[ZenGum]

Sometimes, but only up to a point. Especially if you have to carry it.

I used to really overburden myself when hiking or travelling, and I still do a bit. Being prepared for expected needs is sensible; having back-ups for these needs is perhaps overkill; preparation for a possible problem is reasonable; but back-ups for preparations for possible but unlikely problems ... sounds like overkill.

I wonder how much of this subway pack is based on evidence of need, and how much is based on the desire to feel safe. As in, you have to take the subway, and you have to feel safe or you won't do it, but the Metro feels (is!) unsafe, so you prepare for bad events, and the more unsafe it feels, the more preparation it takes to make you feel safe again.

I've been through this mental journey in relation to several things. Once I recognise it I can usually lighten my load a little.

I'd take one smoke hood and one lightstick.