I'm going to go against the grain here, with new-for-me concept. I don't need all that gear to get the hell out. Seriously, I've known this for a long time, but this morning it really kicked in. I ran 10 miles this morning. I think that's far enough to get out of immediate danger. Maybe not far enough to be in a a totally safe zone, but it's probably a good start in getting there.
I don't carry a E&E kit, and haven't for a long time. Now, there are things that I have in my vehicle, which are mainly tools to fix vehicle issues, gas can, large container for water, etc. Also, there are things that I carry every day like extra glasses, water bottles, asprin, a couple knives like a SAK and a Delica. These things I carry in a lumbar pack, mainly because it's small and messinger bag like. I don't consider this BOB stuff, though.
The other thing that I have with me every day is my running/gym gear. The ability to move efficiently and quickly and cover long distance is the main thing I would need.
So, really, my E&E kit is essentially my running shoes. To build on the concept of "Me" being the only necessity I "need" to E&E, here's what I carried on my run today:
Gregory Wassatch running pack.
Wallet, keys, phone, pen
Spyderco Delica
Protein Bar, $.99 trail mix pack
16oz water bottle w/ Propel mix
Glasses, and sun Glasses
Go Lite running hat
That's what I had this morning, and the Propel mix was more than enough to get me 10 miles, with half the bottle remaining. After the run, I ate the trail mix.
I will add 1 cravat, 1 roll of gause, an extra pair of socks, and a zip loc bag to hold stuff that cannot get wet. I have a ultra-light water resistant pull-over that could also go in there. I could also add a few more Propel packets and food bars, water-pur tablets, maybe a little larger water bottle, a compass, a bic lighter, a few feet of 550 cord, but that's about it.
I'm not saying that everyone doesn't need the redundant knives, water, food, guns, clothes, bomb-proof pack, etc. I'm just saying that I feel like I don't need all that stuff, and that I'm confident that I can move light and fast for a long time with just my stuff, weighing under 5lbs.
Now, the thing that I don't take into consideration is getting injured, other than being able to sling an arm or stop bleeding with the cravat and gause. But, I think any of us with a serious mobility injury would be in trouble, even with any amount of gear.
EDIT:
I should also say that we all have different requirements because of location, weather, realistic disasters, etc. I'm in central Florida. The weather is mild, although rain is an issue all year long, heat is an issue most of the year, and cold is an issue off and on for just a few months. It's also not the big city here, nor is it rural with vast stretches where you see no signs of human existence. It's overall suburban. there are plenty of places to get out of the sun and rain, to get water, and to hide from people if need be. You can even get some type of food just about anywhere in the entire state.
Very nice equipment. :thumbup: