No insult taken. I've had to deal with the "why be ready" types too much over the years. It seems the only thing that penetrates is to show them government backing for what you are saying. (I was a nurse and paramedic in another life)
In the boots department I've had good luck with the Bellevilles. I have a pair of the 639Z CT side zips that are the handiest things around. Great to toss on if you have to hop out of bed and go. Which here lately with the stray dog packs chasing and attacking my goats has been often. (Side note: If people really like their dogs why do they think dumping them in the pretty country side when they can't afford them is a good idea?) Also the 880 ST's with the booties are great in snow and slush. I use them working on fences and cutting wood.
Those spoon/forks are nice and very light. But, knowing me, I would end up losing it. I've done a lot of minimalist camping over the years. Ground sheet, lined poncho combo works for me. I've stayed out for two weeks of more with just flour,rice,dried veggies and fruit. Toss in what I scrounged and I often gained weight. With the snivel gear comment I was thinking of a bag that I saw on another site that was 60 percent comfort items. (I thought it was AR15 at the time but it wasn't).
Really though my location is about the best it could be, bugging in place is my best option. Any flood waters that get near me will have the state turned back into an ocean. I'm at the end of a dead end road in a state forestry. It's my parents old place and we of course have wood burners along with the LP tanks. Couple of ponds with creeks nearby. I also know of four permanent springs on near by lands.
I grew up in these hills in the 60's for us a larder with a few months of supplies is a way of life and has been forever. I really don't understand the "buy food on the way home every day mentality". I guess I'm just a dinosaur in the way I look at things.
