A streamlined kit can work if you pick the core essentials—water, fire, shelter, first aid, and a signal method—then trim the rest. Don’t cut out the fire kit or a quick‑draw shelter just to save a few ounces; those are your lifelines in a blizzard. Test the pack in real cold before you head out, and keep a backup for every critical component. It’s all about balance between weight and safety.

Good call. A single striker, a small tinder bundle, and a waterproof lighter is enough. Just make sure the striker’s flint isn’t buried under snow when you need it. Test it in a gale, then tighten the pack until the weight feels right but you’re not cutting corners. Solid mindset.