[FreedomFarmer]

A funny thing happens to a culture on it's way to civilization. The Merchant and Service class, emulating perceived uperclass attributes, place their basic needs in the hands of an imported labor class, and eschew the very survival techniques and equipment they once mastered.

The very explorers and adventurers of all races that settled this land would be shocked to know how helpless their children have become.

[dirtboy]

54 Items? You've got a lot bigger pockets than I do. I think I'd get some funny looks at work if I strolled in with all that gear stuffed into my trousers.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

The very explorers and adventurers of all races that settled this land would be shocked to know how helpless their children have become.

Especially if they could see what we are going to do to Saddam in a total duration of about 2-1/2 minutes.

[MineralMan]

Just don't try to carry that kit on an airline flight.

[Conspiracy Guy]

This would be good for a neophyte but I wear my Leatherman Wave and could get by on much less than your list.

[RightWhale]

Cotton lint

Got that one. Got the fishooks, too, although my plan with fish is to entice them within reach and hit them with a rock.

[CholeraJoe]

3 sq. ft. of heavy duty aluminum foil

Perfect size for a hat.

[Focault's Pendulum]

Is that a Pocket Emergency Survival Kit....or are you just happy to see me?

[GingisK]

Wire Saw with 2 finger rings

I've yet to find one of these that can actually survive more than ten cutting strokes. Either the rings distort, break off, or the wire "blade" breaks.

I have opted for a bodatious Swiss Army Knife with saw blades. Those small folding saws are even better.

[PackerBoy]

Amen. But half this stuff would get you hauled in for questioning if you took it to a local municipal court building or airport.

We are the Nanny State now. We no longer fend for ourselves, nor we allowed to do so.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Are you a boy scout? I would have trouble carrying all that stuff -- but your idea is good.

[yarddog]

I keep a gym bag full of emergency survival gear.

I am glad this was posted because it reminds me to go through it and replace any items which might be getting old. It has actually been a couple of years since I looked at it. I have forgotten exactly what is in it but one thing is a Beretta model 70 with 200 rounds of .22 and a spare mag.

[Eala]

Might help to read up on how to make effective snares, too.

[Capriole]

One condom?

There are a number of remarks I could make at this juncture but none of them befit a lady.

[OXENinFLA]

The condom is capable of holding 2 gallons of water.

Well I learn something new every day, I didn't think this would be it.

[templar]

everything listed is good, but too many items for my practical everyday use. I can survive on what I carry all the time:
1 knife. Usually two knives. I always carry the Stiff K.I.S.S. It's mounted in its sheath sideways next to my belt buckle. Can draw it from any position that gets my hands in front of me at waist height. One handed draw and re-sheathing. Part serrated blade can make an instant job of cutting rope, webbing (like a seat belt), brush, opponents, etc. Also always keep a one hand opening clip folder in my rear pocket.
2 fire starter. I keep the magnesium/flint bar type on my keychain. Short piece of hacksaw blade taped to its side to make sure I am never seperated from a steel edge to shave the magnesium and make sparks.
<3>Gerber plier tool. It can be opened and closed (to the plier position) with one hand. Has everyhting nescessary for emergency tool use and it's very durable (Really. I was trapped between floors in an elevator at a stadium once when electricians working on the electric decided to disconnect the main power and then go to lunch. I was able to disassemble the door from inside and squeeze out between the floors).

Not quite all the time, but usually when I'm in my rugged clothes (as opposed to sunday go to meeting clothes)
Rappelling/evacuation belt (I like the Wilderness instructor belt. It works well as a gun belt as well and looks nice for regular wear in place of your leather pants belt)
Rapelling/rescue line (usually 50 ft) 1/4 inch (or 8mm)
Mini figure 8 decender (SMC escape 8).
Extra long heavy duty laces in my boots (tourniquets, emergency prusik, etc.)

I admit it's not totally comprehensive, but it can provide the resources needed to cope with just about everything, and it's not something that's in the way or difficult to carry. I think I'll add the suggested emory paper to my wallet. I can see several uses for that, including polishing an aluminum or steel can or scrap to make a signal mirror.

[TexasBarak]

Let's see- in my pockets right now are my keys (with several key rings that could be useful), some change and a a couple of dollar bills (useful for measuring small items, as they are exactly six inches long), my utility pocketknife (with short serated blade, opens with my thumb, and gets used constantly), and my "tool kit" knife (swiss army, with pliers, assorted other tools, and two *very* sharp blades). Since I know how to make cord from natural materials (I"m not very good at it, but i do know how), and the basics of how to build archery equipment from natural materials, I'd say that I'm pretty well equipped.
Never forget- a "survival knife" is whatever knife you have in your pocket when a survival situation happens.

[ErnBatavia]

The condom is capable of holding 2 gallons

Maybe when I was younger....sigh

[Pagey]

Interesting. The sarcastic screener at the airport may ask you: "Hey what do you have in your Pocket, A Refugee Shrimper and His Entire Family"? Ahhhhh LOL

[Quix]

GREAT. THANKS.

Learned in Mainland China to carry backpack with us at all times. We never knew where we'd be nor for how long. And when Tienanmen came along . . .

I think at least a fanny pack should be part of getting dressed these days.

[chuknospam]

bump for later review