ON-BODY:
For PSK, I think the mini bic and mag block are enough fire. I think the Kick, Vise, and Sak are a bit much, I don't think the Vise is bringing much to the table, I would stick to the Kick and SAK, though I hope the SAK has scissors, which are handy sometimes.
I've ditched the magnesium bar and taken out the SAK. I moved the Buck folder from the main pack to here instead.
The mini-Mag you may want to upgrade, there are superior options for the size/weight/battery, but it is up to you and what you are comfortable.
Working on it!
NAVIGATION:
Nothing wrong with that, especially since Ritter PSK has a backup compass. Try to waterproof map when possible, or store in waterproof container.
I've got the map and compass in a Coglan's waterproof map bag.
LIGHT:
A solid addition, especially to a daypack. Keep the extra-batteries to a minimum, with only maybe 1 extra set, use freshly charged rechargeables for the primary battery load, that way, you know are starting with a full charge.
Good idea. More load lightening. Thanks!
FAK:
I would add some Tick Tweezers (I like these better than AMK's tweezers), both for ticks and splinters,some benadryl, for critter bites that give a bad reaction. An ACE bandage for a sprain. I might only take 1 triangular as I don't anticipate major gashes (but you never know), and I can improvise a pressure dressing with the bandanas, think about the accidents that are most likely to happen and plan accordingly.
The kit has a small tensor in there and I've changed the tweezers. I like 2 triangulars for splinting, slinging and donuts, and bandanas for pressure bandages. They're light and small.
SHARPS:
I have no really problems with this, a fixed is better, but a folder is sufficient, and a Sierra is good for gathering wood and making shelter. I might add a metal bladedtrowel, as it can dig cat holes, firepits, channel water away from shelter, dig out root vegetables, etc, but it is not an absolute necessity.
I debated that but they're heavy and I can improvise.
SHELTER:
I really think this is too much. I would go with 1 poncho and 1 groundsheet (tyvek, garbage bag, painter's tarp, etc). The poncho will keep you dry, and the sheet will waterproof a shelter. The Wool blanket is alot for a daypack. a Watchcap and down vest would be better for warmth and less bulky, depending on the temps. I would lose the blanket, add a cap, down or fleece vest, work gloves (hand protection good), and a spare of wool socks (wet feets bad) and undies (accidents do happen) in a small stuffsack. Imagine your temporary shelter, and your extended shelter (and then practice them). For a night or two, you can away with a sitting on a groundcloth under a tree nested in a poncho and heatsheet (especially with the vest,gloves, and cap, and especially if you stuff the area with leaves or pine needles), in most conditions this should suffice. If you need anything more elaborate, you can construct something with the saw and sheet. You may want to add a FEW nails and tent stakes (like 4 nails and 2 stakes) to help secure lines.
I upgrade clothing in the winter, but for these few months the ponchos will keep us dry when hiking and we use the blanket frequently for lunch, etc. It also helps pad the bag.
WATER/FOOD:
Looks good, I would add a nesting stainless steel cup and some teabags, though I guess you can also brew the kleen kanteen, but I believe in easy warm liquids.
I took the canteen cup out in favour of the kleen kanteen because I can store water in it. I agree about warm drinks, but I don't like tea as much as hot chocolate.
A piece of aquarium tubing (for water collection) and a small sieve with a coffee filter or three or cheese cloth for filtering particulates can make water collection and consumption easier.
I've got a filter in one of the water bottles, and it's got a built-in straw so should work the same.
I would add some hydration tables or electrolyte mix in case of dehydration, and a pack of koolaid (crystallite, etc) to kill the taste of treated water.
mmMMM. Cherry koolaid. Tang...
FIRE:
Birthday candles can melt, be sure to bag them. I am a big fan of the shoe polish tin with lint and petroleum jelly, (though a bag of lint and boot polish is pretty damn good too) but go with what you are comfortable with.
They're in a well-sealed match safe with some strike-anywheres.
MISC.
I don't really have a problem with these. A hat for sun and rain protection is a good idea, as are sunglasses.
I ALWAYS wear a hat and sunglasses when I'm on the trail. I did throw my extra glasses (in hard case) in though.
Cell phones are good, cell phones with gps are better (but more expensive). Don't forget good old change and a calling card in case the phone dies and you happen upon a payphone (or a vending machine). Carry a battery charger for your phone and put your phone in a waterproof sack so it is less likely to die.
Added a few quartes and put the phone in a waterproof bag. Thanks!
A pad and pencil can be good, both for messaging, and to remind you what you used and didn't use, or wish you had brought.
Good idea. Thanks!
Some needle, thread, super glue (be careful with glue, it leaks), and safety pins can be handy for blowouts in gear or clothing, and add little to bulk or weight. A deck of cards can help with the boredom of waiting, and help distract the mind.
Nice. Thanks!
Hope you find this helpful,
Crowe
Indeed! Thanks!
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