I was just reading the above posts about a response pack...... was not sure what this was so had a search and found a review on bcuk on snug pack response pack. Over xmas I bought something similar to enable me to just use my pack for my sleep system and put all my essentials in the bum bag type pouch so I could wander off and have stuff to hand but leave my pack at camp. So I think I may be in the process of setting up a response pack unless I have missed something.
I have got my hygene kit in there, which now I'm thinking is a bit daft as this could stay with my pack.
Have I missed something or have I inadvertently created a response pack? ie enough stuff to get by if you lost your main pack?
Basically, yes. A "response pack" is a cut down version of your kit.
You can leave your main pack (with your main gear) at your camp site, and take your response pack on a day hike. That way you have at least some degree of:
1) Water collection/purification
2) Shelter/cover (mini poncho or some mylar blankets)
3) Fire lighting (even if that's just a ferro rod, tube of matches or a lighter)
4) Tooling (knife, saw etc)... assuming you don't keep that on your belt separately anyway.
5) Minor first aid (I just keep a good healthy supply of plasters, as well as one roll of gauze bandage and a roll of micropore tape in mine)
6) Navigation (if relevant)
7) Cordage (I carry a good amount
on my packs, in the form of a "grab strap wrap")
And any other comforts you feel like having in there.
Up to now I haven't bothered taking my response pack to the group meets because we haven't really been out rambling away from camp. That's going to be changing for me as of this meet, though... new pack and new system I'll be testing over the next few weekends which will change the way I do things quite significantly