If two is one and one is none, then is four too much?

[IfInDoubt]

Sorry about the lame title, but having just watched an episode of the always great value for money American Doomsday Preppers, where some good ‘ole boy was banging on about how one is none etc regarding redundancy in preps it got me thinking about my own kit.

When fully loaded I carry four of most items, categorised by primary, secondary, back-up and emergency.
Primary and secondary versions are interchangeable and their use depends on what mood I’m in, both are carried in readily available positions in my pack or on my belt. Back up versions are carried inside my pack and are not generally used unless primary or secondary fail; and the emergency variation is what would be in a pocket or two and would only be needed should I lose everything else.

A few of my examples of the top of my head are

1 For overhead Shelter
Primary – Coleman 1 man tent
Secondary – Basha
Backup – Aluminised sportsman’s blanket
Emergency - Painters tarp (2micron sheeting)

2. For First Aid
Primary – Mountain Leader + FAK
Secondary – Trauma Kit (for GSW and traumatic stuff)
Backup – Pocket FAK
Emergency - Duct tape and Celox

3. For Navigation
Primary – GPS
Secondary – Prismatic Marching Compass
Backup – Silva Exped
Emergency - Button compass

My list could go on, but I’m interested in thoughts on this approach or am I just carrying too much stuff (I pretty much apply this theory to all items in my kit, cordage, combustibles, cutting etc etc)

(excuse any formatting errors in my post please)

Remember If In Doubt……..

[hobo]

I go for the rule of 3 myself! 3 sources of food, 3 of water, 3 ways to make fire, etc.

[Quercus-robur]

In principle the more back ups you have the better. Rather than say 'I will have 3 back ups or 4' you should have as many as you can before it becomes impractical. If a 3rd back up is too heavy or bulky then loose it.

Qr

[Trojanhorse]

Im a 3 person to!

[maxilaura]

I watched that same programme yesterday. What about the 10 "C"s

[IfInDoubt]

I watched that same programme yesterday. What about the 10 "C"s

Some very dubious C's in there is I recall ('candling device'...erm..its a torch mate) Up until that point I thought there were only 5 C's no doubt someone will come up with 11 C's soon!

According to Capt Redbeard Rum there are only 6 'C's anyway (sorry. old blackadder joke - i'll get my coat)