How importantly important is redundancy to you?

[eastr77]

In regards to psk's? Why not have multiple psk's with the same supplies in each? Even still do you double up on knives, lighters,lights, guns when you camp/backpack? when does it become excessive/paranoid? Just wondering if anybody else is like me and likes to have multiple backups

i like to have 2 of eveything:thumbup: i always beleive if you like it buy another before they change or discountue it.

 

[elkins45]

I'm just curious what circumstances people envision that will force them to use their backups. Some things are obvious, matches and bic lighters can get wet, compasses can break, but what about knives? Are you worried you'll break your knife, that it'll fall out of the sheath, that the sheath will break, that you'll just forget it somewhere? I've seen some kits with 3 or more knives, and I just see the point in having more than 2.

I mean, I carry a SAK in addition to my belt knife, but mainly for the thin blade for cleaning fish and the saw, I'm probably more likely to lose or break the SAK anway. But other important stuff (e.g. water purification tabs, firestarter) I just keep in a pouch on my belt so I won't be separated from it.

1) Big fixed blade workhorse, cheap Mora backup, folder in my pocket makes three. The fixed blades are almost always inside my pack unless I'm in bear country. Then I lash the longest knife I own to my pack straps. Intellectually I know the chances of defeating an aggressive bear with a big knife are practically zero, but it makes me feel better.

2) Hey, I like knives!

 

[Plainsman]

I call it "layering"!! I have "layers" of gear and each 'layer' adds a little more gear, but still has the basics in case I'm 'stuck' with only one piece or have the option to give a layer to somebody else in need as well.

Primary layers is daily carry no matter what I'm doing including sitting at a desk:
Bracelet braided with about 20' of 550 Paracord with a BSA Sparklight and Vic Classic attached.
Becker Necker in my pocket with a button compass, BSA Sparklight and striker on lanyard which is an extension of about 15' of 550 Paracord wrapped around the grip. A Fox 40 whistle and spare Jeep keep is bound to the sheath and I have about 3' of duct tape wrapped around the sheath.
Vic OHT-One Handed Trailmaster (Old enough to have the original name) in the the other pocket.
Pocket Survival tool in my wallet.
Is this getting "redundant" enough yet!?!

Layer two is a belt kit, plenty of firestarters (MFS, matches, Bic lighter, tinder) folding knife, compass and more gear inside. Chances are I'll also have a big fixed bladed belt knife with a small kit in the pouch or attached as well.
Layer three is a shoulder pouch with more firestarters, Mora knife or such that I switch to, compass and extra gear.
Layer four is a hydration pack with more firestarters, larger fixed bladed knife and folder, compass and more gear with the addition of food, water, etc.
Layer five would be my main pack with all the above and more yet for whatever I'm doing.
Lastly, I'll have a kit of some kind of basics INSIDE any long gun I happen to be toting. I won't get into specifics as some have small spaces and only have a couple of items up to my Survivor Stocked 12ga which is a mini kit in itself!

Needless to say, if I have problems with something not working or getting wet or getting lost, I should have a backup somewhere!