Tea candles can melt on a hot day, and out in the wild you have to be careful - not only can the wind blow them out, but they can spill (since they go all liquidy), which leaves you without your candle at best, and with burns at worst.

I would really recommend including at least one pair of good wool socks. I know space is a concern, vacuum pack them if you have to.

I would ditch the emergency packets of water. You have two bottles for that - and it frees up room inside the kit.

As mentioned in one of the earlier replies, keep an eye out for a metal cup that will fit under your bottles. Assuming you can find a source of water in your environment, you'll have drinkable water indefinitely. This isn't a replacement for water purification tablets (as mentioned, more is better), but a supplement.

If you must keep the chem lights, that's fine. I would recommend a decent headlamp in addition though.

If I recall correctly, as soon as you expose the potable aqua to air (ie opening the bottle or transfering the tablets to another container) they start to decompose. I don't remember where I read that, someone else can probably clarify (I might be wrong about it). Micropur Mp-1 is more expensive, but is preferable because it kills things iodine does not.

Radiation pills? Alright... do you have one of those keychain detectors as well?

Might consider a tourniquet, small rolled gauze or field dressings, and some irrigation solution. Your first aid kit is centered more towards little scrapes and bumps.

Are you not permitted a larger knife in your area? A pocket chainsaw might help too, if you're around trees.

Yes, the Uco lantern is surprisingly sturdy... plenty enough for a canteen cup, though its a balancing act. They also offer a three candle version called the candelier thats big enough for a (small) fry pan. I've got one of the candeliers, and three of the candle lanterns, and as far as I'm concerned, it's money well spent... they make a great heat/light source for the cabin on my boat <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Troy

After visiting UCO's site, I saw that there are UCO tealight candles that go with the mini lantern and burn for 3-4 hours available.

UCO's site

You can get them here

Yes, I have one of these mini candle lanterns....very nice....and a bag of 100 tea lamps I bought for 6 bucks... I think I'll stick with the tea lamps... It's an economics decision.

Burncycle says:

"Tea candles can melt on a hot day, and out in the wild you have to be careful - not only can the wind blow them out, but they can spill (since they go all liquidy), which leaves you without your candle at best, and with burns at worst". Any wax candle will melt in hot weather, and easily be blown out in windy weather.

"I would really recommend including at least one pair of good wool socks. I know space is a concern, vacuum pack them if you have to" This is a good idea except I may go for poly liners instead of wool...I'm still wanting to keep the PSK about the same size .

"I would ditch the emergency packets of water. You have two bottles for that - and it frees up room inside the kit." I like the fact that they are sealed and ready at all times, but you may be right, it may be better to depend on the two bottles.

"As mentioned in one of the earlier replies, keep an eye out for a metal cup that will fit under your bottles. Assuming you can find a source of water in your environment, you'll have drinkable water indefinitely. This isn't a replacement for water purification tablets (as mentioned, more is better), but a supplement". Got it...Bottles of pills, tin cup that will fit a 16 oz container ...Check

"If you must keep the chem lights, that's fine. I would recommend a decent headlamp in addition though". It's pretty easy to adapt a mini torch to a headband. I'll improvise

"If I recall correctly, as soon as you expose the potable aqua to air (ie opening the bottle or transfering the tablets to another container) they start to decompose. I don't remember where I read that, someone else can probably clarify (I might be wrong about it). Micropur Mp-1 is more expensive, but is preferable because it kills things iodine does not." Yes, this will all change to sealed bottles.

"Radiation pills? Alright... do you have one of those keychain detectors as well?" Yes, radiation blockers. And yes, i'm working on indicators. These items represent unfortunate possible needs (since 9-11) for someone living in a city or close to a nuclear power plant or other vulnerable target.

"Might consider a tourniquet, small rolled gauze or field dressings, and some irrigation solution. Your first aid kit is centered more towards little scrapes and bumps. I have a bandana, plastic hose and duct tape. Once again, I'll improvise.

"Are you not permitted a larger knife in your area? A pocket chainsaw might help too, if you're around trees." Yes, I'm keeping the kit trim and those end users can add their favorite knife and possibly a chainsaw. If the kit were just a bit bigger, it could handle a hatchet, a much more useable tool than a saw, IMHO.

Thank you for this useful information and ideas.

for a cup that fits the bottm of the bottels go to .www.campmor.com Item no.25001-k The cost is $5.99 I have one and it realy works good. it's also graduated and holds 16oz.

Here's a commercial alternate. Wally World has them locally here.

This won't fit on a water battle, but it doesn't take up much space.
Flatworld Orikaso Cup

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...vcat=REI_SEARCH

This will fit on the bottom of a 1 liter Nalgene (or similar) bottle
Olicamp Space Saver Cup
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores...p;amp;langId=-1

Whoops!
Here's the links:

http://www.peanutbutter.com/squeezeProducts.asp