The Hill People Gear Kit Bag is a great pack to carry a minimal kit. It's primarily marketed as a way to carry a handgun so when I see one I automatically think "gun"...but other folks use them differently. It's a chest rig, and there are several models from smaller up to fairly large. My buddy gave one to his dad who has Parkinsons, he uses it to keep his meds and stuff he needs to keep on him.

Even with a sidearm you could still easily fit a light, knife, pair of space blankets, cordage, BIC lighter, a bit of tinder, a compass, etc. When overloaded it's not super comfortable but up about five pounds it's not bad at all.

It does look pretty tactical but they make one for SAR that looks much "sportier".