A survival situation by definition means a cessation of normal routine and the support mechanism of daily existence. Part of that normal routine for people assembling PSKs is a PRECONCEIVED idea of that very survival situation. It is 'comforting' to know most end in 72 hours. And for some people it plays like a script as neat as the drawings of a brush shelter; I will use the STOP acronym, build my 3 fires and debri shelter and wait for rescue. Well O.K. well and good, but you've torn your trousers badly. I suppose the horrific wieght penalty of those needles and thread makes sense as your 'credentials' are subjected to the elements. The Inuit say the two most important survival items are a knife and a sewing kit. In all the documentaries on Inuit I have yet to see one with his 'credentials' ever hanging out. PSK items by definition are the bare minimum to fullfill most POSSIBLE survival needs- no more no less. It's that less that gets people into trouble. Much is made of your best tool being your 'brain.' Yet another well known instructor has pointed out The mindset that gets people into these situations is very different from that required to get out of them. I'd rather shlep my horribly heavy twin tins around and never use 90% of the kit in a wreck than stand there like an idiot with my knife while those 'credentials' suffer frostbite.The unforeseen use of my knife then is to horrible to discuss in this family friendly forum. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />