Being an AZ man water is always #1 for me so here goes:

1. Water/water purification(iodine tabs)
a.I have a 32oz nalgene that fits into a stainless steel cup
2. small sil-nlyon tarp or poncho with paracord attached
3. at least 2 ways for fire(lighter, fer. rod etc)
4. small flashlight/headlamp
5. good knife(with stone)
6. good leather gloves
7. small med kit


that is my 2 cents have fun

Tony

Assuming you are very confident you'll only be lost a few days, then I'd say protection from exposure is the big issue:
* Fire kit - magnesium block ferro rod, blast match, bic, candle, lifeboat matches, fresnel lense, tinder (cotton wool in vaseline, pitchwood block). If only one then the blast match. Fire helps with exposure, signalling, sterilization of food and water.
* Insulation, probably a primaloft poncho liner with head slot as you can wear it and sleep in it.
* Stainless or aluminum water bottle and purification tabs - hard to break, you can boil in it if your tabs run out.
* Poncho with attached shock cord and para cord guys - rainwear and shelter/shelter enhancement.
* Knife - something like a SOD, Chopweiler or Steel Heart with stone in sheath. I.e. something you can chop, baton, carve/whittle, butcher/gut with - not necessarily do all of those tasks well, but do them nevertheless.
* Firstaid kit including small light source and mirror (for examining self). Also can be used as more tinder.
* Food bars high calorie - if its only a few days then I reckon you'll be more comfortable at night with some calories to burn and you can easily carry enough bars for a few days. And you save energy by not having to forage/hunt.

is there anything that Andy Wayne does not know about ? I'm amazed. Andy - when will the financial markets test a bottom again or is it all uphill from here ? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I read a lot…

Well, I did go to one of the top 5% business schools in the world, and I took some financial investing & related classes. My teachers were on the boards of several large banks and corporations. Some of my teachers were business heads that had made multi-millions of dollars, as were their guest speakers. We were taught to diversify by buying index funds of the entire NYSE. Over a length of time, it averaged 11-12% returns. But this is only for investments for 10 years (less is riskier) or longer for the returns to average out. If you try to profit from individual stocks, you have to have great timing twice, when you buy & when you sell. Index funds of the entire market are the best balance (for 10+ years) of risk/return.

My advice? Buy steel…INFI, SR-101, & SR-77. Best returns of any investment I’ve seen. Higher returns, lower risk. It’s a win-win. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Add guns and ammo to the steel - They always sell for a good price. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Especially when they are banned. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Andy you are a very well read guy that is for sure. I was just kidding about the stock market thing but if you are related to Warren Buffet then give us the inside scoop !

But since we are talking money I have found that actively managed funds out perform Index funds in the short & long run. I've had pretty good luck over the past 13 years by following the advice of Dan Weiner. Dan owns a website called "The Independent Advisor for Vanguard Investors". I don't follow all of his advice but if you look at his model portfolios you'll see he is right more times than he is wrong even in down markets (compared to the averages).

You aren't kidding about buying and selling Bussekin knives based on what I have seen thus far. I would feel bad about doing that though. Also eventually I have to think the Busse's are going to take their prices way up or look to more of a boutique business model with limited supply and high prices. It won't kill the 3rd party market but it will cripple it.

Andy, and I thought you were gonna say you slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Speaking as on who has all of those, I understand your dilema....better take one of each <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Actually, I just got a DMDC so I think I'll give it a try. Going to be taking the BK-2 outta the back pack- at least for a while. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

thanks for all of the responses...I think I now have a well packed Maxpedition that is ready for hiking/camping/or whatever else might be necessary. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'll continue to add the less important things as I go along. I just added two large garbage bags and several zip-loks as I think they could come in handy.

Now, I just have to wait until September for my trip. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

reading this made me think of a song by jimmy buffet called buddy bear,check it out. lol

WATER! Bring too much!
Hat
Sunglasses
Dress in layers check the temps before heading out. I would wear an outer rain jacket, a long sleeve tee (nylon), a fleece jacket and 2 pairs of socks. I lived in Gunnison Colorado. I have experienced snow and then temp hitting 90 on the same day during the summer!
Deet bug spray. I forgot when the mosquitoes die off.
Flashlight or even better a headlamp (keeps your hands free).
50ft of parachord.
Multi pocket knife.
Compass & map or GPS.
Maybe another pair of socks. (NO COTTON)
High caloric snack. Avoid the over priced (so called) health bars.

!Remember your burning calories sweating your butt off!

!Study & plan route before going and let others know this route and expected return time!

The most important thing is proper cloths and shoes or boots for where your going, after that:

1. full water bottle
2. good multitool
3. metal cup/small pot
4. blast match, or some sort of striker based fire system
5. water purification tabs or filter
6. map/compass
7. headlamp

if you think you might be stuck out there a few days

100ft paracord, a tarp of some kind, blanket of some kind or an emergency blanket to save space, a good camp knife, some food, and a small med kit. that should keep you alive for at least a few days