[slamhound]

Knowing how to use your gear effectively and having plans for the most likely contingencies are way more important than the gear you have, and it's going to vary a lot based on location.

I'm gear nut, so I upgrade my gear a lot. I'm also single with no family or dependents in a large urban area, so I don't really have to have much in my pack. My most (relatively) likely problems are stuff like power outages, problems with water supply, fire, civil disturbances, and personal safety.

I think if you have a local 'safety net' of family and friends along with a good mode of transportation, you can get by with a super simple kit, especially if you're not in an area that's at a high risk for natural disasters.