More often than not, I am reminded of this:



- Quote from Laurence Gonzales: Deep Survival. (Highly recommended reading, by the way).


I try to learn a few tricks from the ultra light crowd, there's a lot of weight and volume to be shed from my packs. What I am missing from these particular UL is the extra layer of protection - as noted earlier in this thread, the equivalent of a PSK kit and some first aid items doesn't offset you by more than a pound or two, but is worth more than its weight in gold when something bad happens.

Those UL hikers have their shelter, hydration and food pretty well covered. But what about a repair kit (some duct tape, sewing needles, cordage, zip ties?)? Signaling? And of course, a knife... the ultimate wilderness multitool.