Thought I'd share some recent photos of my PSK. In the 1930s, the Mountaineers, a Seattle-based hiking, climbing, and conservation organization, came up with a list of 10 essential items that no climber should be without. These original Ten-Essentials server as the guide for what I have included in my kit. If I added a small local map, I would be covering seven of the recommended ten.

ORIGINAL TEN-ESSENTIALS
1. Map
2. Compass
3. Light
4. Extra Food
5. Water and a Way to Purify it
6. Rain Gear and Extra Clothing
7. First Aid Kit
8. Pocket Knife
9. Matches and Fire Starter
10. Sun Screen and Sunglasses

http://i7.tinypic.com/4fua9aa.jpg
http://i15.tinypic.com/2nalcpg.jpg
http://i9.tinypic.com/33cufds.jpg

MY KIT'S CONTENTS:
Tin-With Reflective Tape In Lid-Stored In Water Proof Vacuum Bag
Survival Instructions
X2 Pieces Rip-Stop Nylon Tape
X6 MicroPur Water Purification Tables
X2 Gerber Breast Milk Bags
X2 Large 2”x3” Elastic Plasters
X2 Medium 1”x3” Elastic Plasters
X4 Butter Fly Closures
Scalpel Blade
3 in 1 Antibacterial Cream
X2 Aspirin
Signal Mirror
Heavy Duty Thread / Fishing Line
Leatherman Micra
Compass
LED Light
Sparker
X4 Fire Tinder
Whistle
Snare Wire
Heavy Duty Needle
Misc. Fishing Tackle
X4 Safety Pins

"Tin-With Reflective Tape In Lid-Stored In Water Proof Vacuum Bag"

what sort of reflective tape? how much can you effectively carry in the lid?

"Survival Instructions"

that you made or downloaded? I'm always curious about instructions...

"Gerber Breast Milk Bags"

I hadn't considered these. What are they made of? Do you have any idea regarding storage lifespan?

Yeti,
The survival instructions and reflective tape in lid of tin are those that came with the BCB "Military Survival Kit" that I bought on Ebay. I bought the breast milk bags at the local market. They are on the small side, about 350 ml, but a lot more serviceable than the two rubbers that came with the original BCB kit.

The flattest country on earth is US highway 77 driving south from Corpus Christi to Kingsville. You could fall asleep at the wheel, drive off the road, and never wake up. No joke.

Yeah KenK, I see your point. Of course it all has to be taken on a case by case basis and each situation might be different.

For example, if you are on a raft in the oceanthen fire may be out of the question and water is most important. If you are in the arctic and not properly dressed then fire is certainly exceedingly important and takes immediate priority over water.

Exactly. The basic instruction of survival: Figure out what is going to kill you first, then fix it. Repeat as necessary.

I have a modification on this topic and would like to hear what others think:

I am interested in water survival. If you were in Steve Callahan’s place on his raft 800 miles out to sea in the south Pacific, would you carry water first or a shaving mirror? If you could only carry one or the other. Similar question: would you carry water or a container of gasoil (presumably for lighting signal fires)? The question I guess is, which is more important: water or visual signaling tools?

I am trying to pack the lightest kit I can and am having to make weight vs priority decisions.

Thanks!

Gene

water is the most important of the two, otherwise you would probably die before you would get the chance to use the signal mirror.

This is a variation of 'penny wise and pound foolish.' To begin with forget a shaving mirror and invest in the finest dedicated signal mirror money can buy. The few ounces provide a superior, failproof and proactive means to effect possible rescue. The few ounces of water will do what longterm?

I see the point. But, given an adequate amount of water: say a five gallon jug of water, would you prioritize water over a signaling device -- given Steve Callahan's situation: South Pacific, 800 nm from land?

Many thanks,

Gene