The Lean Kit Philosophy
Every item earns its place through multi-use functionality and high probability of actual deployment. If an item only solves one problem, it doesn't make the list. Target weight: 15 lbs.
Water (3 items)
Sawyer Mini squeeze filter
Bacteria + protozoa filtration, 100,000-gallon lifespan, threads onto standard bottles. The single best water item you can carry.
Collapsible 1L water bottle (Platypus)
Folds flat, fills with dirty water for filtering. Carry two.
Water purification tablets (20 count)
Backup treatment. Iodine or chlorine dioxide. Tuck in the filter bag.
Fire (2 items)
BIC lighter (2) + vaseline cotton balls
4 lighters + homemade tinder in a waterproof zip bag. Reliable in wind and rain.
Ferro rod striker
Backup fire starter. Works wet, cold, altitude. Sparks at 5,500°F.
Food (2 items)
Emergency ration bars (6 bars, 2400 cal)
320 calories per bar. 6 bars = 1920 calories. Compact, 5-year shelf life. Spartan Labs or equivalent.
Peanut butter packets (4)
High calorie, no cooking, portable. Add electrolytes with water.
Light (2 items)
Petzl Actik Core headlamp
Rechargeable via USB + AAA backup. 350 lumens, red mode, 50g. The best all-around headlamp.
AA lithium batteries (4) + glow stick (1)
Keep in waterproof container with headlamp spares. Glow stick for long-duration marking.
Medical (5 items)
MyFAK or equivalent trauma kit
Pressure bandage, tourniquet (CAT), wound closure strips, chest seal, gloves. This is not negotiable.
Ibuprofen + immodium + antihistamine
Small amounts of each in zip bags. Pain, GI, allergic reactions covered.
60ml irrigation syringe
Wound flushing. Prevents infection in contaminated injuries.
Mole skin or blister patches (5)
Foot care is mission-critical on long-distance movement. Prevent blisters before they start.
Spare prescription medications (7-day)
In original bottles. Update every 3 months.
Shelter (3 items)
Mylar emergency blanket (2)
Doubles as ground insulation and rain protection. Reflects 90% of radiated body heat.
Packable rain jacket (Patagonia Houdini)
Windproof, water-resistant, 100g. Not fully waterproof but weighs nothing. Acceptable for short-term rain.
Heavy-duty trash bag (2)
Emergency poncho, ground cover, gear protection, water transport. Multi-use king.
Tools & Cordage (3 items)
Leatherman Wave+
The complete package: pliers, knives, saw, file, screwdrivers, wire cutters. 20+ tools in one pocket.
550 paracord (30 ft)
Shelter setup, gear repair, snares, first aid. Cut from a larger spool, keep in a stuff sack.
Duct tape (mini roll, 2")
Gear repair, blister treatment, water sealing. Wrap around a pencil or water bottle for storage.
Communication (1 item)
Emergency radio (Kaito Voyager Pro or Ambient WR-333B) + power bank
NOAA weather, AM/FM, solar + crank. Keeps you informed. Power bank charges your phone.
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