Nice minimalist kit <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

A few considerations......

1) A BIC brand butane lighter would not take up a lot of space or add much weight. For many fire starting chores it will be easier to use than the LMF. BIC also makes a "Mini Bic" that is very small.

2) You might consider adding a collapsible Platypus bladder. They take up nearly zero space and can be had in 1L and 2L sizes. This would allow the MIOX to be used to treat some "reserve" essence of life (water).

3) I don't see a FAK. The pouch is probably too small for one, but perhaps a dedicated IFAK pouch too?

4) If you roll duct tape length wise over a business card you'll end up with a very compact (and flat) addition to your kit that literally has millions of uses. Our kits always has 10-15' on a business card (MINIMUM).

Regarding the hammerless S&W....

My wife and I both have S&W 642's (38 +P) because we like the fact they can be carried anywhere. The lack of a hammer means it won't snag when being drawn from deep concealment (like your TAD pouch).

We had 637's (with exposed hammer), but after carrying and training with them traded them toward the hammerless model.

I think your handgun choice is second-to-none for a REAL CCW revolver <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

One more thought....

5) Is there room for some 550 Para Cord (7 strand)?

Architect,

Thanks for the suggestions. I will add a lighter, some paracord and a better compass. I should add a light bladder of some sort. I get what your are saying. The MIOX is not useful without a container to hold the water. Good thought. I always have a main pack with both a water bottle and a hydropack.

I have an ultralight FAK that goes with me everywhere too.

Thanks for the input.

Kuanomar,

We keep these in our "mini kits", because I've found them to be very durable (I've watched videos of people boiling water in them - SERIOUSLY!):

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/platypus/handheld-hydration/platy-bottle/product

They also fold down to almost nothing.

The PlatyBottle can be used a "source reservoir" for a forced feed filtration system if you add a Frontier Pro filter.

http://aquamira.com/preparedness/frontier-pro-filter-system

Let me explain....

You can fill the Platypus 1L or 2L bag with untreated (but prefiltered) source water, and suspend it upside down from a tree/whatever with 550 Cord. The Frontier Pro filter screws on the Platy bag, and gravity flow filters water into your hydropack or bottle below. This allows other chores to be accomplished while refilling your main water source.

One last question - did you include a way to sharpen your knives?

Again - looks like a great start!

"One last question - did you include a way to sharpen your knives?"

I'll just invite Nate (Norcalblacktail) to go hiking with me.

Actually, I have a small pocket sharpener (not pictured). I've thought about adding some DMT stones. I've found that even when dressing out a buck, my knives don't need too much touching up. As for the choppers, I've never used one enough for chopping even degrade the chopping ability.


I'll have to add a 1L Platypus bag.

Added some paracord, a lighter and a better compass (Garmin Colorado).

I plan to add an actual compass too. However, my PSK is starting to get pretty heavy.

I added two sharpeners. I think that I'm at the end of what can go in this PSK. I will add the bladder and a compass.

I always wear a softshell or a hardshell jacket and bring a layer or two. So the right attire plus this PSK should help me stay alive. Also, unless I'm just going for a really short hike, I have a day pack that has some food, water, FAK and more gear.

Very nice <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

kuanomar - Thanks for the run down on your gear.

No problem Silverback. I improved it through suggestions from the yard.

One suggestion for a little more JIC. Duct Tape: It holds the world together. A little trick I learned in AIT, instead of lugging a whole roll around in your BOB equip, tape a few wraps (maybe a yard or two) around a canteen or a knife sheath, that way you always have some when you might need it. It makes a great emergency sling, as long as you don't mind pulling a few hairs out to get it off, and Gods know what other myriad uses you could come up with for it.