Hi Paul810,

Welcome to ETS! <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It appears that you have been putting some thought and effort into your kits. As with most of us, you'll probably have discovered that there is no such thing as the ultimate kit, and that they are constantly evolving to meet the users current needs and will continue to improve with time. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

May I suggest that the "Fanny Kit" seems to have all of the compasses in it. It would be advantageous to split them up among the various kits. Redundancy is a great idea, but what if the fanny kit was lost / unretrievable /misplaced / stolen etc. <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Best not to place all the eggs in one basket as the old saying goes.

Regarding the flare pen, please review go to the review section of the ETS site and peruse Doug's reviews on them. You might come away with a different opinion on using them. For myself, if I had one (and room in the kit) I would put it in the kit, but would not want to depend soley upon it. Neither would I rush out to buy one, feeling that the room could be better used by other things.

Re: Firestarting, it is hard to beat the price and availability of the "bic" type lighters, I have several spread out in my kits, however, that said I recently invested in the "Blast Match" which has also been reviewed on this site. Having used it several times, I am impressed with its ability to start a fire.

Re: P-38's ...I have several distributed among the kits, even though there are other methods of opening cans included in the kit. My thought here, is that IF, I had to provide others with the ability to open cans, I would like to keep the other instruments available for my use. Would really not want to end up giving away a useful tool to others that may not know how to use and/or properly care for it.

Perhaps you might want to include Bill Vannersons modified "STOP" document in your kits as well.

Re: fishing kit stuff: Definitely get the "spiderwire" line. You will find that it is thinner and stronger than most other lines around. This means you can carry more & stronger line in the same space as the current low test line in your kit. You will need to learn the "Palomar" knot for use with this type orf line, it is easy. Do a forum search on "knots" & " spiderwire" and you will find several relevant threads about this.

The comment regarding adding more hooks and sinkers being advisable is also appropriate, I even included some swivels as well. Consider adding a big hook or two, 7/0 or 8/0 for use as a gaff or gig on a pole. A lot of fish are lost while being pulled out of the water, using a gaff could increase the success rate. They have other uses as well, put on a long stick you could pull down fruit from trees etc.

Your post did not state whether this was for urban or wilderness use, but in either event, some maps would be appropriate as well. Which maps? Good question...review topographic, street and state maps then make your own conclusions based upon your location, travel intentions, personal knowledge of the area etc.

Just my quick two cents from the peanut gallery. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Regards,
Comanche7