The regular Mini-Maglite is needlessly heavy. I don't understand why people still buy those, there are much nicer lights (i.e. the Fenix brand comes to mind, or other generic equivalents) out there for the price, and they are lighter as well.
I considered a head lamp. But there are things a mini-mag lite can do that a headlamp can't. I don't consider the weight at all. I can't obsess over a couple ounces. I'll probably cut the list above down anyway, and shave some weight that way, but the benefits of the mag lite, both in the kit and
out of the kit are greater than the headlamp for me. Given the funds, I'd go for a Surefire light, but I don't have the funds.
A good headlamp with spares batteries is one of the essentials you must absolutely never be without. Bring it everytime you hike, even during the day. Don't rely on the Photon only. You could use NiMH rechargeables but bring alkaline as backups (or Lithium for multiday trips or during the winter).
Handy, yes. Essential? No. I don't move in the dark, period. It's too easy to get injured in the dark. I have serious and permanent damage to a knee from putting a foot in a gopher hole in the dark in the Army. I have painful arthritis in both knees as a result of that one injury. So, essential? No. If I'm in a survival situation, I'm not risking injury to move around after dark. The maglite can be made into a lantern by standing it in its head, and provides good enough area light to accomplish in camp tasks.
It's not as hard as many people think to survive a few days in the wilderness. It mostly depends on your mindset. In the winter, there's nothing like spending a whole night around a fire and just enjoying the wind and snow falling down. I do this often with a buddy of mine, we build a fire, collect tons of firewood, sit down on our foam pads and just chat and laugh until 4 am.
I agree here. And I've stayed out with far less in far harsher conditions none the worse for wear. Now, toss in a blizzard, rain/thunder storm, or serious injury. Not so cozy. I've got no fear at all of surviving a simple outing.
The only thing we use to "survive" is proper clothing, a foam pad, a compass, a GPS, fire-starting material, a Bahco Laplander saw and some whiskey (beer has a tendency to freeze... lol).
I'll pass on the whiskey. =)
Try to keep it simple. It's very easy to go overboard especially if you browse these forums for too long.
Too true! Expensive, too.
I wouldn't bother with the metal cup, the larger knives, the sharpener, the firesteel (you have a Bic and the Spark-Lite already), the poncho (I prefer a Gore-tex jacket), the spork (unless you planned your meal and really need it). Also, careful with the containers and pouches. More weight. Maxpedition stuff is extremely rugged and great for some uses but for a recreational hiker, there are much lighter alternatives.
metal cup: stays. I just like metal cups, what can I say?
larger knife: goes. I just picked up a Benchmade mini-grip, which is more than sufficient for most cutting tasks. I'll likely skip the multitool, though the pliers could be handy. I may sub in a SAK, because I like 'em, and having an extra knife in a zipped up pocket is probably a good idea in case the one clipped on my pants loses itself.
firesteel: goes, good points
spork: has multiple uses, is relatively flat, and weighs almost nothing. I think I'll keep it. Heck, even if I don't eat with it, I may need to use it to dig a cat hole. (one of the things the fixed blade could help with)
Sharpener: stays. I just like having a little sharpener to carry around, whether for this purpose or in general.
The Maxpedition piece in question is made of heavier material than need be, but is not a large piece itself. It's just a water bottle holder with a pouch on the outside. I'd never carry one of their packs. Still, I'm considering just ditching it for a small pack like the REI Stoke 19. (
http://www.rei.com/product/762532)
I'm going to ditch both the fishing kit and the snare wire. I really won't be going out far enough to be stuck for three weeks without some other human stumbling across me. Besides, I can live off my fat for FAR longer than 3 weeks.
I'll probably just augment the first aid kit with more of the same type of envelopes rather than repackage some liquids. Flatter, less weight, and even though the others may have a shorter shelf life, I can suck up the sting and use the hand sanitizer as a backup in case the packs are all dried up and I need to sanitize an injury.
Thanks for the input! Much good food for thought.
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