So I have gone with a more complete system. I do most of my hiking in New England USA but this has served me well in the UK and New Zealand. This is from a post I wrote for a website over here.
The one thing people ask about the most is the canteen cup. As long as I have a metal cup and can make fire....safe water
Layers, It’s not just for clothes
If you spend any time involved in outdoor pursuits you have heard about the importance of dressing in layers; Base/undergarments, mid/shirts and pants, outer/coat, rainwear, etc. It’s an efficient and flexible way to dress. If you get too cold, put on a layer, if you get to warm, take one off. Depending on the weather you can even add or remove the layers you take with you. Summer? Light mid layer and maybe some rain gear in your pack. Winter in New England? Wicking base, heave mid and heavy outer layer. Plus maybe an extra down puffy coat in your pack.
Well, I started thinking that what is good for clothes is good for survival gear. It’s important to have gear on hand to make the acquisition of at least the big three; fire, water, shelter, a little easier. To that, add psychological comfort and something to help affect rescue and you have a tidy little pile of gear. I am going to speak about what I carry. Everyone has their own personal preferences and habits regarding what they carry into the field so feel free to substitute your bits of kit for mine.
Lets start with a list of the gear then break it down into the layers. Remember, this is survival gear and things that just live in your pack. I am not including things like tents, sleeping bags, stoves and food.
Knife
Whistle
PSK*
Firestarter/matches/lighter
Gloves/bandana
Proper clothes
Tarp/emergency blanket
First aid kit
Headlamp/Flashlight
Water bottle
Canteen
Canteen cup
Para-cord
Extra clothes/rain gear
*PSK contents: Para Cord Wrap, Electrical Tape, Ranger Band, Signal Mirror, Compass, Photon Light, Condom, Needle/Thread, Spark Light, 3-tinder, Snare Wire 3ft, Duct Tape, Steri Strips, Fishing Line, 2-hooks, 2-water purification Tabs, Alcohol wipes, 1-knuckle band, 2-standard band aids, 1-piece paper, Pencil, Razor Blade
Here is how I break it up most of the time:
Layer one (On your person)
Knife
Whistle
Compass
PSK
Firestarter/matches/lighter
Gloves/bandana
Proper clothes
Layer two (In your pack)
Tarp/emergency blanket
First aid kit
Headlamp/Flashlight
Water bottle
Canteen
Canteen cup
Para-cord
Extra clothes/rain gear
The Layer two gear lives in my pack. Depending on the length of time I plan to be out I have a couple of different packs, this gear gets moved from pack to pack and can be added to radically with the trip and the time of the year. a lot of additions in winter when the margin of error is small, less in summer when things are a little friendlier. I also find that if I am heading out with a group that is new to the field I may add extra gear to cover what they may miss.
The Layer one gear is always on my person. This stuff really does not change from trip to trip. Its my “don't leave home without it gear” and is designed to help me with fire, water and shelter even if i am seperated from my pack for some reason.
My wife and I walk frequently in a small patch of woods near our home, if you walk in a straight line in any given direction for less about an hour you will hit a road or a house. Most people that walk here carry nothing with them. Since I seem to be incapable of heading into even the gentlest wood without some gear the layering system works out great for me. All my layer one gear is in my pockets and out of sight. I carry a small shoulder bag or daypack with a water bottle and a first aid kit. If we are heading out for a longer hike, say New Hampshire's Mt Monadnock, I carry the same Layer one load out but add my full Layer two kit to my pack and off we go! That gives me everything we may need to spend the night out in a pinch.
Layering works for your clothes and your gear, taken a step farther Layer three could be hunting gear, fishing gear or backpacking supplies. Layer up and be safe!