. I also keep an extra car key in my pocket. I hate to stand there looking stupid with my keys locked in my car.

Becuase it is Heineken?

Now, a flask of a nice, melllow 40 year old scotch. Or a very nice brandy. Or maybe a skin of mead....

Ah, man, now I'm thirsty.

You live in Colorado and don't drink the great local beers?

Did you know that Heineken is a Dutch beer? <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />