Here is a kit I might carry on an overnight backpacking trip.

Its got the basics covered with:

Water: bags, tablets
Shelter: Space blanket, garbage bags(x2)
Fire: Matches(x2)
Signaling: Mirror, whistle
Tools: Knife, wire saw, compass on wrist band
First aid: sanitary napkin for stopping big bleeding) band-aids, gloves
Comfort items: Kleenex

NOTE: It has no food, as that attracts bears. The knife is a swiss army model with a locking blade. Looking it over, I would add:

Flagging tape,
sunblock chapstick,
Tyneol and pepto meds,
safetypins
cordage ( probably 50# test line)

I would advise a flint style(blastmatch or whatever, first one i could remember) firelighter and tinder, plus some bandages, mostly for sprained ankles(boots are a option for dealing withnn that type of injury, but not ideal) and also 550 cord boot laces. the last is just for the why not, sides it kinda helps motivation in a inexperianced group, part of my concern at this moment in time, if they don't kill themsleves beforehand. unlike me they seem to always crash at 30 odd mph(fast racing bikes) into the lamp post. as opposed to me crashing at five mph and missing the oncoming truck by a few inches <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

A few things you missed or might want to reconsider.

First I would look at your pack, for a 1-3 day hike I like 1200-2400 ci internal frames.

Shelter- If you're saving weight military ponchos are a good option as you can pup tent them with 550 cord or wear it if it rains. Otherwise a good packing tent.

Sleeping bag, fleece bag, or poncho liner depending on how cold you're expecting. Space blankets work but they're not comfy.

NAVIGATION!!
Map, compass, and maybe GPS with protractor.

Instead of the wire saw look in to a Pocket chain saw or folding triangle saw. (I've never had a wire saw that holds up for any serious work. My Pocket Chainsaw is 9 years old now, has taken down 12" trees without a problem, I highly recommend it).

Things I take for over nighters and two dayers.
Map,
map compass,
protactor,
pencil,
gps,
in a waterproof neck bag.

Lowe Alpine pack
FAK,
head lamp,
extra AA batteries
whisperlight stove
fuel bottle,
cook set with dish soap and rag,
lighter,
leatherman,
50' 550 cord,
poncho with liner or tent and bag (depends on time of year)
at least 1 set extra clothes,
jacket,
2 water bottles,
micro-filter,
TP,
bug spray,
personal hygine stuff,
flash light (mini mag),
Gerber LMF,
PSK-(basicly a homemade version of Doug's PSK witha few extra goodies)
Food for +1 more days than I expect to be gone.
pocket chainsaw,
asprin,
benadril,
sun screen,

As for bears, all food goes in to my cook pot which I hoist up in to a tree a good deal away from where I'm sleeping. (Just remember to eat good as get to your food for those midnight munchies sucks)

Lets see some pictures!

Not sure of what the purpose of this kit is. Is it back up to the usually camping equipment or is it the stuff your use to spend the night in the woods.
Personally I like creature comforts a little more but my main pack wt is still about 10 lbs.
cheers

there were photos with this -- they seem to have gone...

Please post the pictures again.

If that is all you take on an overnighter, you are a tougher guy than I want to be.

I do have a question about this-"...Fire: Matches(x2)..."

Does that mean two match safes, or just two matches? If it just means two matches, I really hope that you got your Boy Scout merit badge for firestarting. I have always prided myself on being able to start a fire with one match, but sometimes stuff happens...

This is the photo of the equipment described above.

Teacher

((its just the back-up part of my regular pack. When camping, I've got the usual tent, pack, stove, sleeping bag, food, etc.)

It appears that your photos (in several of your posts) are not working correctly.