Often times we think that our enemies will be self-evident, and usually, they are, but not always.
Sometimes we will find it necessary to fight an enemy that we failed to plan for. It is important for us to plan for as many adversaries as possible, even though it may be impossible to cover them all.
When putting together our kits for survival we tend to focus on the root needs, those determined by the rule of threes, at least we should. One thing all of us need to consider is the personalization of our kits to address any specific needs we may have. Often times it is overlooked or sparsely addressed when discussing the contents of our kits.
Factors to consider when personalizing your kit include medical conditions, environment, and special needs to name the most obvious.
Medical conditions
Probably the least forgotten because those with them are acutely aware, but none the less, it is critical to include whatever medicines are necessary for you to deal with your individual conditions. Unfortunately, a large number of us are on antidepressants, can you go 3 days without them?
Environment
In the NW we have a diverse set of ecosystems ranging from the high deserts of central Oregon to the coastal regions to the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula. These various regions will require different areas of additional preparations. They present their own specific weather, flora and fauna issues. Do you need to consider bears or rattlesnakes?
Special needs
This is definitely on an individual basis, these will include eyeglasses (contacts), hearing aids, knee braces, and orthotics. These may seem benign to some but to those that depend on them, life without them will be miserable if not dangerous.
Sometimes the simplest omission can spell disaster. For example this last weekend we were out in the Santiam Wilderness doing long-range dead reckoning exercises, something everyone should practice.
We stopped for lunch and picked a spot near a downed tree to settle in and eat. One of us dropped our pack directly on a yellow jacket nest, needless to say, they were pretty upset and I was stung a number of times clearing the area. Four times on my hand and twice on my eyelid. Now I am not allergic to bees or yellow jackets specifically so there wasn’t any immediate threat to me and no one else was stung thankfully. But, this doesn’t mean I didn’t pay for the encounter. Even if you are not allergic it is still quite painful and you will still have to deal with the effects of the stings.
This is one example, of many,  of a not so obvious enemy. If I were in a bug out or get home scenario and didn’t have the appropriate medicines to deal with the swelling and pain associated with this encounter it could be very dangerous, notwithstanding if I were allergic.
In closing, when planning your kit you must go beyond the guidelines developed to fit the masses and take the time to consider your specific needs based on your medical conditions, environment and special needs.