In conceiving and advising regarding PSKs over the years I've had some guiding questions/principles:
- what is my size and weight optimum for assured carry?
- what will aid rescue?
- include everything (at my 'weight point') needed to assist survival
- include nothing not needed to assist survival
- stress items for which there is little hope of field expedient

Your reference to the Inuit is germane. When thinking survival I have asked myself, "What were the first items that Indigenous Peoples traded for when Europeans arrived?" This gives some clear direction about items one might need/want when living on your own shank. Knife and needles were some of the first items. Hard to make good ones in the boonies! Big and little needles and two sizes of thread are in my kit. May need a suture! <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />