I never understand the food thing either, Liath. Yes, you will live for three weeks without food, but how well will you function? Not to mention the warmth it offers in cold weather or hypothermia situations. Skipping it as part of my EDC? Sure! I also understand the debates over how best to complete a food plan, but not whether or not you need it in a BOB.

For that matter, your entire list is made up of things that bug me when I often hear suggested as a stock answer to people asking for advice on their BOB. I think you're dead on.