Moe M, Did you ever do a break down of that day bag? I'd be interested.
I've mentioned it a time or two but never did a run down of the contents, First off my most used bag is my regular mild weather day pack, it's a Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack shoulder bag, very compact and comfortable, the body of the bag has the main compartment and in back of that is another that's made for carrying a handgun, there's a zippered compartment on the top of the bag's cover, and there are two outer pockets, one on either side, a pocket on the front outside, and another in the inside of the lid, it's simple but has a lot organizational properties.
List of what I can remember.
Stainless 38oz. Nalgene in left side pocket.
Mics, small tools and bacho folding saw in right side pocket.
My head lamp and spare batteries and Sawyer mini filter with rolled up water bag in top pocket.
First aid kit, bug wipes, TP, wet ones, and two Mylar blankets in front zippered pocket.
Compass in small pocket on shoulder strap.
Spare fire steel in the opposite strap pocket.
A construction sized HD Trash bag and vinyl cutting board, and small blue foam sit/kneeling pad in the rear pocket of the bag (handgun pocket)
In the main body of the bag.
Spare fixed blade knife (Mora #2 classic)
Flashlight, eye glasses, pen/writing paper, SAK Farmer, all in small pockets on the inside.
My .750ML Toaks Ti cook pot and small bowl, alcohol stove, stand, windscreen, pot chain, two 2oz. bottles of fuel nested in pot and cased in a mesh bag.
5'x7' Tarp or 5'x7' poncho with ridge line and cordage and six Titanium stakes.
Utensils for cooking and eating in small bag.
Mesh food bag with enough dried food, coffee, tea, seasonings, cooking oil, a small vial of dish soap and a couple of power bars to last for 72 hours if rationed.
Small leather camera case containing shaved fat wood, candle stub, ferro rod, and several types of tinder, and a few fish hooks, fish line can be made from gutting the spare paracord cordage.
Tied to the outside of the bag.
pair of leather gloves.
a kirska drinking cup.
a Whistle, compass, thermometer, and magnifying lens.
A heavy cotton wood carrier with handles is tied to the bottom of the pack, serves as wood carrier, sitting, kneeling pad, and whatever.
Note: my first aid kit contains supplies plus medications, a spare Bic lighter, hand sanitizer, and a signal mirror.
The whole 'kit' except for water weight weighs about ten pounds give or take a few ounces, I'm sure I may have forgotten some small things, but that's about it, if you have any questions just ask.