🔎 How it works in real life:
1️⃣ Primary layer — what you normally use
Your regular water bottle, phone with navigation, main flashlight.
2️⃣ Backup — in case something breaks or gets lost
A spare bottle or bladder in your pack, a paper map, a second headlamp.
3️⃣ Emergency minimum — when everything goes wrong
Water purification tablets, a small compass, a mini light or fire starter.
🧠 Why it matters:
Real emergencies rarely come alone — they cascade. Your phone dies → weather turns bad → you lose the trail. Three layers buy you time and clarity to make better decisions.
⚡ Pro tip:
Build a palm-sized “micro kit” you can carry even when you don’t have your main gear — it’s often what saves you.