I only carried basic gear before, since I'm hunting the high peaks region of the adirondacks this year i've put alot more thought into a survival pack. In fact my first scouting trip up hear damn near ended with a night in the woods, I was carring my basic pack (fire, a little food, 2 way radio, knife) that would have been one uncomfortable night. Now my "deep" pack is set with "comfort" and survival in mind. I too use MRE's. One for lunch and one for emergency.