So, what do you really, really need in life that you can port in a backpack?

The backpack matters only if one thinks one’s will continue life as it was before — more or less — after the momentary catastrophe ends.  And, of course, that one’s family survives.  Otherwise, there is not a damn thing I need that would come in the backpack.

So, I visualized my son’s backpack.

water (today there is only sparkling water in the fridge; we don’t usually buy bottled water for eco-friendly reasons) and food (high energy, low bulk) and for two or so days.

Some feminine products if it is that-time-of-the-month.  A picture of my parents and siblings taken when I was about five years old — it is a family classic.

All of the life, disability, long term care, homeowner and liability insurance policies (assuming they are worth anything these days).  Passports.  A laptop or blackberry.