I would also keep the matches, simply because they weigh very little and they make starting a fire very simple task as most folks know how to operate them without any specific skills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdbG_lMrBuk

A box of Swan Vesta's strike anywhere matches will give around 80 lights and can be waterproofed by dipping the heads of the matches in wax. A section of butyl bicycle inner tube can then be wrapped around the match box.

http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/tesco-pri...as_Matches.html

A small air tight metal tin such as a used boot polish tin to keep cotton balls soaked in Coleman White gas, is also useful as a last ditch fire making tinder. A packet of Esbit Tabs also make for a useful fire starters in cold and wet conditions.

I also like to include a miniature AAA powered Laser with a lithium battery for signaling as signal mirrors really only work during sunny daylight hours.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/30mw-532nm-stars-light-show-special-effects-green-laser-pen-1-aaa-30654

I would also replace the AAA maglite with a suitable replacement such as the Tank007 TK-360

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/tank007-tk-...-1-cr123a-19183

The CR123 cell has a much higher capacity and this flashlight is very good value for money. The focus optics head can be removed and used as a wide area light and for SOS signaling.







Edited by Am_Fear_Liath_Mor (07/05/11 12:31 AM)