I am new here and have been reading the posts here with much interest. I have noticed that there are a lot of recomendations for gear that I don't use (such as whistles, mirrors, batteries, radios, etc.). Why are these considered necesary? Wouldn't it be more prudent to learn to survive with as little as possible rather than try to shrink everything and try to carry it all with you? I have a BOB but I don't really need it.If I do ever have to use it though I have enough gear to last me indefinitely. It weighs probably 50 lbs (which I can and have carried for miles) and mostly contains food, medical supplies, a lightweight sleeping bag, some cooking gear, several knives, two hatchets, and two saws. I double up on things that I might damage or break. Using this gear as a start, I can pretty much live for as long as it takes. Luckily I grew up learning how to survive with nothing more than a knife and some cordage for extended periods so for me a BOB is a luxury item. I am just now starting to camp in a tent with sleeping bags and I have to say I am a little uncomfortable with it. I usually make a large shelter that can sleep many people, is waterproof, and I can actually have a fire inside with me. Food is not a problem since I live in an area rich with wildlife and water is never a problem. I can distill my own water from any number of streams, lakes or rivers that abound in my area. As far as rescue goes, a five mille walk in any direction would get me somewhere and keeping on heading is elementary stuff (triangulation, stick compass, that sort of thing.) Fire starting has never been a problem and I have often made a fire with wet wood. I guess my point is that it's not what you have but what you know that can make the difference. People have survived for millenia without the benifit of batteries or lighters or even a good knife. We came from nature and we can return to it. All it takes is a little knowledge. By the way, I have gone out for very long periods of time with nothing but what was in my pockets and done very well, in fact gaining weight a couple of times so I know that it can be done. Weeks, months, or even years, I will survive. Hopefully I have offered some food for thought. Any circumstance is survivable with the right amount of knowledge and that is the most important thing I carry with me. The bag I can live without.