Ok, here's the inventory of the bag (not in any order). Opinions welcome...


1 Portable Aqua - Bottle of tablets
1 Water proof match holder with REI Storm Proof matches (about a dozen)
6 Safety pins
1 Military style can opener (says US Shelby Co. on it)
1 Carabiner
1 Sliva type 7 NL Compass
1 Leatherman multi tool
1 Colibri lighter
2 SaftyBright 6" chemical lightsticks (1 red, 1 green, sometimes called cyalume sticks)
1 Coghlan's Survival Signal Mirror
1 Mini-Mag Solitare light
20 Antiseptic alcohol swabs
1 Coghlan's Emergency Tinder box (removed and sealed in 35mm film canister)
1 magnesium bar with flint side
1 WindStorm whistle
1 fishing kit (in a plastic water proof match keeper):
-10lb line 20ft
-15 small split shot weights
-15 small hooks
-15 medium hooks
-5 medium swivels
1 Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Medic
1 Adventure Medical Kits Wound Closure Kit
1 20 sq ft aluminum foil
1 small sewing kit
3 Oral Rehydration Salts packages (makes 3 litres)
2 Packages Grabber Mycoal Heat Treat hand warmers (4 individual uses)
1 Stansport Emergency Pancho
1 Wire Emergency Saw
1 MPI Outdoors Space Emergency Blanket

Aside from this I will have at least 2 knives on my person, usually 1 folder and one fixed blade, a 1qt water bottle, at least 1 Bic lighter, a handheld gps unit, local topo map, l.e.d. headlight and be wearing climate (weather) defined clothing. The above kit is intended for day hiking, and anytime I go outdoors (meaning hiking, camping) I have a first aid kit that will go along too.

What do you think?