There was a poet some years ago who did a short story titled "Things they carried" memory fails me who wrote it (ee cummings?) and it didnt deal with the normal gear, but what the Vets thought were important enough to them to hump. Family pictures, a favorite book, things they thought they might need in a pinch...a metal spoon for instance. I have long thought of writing a modern day version of the story, and would like to hear what you carried, or carry if you are still active.

I appreciate the replies.