Revising PSP Survival Instructions?

We are reviewing the instructions in the Pocket Survival Pak prior to the next printing and are preparing to make some minor correction of typos, etc. A copy of the current instructions can be found at:

High resolution suitable for printing (1.56 MB): http://www.equipped.org/psp/psp_survival_instructions_0204.pdf
Lower resolution suitable for viewing on a monitor (373 KB): http://www.equipped.org/psp/psp_survival_instructions_0204_lowrez.pdf

If you have noticed any errors or the like, now would be a good time to let me know. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (even if you have already previously mentioned it to me, please do so again, just to ensure I don't miss it.) In addition, we are considering some minor additions or changes to some instructions for improved clarity based on feedback we have received. I am very open to any suggestions along these lines as well, but please bear in mind that we have very limited real estate to work with, the paper cannot get any bigger so any changes or additions must truly be minor or very brief.

Doug;

Bearing in mind that these instructions may be read for the first time by someone with no prior survival training, possibly in inclement weather, I think the instructions for starting a fire should be idiot-proof.

1. It is possible to start a fire with the Sparklite using toilet paper, for example, but you need to know that it will require repeatedly striking the Sparklite in the same location to build up heat. If the tinder doesn't catch the first time, there's a tendency for beginners to move the lighter to a different spot and try again; after this fails a couple of times, they may give up in frustration.

2. Foolproof instructions for starting a survival fire - others know more about this than me, but I was never able to get a good, sustainable campfire going until Mors Kochanski gave me some simple advice:

1. Lay two logs parallel to each other;
2. Lay two logs on top of these at a slight angle;
3. Put a large twig bundle (i.e. easily ignited kindling) on top of this and light it.

The coals from the kindling bundle will drop down between the logs and generate enough heat to ignite the main fire; once the main fire is burning, you can line up the logs into a parallel fire.

It took Mors less than a minute to explain this to me; the next day, I built a self-sustaining campfire that burned untended (not unattended,tho <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) for over an hour. I later modified the technique slightly (to get the fire into one of those circular metal fire pits in a National Park campsite) and built a fire that burned well into the night with only minor adjustments.

Even in the US Southwest, hypothermia is a major killer in survival situations; IMHO, somebody who has never before built a campfire must be able to read the instructions and get a sustainable fire going in a matter of minutes.

I looked at it and I think its pretty good. The only thing that I would think about changing is the size of the font. BUT, that means its going to have to be bigger. I did however, compare it to the one I already have in my PSK from this website, and I think it is significantly better.

Garrett

Interesting comment and experience. Curious as to the TP you have tried it with? In my experience, the TP I used lit off pretty readily. Sounds like I need a wider sample than I have tried previously. If your experience is common, then I'll probably delete TP as a potential tinder. Mostly, we want them to use the provided tinder and we have some minor changes to those instructions to emphasize how to fluff it up for best performance. We have experimented with this method and in our experience with naive subjects, IOW no wilderness experience, didn't find it as readily effective as what we chose to illustrate. That may be because of our instructions we provided, or... <shrug> It may well be worth considering as an alternative fire lay in an upcoming project we are working on which will allow for more options.

Thanks very much for the suggestions.

Doug

Thanks. Bigger is simply out of the question, but there is the magnifier in the PSP if needed.

Sorry, can't enlighten you as to the brand of TP. It had been hanging up under a military surplus parachute for a couple of days (through some pretty intense thunderstorms, to boot) so it may not have been as dry as I thought. As I said, it did light, just took a half-dozen strikes with the Sparklite in the same spot. (I also was unable to ignite a drop of Purell Hand-sanitizer with the Sparklite, although I've been able to do so with the Blastmatch or Firesteel quite readily in the past. But the sample I was using had been in my first aid kit for some time; maybe alcohol evaporation was an issue?)

Maybe the instructions in your sheet are better, but I didn't realise for the longest time that you really need a minimum of three decent-sized logs to sustain a campfire, so I thought it was important to point that out. Maybe it can be done with fewer, but I've never succeeded with just one or two, and on the few more recent occasions where I've used three, I had a hard time putting the fire out, so it seemed pretty effective to me. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

But if you've tried my suggestion and it wasn't as effective, then it doesn't make much sense to switch. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> It was just a suggestion, after all <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Do you need a french translation ?
(for selling in Quebec or France or Belgium or many african countries ... <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

Thanks very much for the offer. At the moment AMK does not sell the PSP into any areas with French-speaking peoples, so there's no need. Not sure what the situation will be if they do offer it into Canada. That's their call, not mine. I will keep your kind offer in mind, however.

I do have a suggestion for the "bonus" sheet - the one that suggests additional items to bring:

The survival instructions give a great description of using a transparent or semi-transparent bag to collect water from transpiration, but neither the kit, nor the bonus sheet recommend including such a bag, nor how big that bag should be.

Another suggested bonus item that likley wouldn't be kept inside the pak: diagrams/photos showing how the pak is assembled as shipped. This would greatly assist those who take the kit apart for practice and then struggle to get it back together as shipped.

According to Chris at AMK, they're talking to the buyer for Mountain Equipment Co-op and hope to have the kit in MEC stores across Canada by the end of the month. I don't know if they had considered the requirement for the survival instructions to be bilingual.

Of course, the irony is that they could probably get around that easily simply by taking the survival instructions out of the kit for all sales in Canada <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I've queried AMK on this. Since they do sell portions of their product line into Canada, I'm assuming they understand what's required and how to deal with it.

Good and interesting suggestions. We cannot add another piece to the package, but may be possible to incorporate some sort of simplified exploding diagram for the PSP on the Bonus page, will definitely look into that possibility.

OK, thanks. The Spark-Lite is a "system" and works best with the provided tinder. Like most everything, it represents a compromise, providing one-handed operation and compactness, but a less robust spark than other larger or two-hand required "flint & steel" fire starters.

Doug
Did I read an "upcoming project" correctly?Quit teasing us by dropping hints.Tell us about this "upcoming project".Also when are you coming out with your own survival manual?
BOATMAN
John

What? Did I mention some "upcoming project?" <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I can't imagine I would do that. That would just be a tease and why would I tease? Oh, right; now I remember, from Marketing 101. That would be called a "teaser." And, your point was? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Fact is, as you might suspect having taken the step to develop some commercial products and them being reasonably successful to date, I am looking at or working on a number of possible projects that may or may not bear fruit and given my experience bring the knives and PSP to market, may or may not come to market in our lifetime. <~> Unfortunately, it is the nature of these sorts of things that one cannot, or at least should not, reveal what's up before the "proper time," and they are all a long way from the proper time.

However, to make it interesting, if forum members want to take some guesses as to what I'm working on and when they'll come to market, I'll present a free item or whatever it is once it is available to the person who guesses most nearly correctly and comes closest to the announcement date. In case of identical guesses, first one wins. I reserve the righto be the one, only and final judge. My ball, my rules. Those who actually know what's going on, keep yer trap shut or else, <img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> you're not eligible anyway. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Insert the usual disclaimers here... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Obviously you're going to be working on a larger survival kit. Most likely one that you bring with in a light aircraft. It might even be designed to complement Doc Blue's mega first aid kit.

Or, some sort of survival training tape.

Actually, I wonder if you're really trolling for more ideas?

I too was thinking that you may be working on a larger kit for the car, boat, or plane. Or maybe specific kits for each? I would like to see those anyway.

Maybe an everyday carry kit, with whistle, lighter, flashlight/Microlight, knife, etc...

How about your own survival manual.. ie Wiseman, et al...

How about your own product website, selling the products that you use/reccommend. A one stop shop for the latest/greatest...

A Doug Ritter PLB?

A DR BOB Bag?

I would guess that you would want this to go to market asap(duh), but how about before the end of the year?.. before Thanksgiving <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thats all the guesses I have now...

Andy

Hi Doug

I'd have to agree with the others the "teaser" item would be a larger PSP kit something along the lines of the Pro Survival kit which includes a light and a knife ( maybe including the mini PSK). I'd hazard a guess that a demo mock-up model will be ready to display at the SHOT 2005 show.

Just a guess.

The current list of "ideas" is over two pages long, with an even dozen in various stages of serious consideration or active development for the relatively near term. If somebody comes up with an idea we haven't thought of, great, but that thought hadn't crossed my mind when I made this proposition.

No dates, no eligibility for the prize.

Good thing I don't drink my OJ at the keyboard or it would be a mess. Thanks for the laugh this morning, I needed that...

Wrongo Goatrider. The market is too small for an aviation survival kit. You need a mass market item to get the ball rolling before you can branch out into the more specialized kits for aviation and marine use. I'm guessing it will be a kit for automobile use...large enough to enable a couple of people to survive a few days, but small enough to fit in the limited space of a small car or SUV. It will include an Aeromedix med kit and Ritter survival tools and items. It will sell like hotcakes, especially at Christmas and Doug will become very rich, but only after working a kazillion hours getting it to market. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Fair enough, that makes sense. But I think pilots are much more aware of the need for a survival kit, and are also more willing to spend money on it. So it's still feasible.

Another idea- a Ritter Multi-tool.

Maybe with a "D Ritter" engraved Mustache and beard clipper taking pride of place along side the other essential tools?
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I agree with you there...I have spent close to $800 on my survival kit and it's not where I want it to be yet. I take survival very seriously because I fly coast and mountains of British Columbia...it's an unforgiving environment.

I am always surprised at how little most people put into their survival kits. Since I have assembled my kit, the thought has crossed my mind to put kits together for others, but it's a huge amount of work. My biggest concern right now is trying to find an inflatible life jacket type device for the survival kit so if we ditch we can toss the kit overboard along with ourselves. So far all I have come up with is a conventional inflatible lifejacket...if anyone knows of inflatibles for equipment, etc. please let me know. The kit weighs only 22 lbs. so it doesn't need a huge amount of floation.

Paula,

You're complicating it too much. Just get a dry-bag and don't squeeze all the air out of it. When we reviewed abandon ship bags for Practical Sailor, the truly waterproof dry bags would support an incredible amount of gear with no problem and no need to add extra flotation.

Paula,

Is there any way you could itemize what you have in your kit?

Thanks for that Doug. I'll take a look at your review of abandon ship bags. My only concern with dry bags is that I don't keep the survival gear in the airplane so it gets a lot of wear and tear being moved around. I was concerned that a dry bag may not stand up to the wear but then again I have no experience with dry bags. I just want to be sure that if I ever have to ditch...the survival stuff goes with me, rather than to the bottom of the sea.

I think Goatrider isn't "Wrongo".

Seeing as its the law for pilots to have a kit depending on circumstances, that sounds like a guaranteed market to me.

http://www.epcamps.com/deHavilland_Survival_Kit.html

Ecamps seem to do well enough selling such decent kits to law abiding pilots.

Flip

Hi Flipper,

Don't get me wrong...I think that survival kits for airplanes are vital. It's just that I know pilots, and I know that they generally aren't very concerned with survival because they spend very little time thinking about what the outcome of a crash or a ditching will be. Survival is not even covered in most ground schools and as a result most people just don't spend any time planning what to do, or what equipment they'll need after the crash happens.

I also think the aviation market is too small to build a survival based business on...sheesh, we can even keep flying schools afloat these days. But, as I said in my first post, once you build brand awareness for survival gear in a larger market i.e. the automobile market, you can then branch into the smaller niche markets.

Paula;

I know pilots too - in fact, I are one <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I have given talks on wilderness survival to a local chapter of an organisation of pilots that I used to belong to. One pilot did fall asleep during my lecture; otoh, that same pilot died a year later when the wing of his brand-new homebuilt glider collapsed during a steep turn to final on his third test flight (subsequent investigation revealed that he had tried to save weight by reducing the thickness of the wing spar).Other than that, the main complaint I had was that the demonstration survival kit (which I had put together myself, based purely on what I had read) was too bulky for most light planes; when I repeated the talk the next year, I had reduced the kit to the size of a Baggie sandwich bag.

Several pilots came up to me after the talk and inquired where I had bought my copy of Lofty Wiseman's "SAS Survival Guide"; some even wrote down the ISBN number.

Recently, a fellow pilot and co-worker who had agreed to ferry a new homebuilt plane across Canada came to me and asked if I had a small survival kit that he could borrow. Granted, he normally flew without one, but he realised that he would be flying for extended periods over remote areas in a relatively unproven airplane.

Many, if not most, pilots do think about what could go wrong. You're right, this almost always extends only as far as landing the plane safely; surviving a night in the open in the same bad weather that forced you to land does receive remarkably short shrift. (But the same goes for most outdoor activities; I've only read two stories in Backpacker magazine dealing with outdoor survival, and neither of them contained what I would consider useful information.)

Perhaps we should try lobbying Transport Canada and the FAA to make wilderness survival training mandatory for all licensed pilots; after all, it is the pilot's responsibility to care for his/her passengers, even after the forced landing.

Hi!

Just the bottom line first. I think the kit is a unique whole as it is. My observations are admirations from my point of view, rather than just pure criticism. The following list covers the written part of the Pak, not only the instructions and mainly technical. I will not count on anything online, as it is an offline kit. Some recommendations were also made by others, or written in my previous emails, so I may duplicate. I can imagine the cost of even adding a toothpick to the kit. I realize that this is a US product for English speaking customers. (And I don't have the eye for an English text. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

Packaging back side:

There's a typo on the 7th line of your intro, saying Pack instead of Pak.

Although the kit is happily international, the outside of the packaging lacks any metric conversion (despite of the inside). It suppoused to sell the product over the counter, so I'd add that to the list, there's enough place.

((By the way selling, the 8.99 USD RRP of the Sparklite is for the Sparklite, 8 pieces of tinder and box. But it's fine for me either.))

I couldn't find a single word, or picture about the container itself more than waterproof...floats..easily opened and resealed. Waterproof for ..... feet/meters/atm, dunkproof, do not use for diving, do not sit onto, etc. Floats see Packaging inside. I'd like to see something more specific about the opening/closing of the bag. I've seen many ziplocks ruined, and they are not uncommon here either. One should never underestimate the capabilities of Joe/Jane Average.

The contents list is not visible through the back. The STOP is really better, but you should write it down clearly.

Packaging inside:

I?d give the option of having a sheath knife, as well. The bold folding knife recommendation is too tight for me.

As far as it is a commercial product, you could offer your branded knife, sold by the same AMK, like this kit.

I think you could use the more precise water supply recommendation of the Instructions here, rather than the not really specific ?more?.

The room for additional supplies in the kit affects flotation, if filled with too many goodies. So it is better to warn the user here.

Contents list:

The backside really cries for something to be printed on. Like the forementioned ?how-to-repack-the-kit? diagram, or the method of using this paper as tinder, etc.

The list lists <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ?see Survival Instructions? five times. I?d make a disclaimer somewhere to read that piece of paper, and fill the place with something other, like how to fit a lanyard on the compass. Maybe making the fresnel lens text significantly bigger.

Disclaimer again: I do not know the situation on legal terms over there. The blade?s lawyer extension would sound much familiar to me without the lawyers. Like: Always use carefully the very sharp blade and retain packaging for resheating the blade everytime you are not using it because you can cut yourself or it can harm your equipment or pierce through the bag like a sharpened pencil. Or something like that only shorter.

You can use the pencil as the handle of the blade.

Lanyards in general. I?d add some more specific recommendation in here or in the instructions about not leaving things in various places, always repacking and closing the container, securing the loose items (or at least the bag itself) with tethers. I would not recommend a 70 kg test thin nylon cord around my neck.

Instructions:

In Water and Food, 3rd paragraph, 6th line heath suppoused to be health (but I?ve just learned a new word anyway).

In Distress Signalling, 7th paragraph, 3rd line U.K should be UK. (I always love the polite separation of the UK and Europe.)

(I think Mylar is a brand name, maybe it should be noted. Still no idea about laws in the US. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> )

I?d put a warning somewhere for the avarege user like this: Save this kit for emergencies, do not use up supplies for everyday needs! Or have two, and leave one of them intact!

So that means there?s no need for real changes here for me, just cosmetics. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I'm with you aardwolfe on lobbying Transport Canada on the survival stuff. If you've looked at the new TC regs for survival gear required onboard general aviaiton aircraft, you will know how totally useless they are.

I also firmly believe there should be ground school training for all private and recreational pilots in how best to crash or ditch. And then, how to survive once the unthinkable has happened.

The terrain, out my way, is extremely unforgiving and the weather, 5 months of the year, is constant rain at just above freezing temperatures. Yet, most pilots I know don't even carry rain gear. There is a huge amount of education that needs to be done. Lately, I have begun to think I should become more active in this area.

another "cosmetic" change :
at the end of the first "page" of the Instructions leaflet (the one with the STOP symbol), please replace "surive" with "survive".
Hell, one more "v" won't cost much !!! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

How about one of these:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/sto...productId=54932

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/sto...productId=66264

I wonder what the weight of that extra "v" is??

Paramedicpete,
Thanks for the links. I will have to look into the abandon ship bags. The smaller one looks to be about the right size and with the ACR name behind it the quality should be there.

Oh great, more money to spend on survival equipment, no wonder we're perpetually broke <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Before you buy, search Ebay and other marine outfitters for those products. You may be able to find them cheaper. Pete

at a glance, I would say half a "w" ......

It's a little embarrassing when even our foreign friends catch this and we all missed it. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Thanks

Do you belong to any organisation that needs speakers for their monthly meetings? Or are there any aviation related events (e.g. fly-in breakfasts) at which you could arrange a guest speaker? Maybe some of the SAR Techs from Comox, or members of the local SAR or CASARA chapter would be willing to put up a display or give a talk on the importance of being prepared?

My experience was that most pilots will balk at carrying a lot of extra "stuff" that they hope they never have to use, but a small survival kit that will fit in their flight bag (or even better, in their shirt pocket) is something that won't add to their W&B calculations. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi aardwolfe,

Other than COPA, I don't belong to any aviation organizations. The idea of pulling together some resources such as SAR Techs and other experts is a good one. If I had the time I would probably pursue it, but right now I am up to my ears...actually make that over my head...developing flight school management software. It's a huge project and I simply can't afford to spread myself any thinner than I already am.

Once this project is complete...probably in another year...I would be much more willing to look at some survival related projects. We should talk more on this subject in the future.

Frenchy:

If you do the printing with a Henweigh, it will probably be less.

Bountyhnunter

Huh? Whats a henweigh??

About 2 lbs.

/sorry

<img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Gee, I wonder where they might find one of those?

Oh, and BTW, I do give talks on this subject area and my rates are pretty reasonable: <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> http://www.dougritter.com/

I have a kit just like that. Bought it from some guy named Doug. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

There's nothing special about it. You know the text by head, and haven't really red with your eyes, just "mimed". <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Only the fresh (novice, first time) reader would notice that. Like Coco-Cola. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Btw last time I didn't read your updated FAQ. It has the detailed section about the -non-threataning- issue of the scalpel blade and compass. But all the pictures show the old way of packing.

Would you mind if I list my other -not text relevant- thoughts in here?

ROFL <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Sure, feel free. Please note that I am leaving on a field exercise and likely won't be able to respond until next week.

We are aware of the photos issue. Just a huge logistical and coordination effort required to get new ones done and only about a few dozen folks would appreciate it. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It is on the list, for sure.

Yeah, it just sucks how that work thing always seems to get in the way <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Dern it all, I wanted to see if I could catch Frenchy on that one.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hi Doug.. Under the fire-making instructions there is a puzzling mention of 'lay pencil lead to pencil-sized kindling.' Perhaps this could be clarified.. cheers, Peter Rattenbury.

..... you did ........ <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Doug
Are you possibly going to start up your own survival school?Possibly within the next year?If so sign me up...
BOATMAN
John

Doug,

I've read your instructions in detail and find them well written. My only suggestion might be to delete any superfluous language to make room for more tips.

In one example of what I mean, I submit this - Under "Water & Food" lies this statement, "Your body is approximately 60% water." IMHO, that statement could be considered superfluous and the user better served by more instructions on first aid, fishing, etc... There are other examples...

M

I haven't heard that one in a long time. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

This isn't really a guess -- it's more in the line of a suggestion. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Have you ever considered putting together an Urban PSK? Although urban dwellers don't need firestarters & fishing line (generally speaking), we do have our own set of needs. It would also have an infinitely (well, for some definition of infinite) larger potential audience, given that crazy post-industrial tendency for people to live in cities. I'm thinking of something with no blades, so it's acceptable in secure office buildings, courthouses, etc. (Perhaps it could even avoid the ire of the TSA?)

Contents might include:

1) Bladeless multitool
2) N95 particle mask
3) LED light
4) CPR mask
5) Basic meds
6) Basic bandages
7) Parachute cord
8) Whistle
9) Mini glowstick
10) Basic instructions, including how to get out of a trapped elevator

I'm thinking of something small enough to fit in a pant pocket, so it's always available.

OK, here are my guesses: <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

1. a fixed version of the RSK within the next two years.
2. a larger version of the PSP within the next two years.
3. an emergency shelter/bivy within the next three years.
4. a laser or strobe signalling device within the next three years.
5. the RSB (Ritter Survival Book) within the next five years.

Any hits? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[edit: added #4]

A TSA approved Travelers Survival Kit (a TSA TSK?) including non-threatening items for commercial airline travel (i.e., smoke hood, belt cutter, clothing tips, etc.) that will pass muster at any airport security checkpoint.

The press release date will be 9/11/2005

Hi Doug,

I just finally picked up a couple of your kits this last weekend at a gun show. I want to thank you for providing us all with such a quality product.

My feedback does not concern the contents nor the survival instructions, which I feel are top notch. My two comments concern the card insert behind the pack itself, in the retail package.

First, it has words saying, "Bonus! Lifesaving Information Inside" and an arrow pointing ... down? Hmm... okay, whatever. I threw the card away with the retail packaging, but only after being sure to read every bit of information on both the front and the back ... TWICE! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> I was trying to be careful and meticulous and completely missed the bonus material. I assumed the bonus material was the written survival instructions in the pak.

It was not until after I had read both the enclosed sheets twice each and let it percolate in my head for awhile that I remembered that you were supposed to have added some suggestions for additonal gear. I went back and re-read and didn't find it. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> If I had not had a second unopened package, I would not have had a second chance to examine the card insert.

Okay, I'm stupid. Or dense. Or something. But I would at least like to think I can't be the only one. Do you think it might be possible to make it read, "Bonus! Lifesaving Info Inside This Card" or cut the front or back fold differently than the other so the fact that there is an inside inside becomes more apparent to people like me? <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Second, my girlfriend looked at the card and said, "What? Do a lot of people get lost in Idaho & Montana?" It was kind of cute, but, well, why is there a map there? Do all AMK products have that map? Is it part of their branding? Or, could you simply put a picture of the front of the pack there behind the pack itself? That's all you probably need to help in repacking. An exploding diagram is probably not required, because the flat items are just too obvious.

That's it. Again, thanks and congratulations on a job too long needed and very well done indeed!

Stay safe,
J.T.