I like to keep the essentials as light as possible to allow space for specialty items. Hammers and chisels for rock hounding, rope and protection for mountaineering, photography expeditions, or carrying extra water for volunteer work in the desert (http://www.nomoredeaths.org). If you are just starting out and on a budget, focus on staying warm, dry and cushioned both when hiking and at night in the tent. That will get you 80% of the way there just focusing on those items.
Items seen below include an ice axe, micro spikes for hiking on icy snow, walking stick with duct tape dispenser, Tri-band two-way radio, high quality headlamp, fly fishing rod and tackle, solar battery charger, usb reading light, spotting scope, some medical kit items, padded seat and custom made pillow case that I'll stuff clothes in.
Below is the kitchen, bathroom, and electronics kit. Notable items include the titanium stove in the orange packet, two flexible water bladders, mosquito head net, compass, titanium cookware, large battery bank.
Any questions or things to add, drop a comment below!
