For sugar and chocolatey goodness, try to see if you can find something called "Choclettoes". They are a walnetto without the nuts; think of it as chocolate bullion. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> They are about the size of a starburst, a little thicker.

Supposedely, if you let one melt in 8oz of hot water, you get hot chocolate. I've only ever found walnettoes here, and the idea of cocoa with nuts sitting in the bottom of the mug is too odd for me, so I've never actually tried this recipie. It's from my grandmother. They might be more space efficent than cocoa pouches, becuase you aren't packing air, but they only have about a six month storage life, and you'll want to put them in a tiny ziplock becuase the might melt at very high heat. Putting a mouse trap in the kit as an anti-pilfer device might be an idea to. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

As for your pouch, is it a back pack, a shoulder pack, or a belt pouch? And how big?

The pouch is about I'd say, roughly 1 1/2 X the size of a magazine pouch for three 30 round M-16 mags. It has a zipper pocket on the front, a tunnel loop that can be detached by velcro without taking your belt off (I don't think that velcro feature is good), and has a strap for carrying it like a camera bag. Its a utility pouch for hunters and is in mossy oak camo pattern. The mess tin slides in perfect with plenty of room to spare. It is zippered on top and water hasn't ever gotten in it when raining. Bought it at Wally World

It sounds like a variation of a black powder shooters "possibles" bag.

The only thing that looks like you are missing is cordage. Unless my eyes are deceiving me the only thing that comes close is the wire. You should include some 550 cord or similar light rope.

Other than that it looks like a great kit.

porkchop

You're right porkchop, that's exactly what I am adding. I may end up with a bracelet or hat band or something too made out of 550.. A cowhide belt is a MUST for me unless I am toting a strop, which I don't. I am particularly picky when it comes to keeping a smooth, razor sharp edge on my knives.

Ridiculous as this might sound, I've heard this whistle is difficult to work. Hard to blow on to make it, well, whistle. This isn't true, is it?

-- Craig

Yep, that sounds pretty ridiculous. It's the easiest whistle to use I have ever owned.

Good enough.

Wiseman's "survival pouch" is a proto-BOB. The book itself was written in 1986. The content's are primary food, signal and firelighting based. It's a good idea - as far as it goes. I am now going to make a statement that will probley upset a few people. MOST BOB POUCHES ARE TOO SMALL! The Wiseman kit is designed to go on a webbing set. It is not intended for use as a stand alone item. I think that any bag used should be at least 15" X 12" X 4". It should contain food,a Ritter kit, Something to cook/boil water in and a waterbottle of some description. Add whatever other gear you think you need. You should be able to access any of the contents fast without having to unpack everthing else. And have room for extra gear if you need it. I use an Eastpak shoulder bag myself. It's big enough to get everything in - and pass a casual search - and still have enough room for my day to day bit's.

Yes, Leigh, its commonly referred to as a "belt kit" in SAS circles. Now read my comment on my original post again:

"Everyone kill me with criticisms and suggestions, but remember I like this supplemental kit to my Pocket Survival Pak and it works for me. I am not asking for opinions on anything else that I would fit into my daypack or any opinions when it comes to BOBs or carkits, etc, that would be wasting our time. Don't go overboard, I JUST want to work on the contents of a small "survival pouch" (not pack or bag) and find out what I need and don't need when already packing my DR Pocket Survival Pak and EDC."

Hey Leigh,

You're not saying anything that several of us haven't already thought... in my opinion, a minimum BOB would be an ALICE pack with extra, attached mag. pouches and canteen covers... AND a fanny pack... AND the web gear to go with it... but that's just me... I have no Rambo fantasies, I want as much gear as I can carry <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

Troy