1. What are the details on the steel cup and where did you get it?

--It's a normal single walled steel camp cup (16 ounces I think?), just big enough that the bottle nests inside it. I removed the obsessively large handle it came with and I will replace with a smaller handle made from wire.

2. Is the expectation with the talkabout radio that you'd be with someone else with the other one, or that you'd be likely to reach someone with them? I have a pair of them also but never considered including them in any of my kits. (Mostly because they recharge from a special charger and the batteries would probably be dead when I needed them.)

--Generally, when I go out with other people we all carry them. I also like it because it gives weather reports. Plus there is always the possibility you might be able to talk to someone on the other end, so before I head out (and I leave my information about where I am going), I will also write down that I have a GMRS/FRS radio and the channel it is on. It might help to narrow down a search if need be.

3. [This is a general question, and should probably be asked in its own topic...) I noticed you have an AMK med kit and a DR PSP kit inside the Ziploc bags. I also see the emergency poncho inside its OEM sleeve, toilet paper in the Charmin packaging, etc. Where do you fall on the -- keeping things in original packaging vs. taking things out of their packaging and combining them to save weight and bulk -- scale?

--The medical kit and survival kit I left in there original packaging because it is more weatherproof than the ziplock bags (and it keeps all that small stuff together), and if something happens to me and someone needs to take my supplies for some reason everything is easily identifiable and there is some degree of instructions. The charmin I left in its original packaging because toilet paper is pretty easily shredded and squished, and it provides some weather protection. Nothing worse than soggy shredded toilet paper. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

4. Where will you put the heatsheet, the GPS and the socks when you get them? (Is there enough spare room in there?)

--To the left and right of each bag there is enough room that I can squeeze more stuff in. The socks would just lay on top where the radio is (I'll take that out and clip it on my belt.)

5. How does it feel to carry it -- does it drag on you or fit relatively well?

--It's a little odd, as I'm not used to having weight on my waist without shoulder straps, but it seems fine. I wont really know until I wear it for a day.

6. (This is a general question -- not specific to Paul810) And since most of the kit is for incidental/survival use, is it better to have it packed into a separately carry-able fanny pack, or in a single "drop-in-the-bottom-of the day pack" kit that will rest alongside more water, food, a towel, sunglasses, camera, kids' stuff, bug repellent -- the usual things you need to reach for frequently when hiking/walking...

--My kit isn't just for emergency survival use (though there survival specific gear). That is pretty much all my gear for an overnight if the weather is nice enough. It would work fine for longer trips as well with some clothes, food, and a bivvy bag, which I can tailor to the individual trip.


Nicely done. Can I assume you carry a jacket ( warm and/ or waterproof) elsewhere?

--Of course. Layered clothing, a full brim hat, and sunglasses.

I'd add a map of wherever you are, & more water treatment tabs.

--For maps, I usually add some that are specific to the area I'm traveling in. Generally this gear will only be used in areas I'm already familiar with. As to water purification, the bulk of my water purification is done through boiling. The tabs are pretty much for emergencies/on the go purification. I will probably end up adding more, but I used the rest that was in the pack to restock the gear in my truck.

Also a signal mirror, 20' of flagging tape and a fleece or wool cap.
--signal mirror is in the kit (and the compass has a mirror) and I have the cap. I will add some flagging tape, (as it would have come in handy in the past now that I think about it).

No cell phone?

--That's in my EDC gear.

Why did you buy all new? Try ebay or goodwill for nearly new gear. Much cheaper.

--It was a bit of an experiment. I wanted to see how difficult it would be to put together a kit in one day from local stores and see what it would cost. I plan on teaching some survival techniques to college kids when the weather gets nicer and I wanted the bulk of my gear to be stuff that can be bought locally in case they want to assemble a kit. Plus, as I use stuff I like being able to go out and replace it easily. I find that sometimes I don?t like using certain gear because it is impossible to replace without buying it off the internet.

nice..but i would say ditch the Snickers bar and take
a lot more real food..you will be hungry and weak a lot
faster than you will need a space pen and TP.

--I can always add more/carry more. That?s just some basic energy stuff. Usually food is the last thing I put in before I leave.


I see a lot of you carrying these...any special reason?
I mean...is it the novelty or true function?

--It?s a good water/weatherproof pen and it takes up very little room. I always carry a pen and paper on me, I?ve used it quite a few times in the past. Usually to jot down directions, notes, ect or even burn if I have to. Sometimes I?ll sit down at night and write down what I?ve seen and done that day and make notes on my experiences or mistakes. For me it?s kind of a comfort item.

Might I suggest adding a small bottle of bug repellant and sun block? Food wise, snickers are fine, as are mar's bars and m&m's.

--Interestingly enough, I haven?t used either in years. I always wear long pants and a hat so I never get burnt and I find fire/smoke is better at keeping bug away than bug spray. Sometimes it seemed as if the bug spray attracted bugs. Oh, and the Snickers bars aren?t the regular candy bars. They are Marathon bars, which is snickers new protein bar (similar to a Powerbar). Just for clarification.