Becuase we're adults (well most of us, sorry Jim :P ) who've all out grown the need for a safetyblanket/stuffed bear.

OK, so our woobies are a little bit more prickly than they used to be. They keep the monsters away better that way.

Echo the nalgene bottle swap- can't beat them. Well, you can, but they don't break until you hit them with a car or a bullet. And unlike the Eddie Bauer you have there, you can put a cup onto it for almost no bulk.

More paracord. If you can't find space for more than two feet of the stuff, you aren't trying. Or did you mean 24'?

You are worried about knee injury, but have nothing there for it.

How small is your small garbage bag? Anything under 33 gallons is of questionable value.

Tinder, lighter- ferro rods are good, but they take two hands and higher brain function.

Better compass, maps

A second or a bigger flashlight- the little coin lights are great, until you drop one at night and they turn off. Or you step on it. They don't like being stepped on.

I've never been fond of the plastic handled moras- I'd vote lose that and the camillus utility and replace them with a better fixed blade like a Becker Crewman or one of the shorty Ka-Bars.

And the one think I noticed you were missing, and it is of the "oh my gods, what are you thinking" variety of missing: duct tape. Must have duct tape.

Zip ties and wire are good, to, but even they bow to the duct tape.

What sort of knee injury & what would we bring for it? This was mentioned, but no further info. Discriminating survivors want to know. . . .

About knives & tools: one should have backups to critical gear. People lose stuff all the time. I once found a telescope in a leather case while on a walk in the woods. The belt loop broke. While a telescope is not absolutely essential, the loss of other gear could cut ones chances considerably if there is no backup.
I have a USMC "kabar" made by Camillus that has gone all over the world attached to my web gear. I have been able to put a shaving sharp edge on it & it seems to hold an edge rather well. I don't have a large number of knives because I don't have a large amount of money. It is my opinion that the steel in the Camillus "kabar" is better than that in the Buck, Gerber & real Kabar knives that I have owned. BTW, when making critical comments, please bear in mind that the individuals' choice of gear may be influenced by his wallet.

The lack of clarification is why I left the recommendation for a support open eneded. Is it an old injury that is easily agrivated (brace) or is it a concern for something new (sam splint, a serious walking stick, and something a little heavier than basic asprin) that is the concern.

Point- Ka-bar makes Ka-bars. Everyone else make kbars, or MkII Combat/Utility Knives. :P

(I'd argue points on quality vs other folk's 1095, but that's a lot-by-lot issue)