Cool. I really think the minimum communication a person should have in an emergency is a simple radio, and your Eton crank radio sounds perfect.

It is much more likely that when people have to bug out, they will be doing so in the event of a disaster be it man made or natural.

I would guess in the U.S. that 99.9 percent of the time the people who maybe trying to triangulate your position from your broadcast would be doing so to locate and rescue you.

In a "Red Dawn" situation, radio silence is a smart idea, but unlikely to happen here.

And at half a pound, I always bring my solarpanel with me, even if it is just to keep my iPod and flashlights running.

I just ordered three of the straws you suggested. I remember seeing them a long time ago and haven't thought about them again until now. I like the idea of something so small for redundant water cleaning. And, I found them for $8. I couldn't afford not to get a few.