Minimalist kits usually reflect a specific need or mindset and not the real world. Miniature compasses and knives were developed in WW2 for E&E behind enemy lines, with concealment the main consideration. There is also a strange ego game called " I can survive on less than you can" with our hero standing like some nude Arnold Swartzenegger with only a knife. Or, it's variation " I can make my kit smaller than yours by using .22 shells as whistles and dental floss for rappelling." Well knock yourselves out fellas, Ill see you in the real world. It's scary enough contemplating self preservation with a small tin of basics. The absolute bare bones survival kit seems to be a decent knife and a metal match carried by a VERY WELL TRAINED PACTITIONER . My pockets are crammed with goodies and spare knives down my boot tops the minute I leave Terra Congnita.Trouble with people playing with your gear?Try a semi arcane word in today's society-NO.