diff --git a/src/activity_item_handling.cpp b/src/activity_item_handling.cpp
index f607bccb99b71..3ddb7080a7861 100644
--- a/src/activity_item_handling.cpp
+++ b/src/activity_item_handling.cpp
@@ -1342,7 +1342,7 @@ static activity_reason_info can_do_activity_there( const activity_id &act, Chara
             if( i.is_disassemblable() ) {
                 // Are the requirements fulfilled?
                 const recipe &r = recipe_dictionary::get_uncraft( ( i.typeId() == itype_disassembly ) ?
-                                  i.components.front().typeId() : i.typeId() );
+                                  i.components.only_item().typeId() : i.typeId() );
                 req = r.disassembly_requirements();
                 if( !std::all_of( req.get_qualities().begin(),
                 req.get_qualities().end(), [&inv]( const std::vector<quality_requirement> &cur ) {
diff --git a/src/consumption.cpp b/src/consumption.cpp
index f1fc80c9eadc4..27adc80812be9 100644
--- a/src/consumption.cpp
+++ b/src/consumption.cpp
@@ -276,13 +276,15 @@ nutrients Character::compute_effective_nutrients( const item &comest ) const
             // Avoid division by zero
             return tally;
         }
-        for( const item &component : comest.components ) {
-            nutrients component_value =
-                compute_effective_nutrients( component ) * component.charges;
-            if( component.has_flag( flag_BYPRODUCT ) ) {
-                tally -= component_value;
-            } else {
-                tally += component_value;
+        for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : comest.components ) {
+            for( const item &component : tvp.second ) {
+                nutrients component_value =
+                    compute_effective_nutrients( component ) * component.charges;
+                if( component.has_flag( flag_BYPRODUCT ) ) {
+                    tally -= component_value;
+                } else {
+                    tally += component_value;
+                }
             }
         }
         return tally / comest.recipe_charges;
diff --git a/src/craft_command.cpp b/src/craft_command.cpp
index f4946888fa4bf..cc8f3fc40674d 100644
--- a/src/craft_command.cpp
+++ b/src/craft_command.cpp
@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@ bool craft_command::safe_to_unload_comp( const item &it )
 item craft_command::create_in_progress_craft()
 {
     // Use up the components and tools
-    std::list<item> used;
+    item_components used;
     std::vector<item_comp> comps_used;
     if( crafter->has_trait( trait_DEBUG_HS ) ) {
         return item( rec, batch_size, used, comps_used );
@@ -449,7 +449,9 @@ item craft_command::create_in_progress_craft()
                 unload_activity_actor::unload( *crafter, tmp_loc );
             }
         }
-        used.splice( used.end(), tmp );
+        for( item &it : tmp ) {
+            used.add( it );
+        }
     }
 
     for( const comp_selection<item_comp> &selection : item_selections ) {
diff --git a/src/crafting.cpp b/src/crafting.cpp
index 9625ab0039295..15e40f1ad12fc 100644
--- a/src/crafting.cpp
+++ b/src/crafting.cpp
@@ -650,32 +650,6 @@ void Character::make_craft_with_command( const recipe_id &id_to_make, int batch_
     last_craft->execute();
 }
 
-// @param offset is the index of the created item in the range [0, batch_size-1],
-// it makes sure that the used items are distributed equally among the new items.
-static void set_components( std::list<item> &components, const std::list<item> &used,
-                            const int batch_size, const size_t offset )
-{
-    if( batch_size <= 1 ) {
-        components.insert( components.begin(), used.begin(), used.end() );
-        return;
-    }
-    // This count does *not* include items counted by charges!
-    size_t non_charges_counter = 0;
-    for( const item &tmp : used ) {
-        if( tmp.count_by_charges() ) {
-            components.push_back( tmp );
-            // This assumes all (count-by-charges) items of the same type have been merged into one,
-            // which has a charges value that can be evenly divided by batch_size.
-            components.back().charges = tmp.charges / batch_size;
-        } else {
-            if( ( non_charges_counter + offset ) % batch_size == 0 ) {
-                components.push_back( tmp );
-            }
-            non_charges_counter++;
-        }
-    }
-}
-
 static cata::optional<item_location> wield_craft( Character &p, item &craft )
 {
     if( p.wield( craft ) ) {
@@ -1286,7 +1260,7 @@ static void destroy_random_component( item &craft, const Character &crafter )
         return;
     }
 
-    item destroyed = random_entry_removed( craft.components );
+    item destroyed = craft.components.get_and_remove_random_entry();
 
     crafter.add_msg_player_or_npc( game_message_params( game_message_type::m_bad ),
                                    _( "You mess up and destroy the %s." ),
@@ -1377,10 +1351,12 @@ void item::inherit_flags( const item &parent, const recipe &making )
     }
 }
 
-void item::inherit_flags( const std::list<item> &parents, const recipe &making )
+void item::inherit_flags( const item_components &parents, const recipe &making )
 {
-    for( const item &parent : parents ) {
-        inherit_flags( parent, making );
+    for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : parents ) {
+        for( const item &parent : tvp.second ) {
+            inherit_flags( parent, making );
+        }
     }
 }
 
@@ -1393,7 +1369,7 @@ void Character::complete_craft( item &craft, const cata::optional<tripoint> &loc
 
     const recipe &making = craft.get_making();
     const int batch_size = craft.get_making_batch_size();
-    std::list<item> &used = craft.components;
+    item_components &used = craft.components;
     const double relative_rot = craft.get_relative_rot();
     const bool should_heat = making.hot_result();
     const bool remove_raw = making.removes_raw();
@@ -1455,49 +1431,39 @@ void Character::complete_craft( item &craft, const cata::optional<tripoint> &loc
             // Setting this for items counted by charges gives only problems:
             // those items are automatically merged everywhere (map/vehicle/inventory),
             // which would either lose this information or merge it somehow.
-            set_components( food_contained.components, used, batch_size, newit_counter );
+            food_contained.components = used.split( batch_size, newit_counter );
             newit_counter++;
         } else if( food_contained.is_food() && !food_contained.has_flag( flag_NUTRIENT_OVERRIDE ) ) {
             // use a copy of the used list so that the byproducts don't build up over iterations (#38071)
-            std::list<item> usedbp;
+            item_components usedbp;
 
             // if a component item has "cooks_like" it will be replaced by that item as a component
-            for( item &comp : used ) {
-                // only comestibles have cooks_like.  any other type of item will throw an exception, so filter those out
-                if( comp.is_comestible() && !comp.get_comestible()->cooks_like.is_empty() ) {
-                    const double relative_rot = comp.get_relative_rot();
-                    comp = item( comp.get_comestible()->cooks_like, comp.birthday(), comp.charges );
-                    comp.set_relative_rot( relative_rot );
-                }
-                // If this recipe is cooked, components are no longer raw.
-                if( should_heat || remove_raw ) {
-                    comp.set_flag_recursive( flag_COOKED );
-                }
-
-                // when batch crafting, set_components depends on components being merged, so merge any unmerged ones here
-                if( comp.count_by_charges() ) {
-                    auto it = std::find_if( usedbp.begin(), usedbp.end(), [&comp]( const item & usedit ) {
-                        return usedit.type == comp.type;
-                    } );
-
-                    if( it != usedbp.end() ) {
-                        it->charges += comp.charges;
-                        continue;
+            for( item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : used ) {
+                for( item &comp : tvp.second ) {
+                    // only comestibles have cooks_like.  any other type of item will throw an exception, so filter those out
+                    if( comp.is_comestible() && !comp.get_comestible()->cooks_like.is_empty() ) {
+                        const double relative_rot = comp.get_relative_rot();
+                        comp = item( comp.get_comestible()->cooks_like, comp.birthday(), comp.charges );
+                        comp.set_relative_rot( relative_rot );
+                    }
+                    // If this recipe is cooked, components are no longer raw.
+                    if( should_heat || remove_raw ) {
+                        comp.set_flag_recursive( flag_COOKED );
                     }
-                }
 
-                usedbp.emplace_back( comp );
+                    usedbp.add( comp );
+                }
             }
 
             // byproducts get stored as a "component" but with a byproduct flag for consumption purposes
             if( making.has_byproducts() ) {
                 for( item &byproduct : making.create_byproducts( batch_size ) ) {
                     byproduct.set_flag( flag_BYPRODUCT );
-                    usedbp.push_back( byproduct );
+                    usedbp.add( byproduct );
                 }
             }
             // store components for food recipes that do not have the override flag
-            set_components( food_contained.components, usedbp, batch_size, newit_counter );
+            food_contained.components = usedbp.split( batch_size, newit_counter );
 
             // store the number of charges the recipe would create with batch size 1.
             if( &newit != &food_contained ) {  // If a canned/contained item was crafted…
@@ -1672,7 +1638,9 @@ bool Character::can_continue_craft( item &craft, const requirement_data &continu
             item_selections.push_back( is );
         }
         for( const auto &it : item_selections ) {
-            craft.components.splice( craft.components.end(), consume_items( it, batch_size, filter ) );
+            for( item &itm : consume_items( it, batch_size, filter ) ) {
+                craft.components.add( itm );
+            }
         }
     }
 
@@ -2408,7 +2376,7 @@ ret_val<void> Character::can_disassemble( const item &obj, const read_only_visit
     }
 
     const recipe &r = recipe_dictionary::get_uncraft( ( obj.typeId() == itype_disassembly ) ?
-                      obj.components.front().typeId() : obj.typeId() );
+                      obj.components.only_item().typeId() : obj.typeId() );
 
     // check sufficient light
     if( lighting_craft_speed_multiplier( r ) == 0.0f ) {
@@ -2669,7 +2637,7 @@ void Character::complete_disassemble( item_location target )
 {
     // Disassembly has 2 parallel vectors:
     // item location, and recipe id
-    item temp = target.get_item()->components.front();
+    item temp = target.get_item()->components.only_item();
     const recipe &rec = recipe_dictionary::get_uncraft( temp.typeId() );
 
     if( rec ) {
@@ -2700,7 +2668,7 @@ void Character::complete_disassemble( item_location target )
     }
     // Set get and set duration of next uncraft
     const recipe &next_recipe = recipe_dictionary::get_uncraft( ( next_item->typeId() ==
-                                itype_disassembly ) ? next_item->components.front().typeId() : next_item->typeId() );
+                                itype_disassembly ) ? next_item->components.only_item().typeId() : next_item->typeId() );
 
     if( !next_recipe ) {
         debugmsg( "bad disassembly recipe" );
@@ -2743,7 +2711,7 @@ void Character::complete_disassemble( item_location &target, const recipe &dis )
 
     // Get the item to disassemble, and make a copy to keep its data (damage/components)
     // after the original has been removed.
-    item org_item = target.get_item()->components.front();
+    item org_item = target.get_item()->components.only_item();
     item dis_item = org_item;
 
     if( this->is_avatar() ) {
@@ -2765,7 +2733,7 @@ void Character::complete_disassemble( item_location &target, const recipe &dis )
 
     // If the components aren't empty, we want items exactly identical to them
     // Even if the best-fit recipe does not involve those items
-    std::list<item> components = dis_item.components;
+    item_components components = dis_item.components;
 
     // If the components are empty, item is the default kind and made of default components
     if( components.empty() ) {
@@ -2805,7 +2773,7 @@ void Character::complete_disassemble( item_location &target, const recipe &dis )
             }
 
             for( ; compcount > 0; compcount-- ) {
-                components.emplace_back( newit );
+                components.add( newit );
             }
         }
     }
@@ -2836,65 +2804,63 @@ void Character::complete_disassemble( item_location &target, const recipe &dis )
     std::map<itype_id, int> destroy_tally;
 
     // Roll skill and damage checks for successful recovery of each component
-    for( const item &newit : components ) {
-        // Use item type to index recover/destroy tallies
-        const itype_id it_type_id = newit.typeId();
-        // Chance of failure based on character skill and recipe difficulty
-        const bool comp_success = dice( skill_dice, skill_sides ) > dice( diff_dice,  diff_sides );
-        // If original item was damaged, there is another chance for recovery to fail
-        const bool dmg_success = component_success_chance > rng_float( 0, 1 );
-
-        // If component recovery failed, tally it and continue with the next component
-        if( ( dis.difficulty != 0 && !comp_success ) || !dmg_success ) {
-            // Count destroyed items
-            if( destroy_tally.count( it_type_id ) == 0 ) {
-                destroy_tally[it_type_id] = newit.count();
-            } else {
-                destroy_tally[it_type_id] += newit.count();
+    for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+        for( const item &newit : tvp.second ) {
+            // Use item type to index recover/destroy tallies
+            const itype_id it_type_id = newit.typeId();
+            // Chance of failure based on character skill and recipe difficulty
+            const bool comp_success = dice( skill_dice, skill_sides ) > dice( diff_dice, diff_sides );
+            // If original item was damaged, there is another chance for recovery to fail
+            const bool dmg_success = component_success_chance > rng_float( 0, 1 );
+
+            // If component recovery failed, tally it and continue with the next component
+            if( ( dis.difficulty != 0 && !comp_success ) || !dmg_success ) {
+                // Count destroyed items
+                if( destroy_tally.count( it_type_id ) == 0 ) {
+                    destroy_tally[it_type_id] = newit.count();
+                } else {
+                    destroy_tally[it_type_id] += newit.count();
+                }
+                continue;
             }
-            continue;
-        }
 
-        // Component recovered successfully; add to the tally
-        if( recover_tally.count( it_type_id ) == 0 ) {
-            recover_tally[it_type_id] = newit.count();
-        } else {
-            recover_tally[it_type_id] += newit.count();
-        }
+            // Component recovered successfully; add to the tally
+            if( recover_tally.count( it_type_id ) == 0 ) {
+                recover_tally[it_type_id] = newit.count();
+            } else {
+                recover_tally[it_type_id] += newit.count();
+            }
 
-        // Use item from components list, or (if not contained)
-        // use newit, the default constructed.
-        item act_item = newit;
+            // Use item from components list, or (if not contained)
+            // use newit, the default constructed.
+            item act_item = newit;
 
-        if( act_item.has_temperature() ) {
-            // TODO: fix point types
-            act_item.set_item_temperature( get_weather().get_temperature( loc.raw() ) );
-        }
+            if( act_item.has_temperature() ) {
+                // TODO: fix point types
+                act_item.set_item_temperature( get_weather().get_temperature( loc.raw() ) );
+            }
 
-        // Refitted clothing disassembles into refitted components (when applicable)
-        if( dis_item.has_flag( flag_FIT ) && act_item.has_flag( flag_VARSIZE ) ) {
-            act_item.set_flag( flag_FIT );
-        }
+            // Refitted clothing disassembles into refitted components (when applicable)
+            if( dis_item.has_flag( flag_FIT ) && act_item.has_flag( flag_VARSIZE ) ) {
+                act_item.set_flag( flag_FIT );
+            }
 
-        // Filthy items yield filthy components
-        if( dis_item.is_filthy() ) {
-            act_item.set_flag( flag_FILTHY );
-        }
+            // Filthy items yield filthy components
+            if( dis_item.is_filthy() ) {
+                act_item.set_flag( flag_FILTHY );
+            }
 
-        for( std::list<item>::iterator a = dis_item.components.begin(); a != dis_item.components.end();
-             ++a ) {
-            if( a->type == newit.type ) {
-                act_item = *a;
-                dis_item.components.erase( a );
-                break;
+            ret_val<item> removed = dis_item.components.remove( newit.typeId() );
+            if( removed.success() ) {
+                act_item = removed.value();
             }
-        }
 
-        //NPCs are too dumb to be able to handle liquid (for now)
-        if( act_item.made_of( phase_id::LIQUID ) && !is_npc() ) {
-            liquid_handler::handle_all_liquid( act_item, PICKUP_RANGE );
-        } else {
-            drop_items.push_back( act_item );
+            //NPCs are too dumb to be able to handle liquid (for now)
+            if( act_item.made_of( phase_id::LIQUID ) && !is_npc() ) {
+                liquid_handler::handle_all_liquid( act_item, PICKUP_RANGE );
+            } else {
+                drop_items.push_back( act_item );
+            }
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/src/iexamine.cpp b/src/iexamine.cpp
index 07e7e91b9577b..0e4d8231744ac 100644
--- a/src/iexamine.cpp
+++ b/src/iexamine.cpp
@@ -5859,7 +5859,7 @@ void iexamine::mill_finalize( Character &, const tripoint &examp, const time_poi
                 iter = items.erase( iter );
             } else {
                 item result( mdata.into_, start_time + milling_time, charges );
-                result.components.push_back( it );
+                result.components.add( it );
                 // copied from item::inherit_flags, which can not be called here because it requires a recipe.
                 for( const flag_id &f : it.type->get_flags() ) {
                     if( f->craft_inherit() ) {
@@ -5924,7 +5924,7 @@ static void smoker_finalize( Character &, const tripoint &examp, const time_poin
                         // Set charges to 1 for stacking purposes.
                         it = item( it.get_comestible()->cooks_like, it.birthday(), 1 );
                     }
-                    result.components.push_back( it );
+                    result.components.add( it );
                     // Smoking is always 1:1, so these must be equal for correct kcal/vitamin calculation.
                     result.recipe_charges = it.charges;
                     result.set_flag_recursive( flag_COOKED );
diff --git a/src/inventory.cpp b/src/inventory.cpp
index c52e50a2fd2c8..fefad7364a3b9 100644
--- a/src/inventory.cpp
+++ b/src/inventory.cpp
@@ -181,6 +181,16 @@ inventory &inventory::operator+= ( const std::list<item> &rhs )
     return *this;
 }
 
+inventory &inventory::operator+= ( const item_components &rhs )
+{
+    for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : rhs ) {
+        for( const item &rh : tvp.second ) {
+            add_item( rh, false, false );
+        }
+    }
+    return *this;
+}
+
 inventory &inventory::operator+= ( const std::vector<item> &rhs )
 {
     for( const item &rh : rhs ) {
@@ -215,6 +225,11 @@ inventory inventory::operator+ ( const std::list<item> &rhs )
     return inventory( *this ) += rhs;
 }
 
+inventory inventory::operator+ ( const item_components &rhs )
+{
+    return inventory( *this ) += rhs;
+}
+
 inventory inventory::operator+ ( const item &rhs )
 {
     return inventory( *this ) += rhs;
diff --git a/src/inventory.h b/src/inventory.h
index 86cf96e74d05c..d583e05932e11 100644
--- a/src/inventory.h
+++ b/src/inventory.h
@@ -124,11 +124,13 @@ class inventory : public visitable
         inventory &operator+= ( const inventory &rhs );
         inventory &operator+= ( const item &rhs );
         inventory &operator+= ( const std::list<item> &rhs );
+        inventory &operator+= ( const item_components &rhs );
         inventory &operator+= ( const std::vector<item> &rhs );
         inventory &operator+= ( const item_stack &rhs );
         inventory  operator+ ( const inventory &rhs );
         inventory  operator+ ( const item &rhs );
         inventory  operator+ ( const std::list<item> &rhs );
+        inventory  operator+ ( const item_components &rhs );
 
         void unsort(); // flags the inventory as unsorted
         void clear();
diff --git a/src/item.cpp b/src/item.cpp
index 02c535e3d928e..81c558588e2ae 100644
--- a/src/item.cpp
+++ b/src/item.cpp
@@ -400,8 +400,12 @@ safe_reference<item> item::get_safe_reference()
 static const item *get_most_rotten_component( const item &craft )
 {
     const item *most_rotten = nullptr;
-    for( const item &it : craft.components ) {
-        if( it.goes_bad() ) {
+    for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : craft.components ) {
+        if( !tvp.second.front().goes_bad() ) {
+            // they're all the same type, so this should be the same for all
+            continue;
+        }
+        for( const item &it : tvp.second ) {
             if( !most_rotten || it.get_relative_rot() > most_rotten->get_relative_rot() ) {
                 most_rotten = &it;
             }
@@ -414,8 +418,12 @@ static time_duration get_shortest_lifespan_from_components( const item &craft )
 {
     const item *shortest_lifespan_component = nullptr;
     time_duration shortest_lifespan = 0_turns;
-    for( const item &it : craft.components ) {
-        if( it.goes_bad() ) {
+    for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : craft.components ) {
+        if( !tvp.second.front().goes_bad() ) {
+            // they're all the same type, so this should be the same for all
+            continue;
+        }
+        for( const item &it : tvp.second ) {
             time_duration lifespan = it.get_shelf_life() - it.get_rot();
             if( !shortest_lifespan_component || ( lifespan < shortest_lifespan ) ) {
                 shortest_lifespan_component = &it;
@@ -429,9 +437,15 @@ static time_duration get_shortest_lifespan_from_components( const item &craft )
 
 static bool shelf_life_less_than_each_component( const item &craft )
 {
-    for( const item &it : craft.components ) {
-        if( it.goes_bad() && it.is_comestible() && it.get_shelf_life() < craft.get_shelf_life() ) {
-            return false;
+    for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : craft.components ) {
+        if( !tvp.second.front().goes_bad() || !tvp.second.front().is_comestible() ) {
+            // they're all the same type, so this should be the same for all
+            continue;
+        }
+        for( const item &it : tvp.second ) {
+            if( it.get_shelf_life() < craft.get_shelf_life() ) {
+                return false;
+            }
         }
     }
     return true;
@@ -463,7 +477,7 @@ static void inherit_rot_from_components( item &it )
     }
 }
 
-item::item( const recipe *rec, int qty, std::list<item> items, std::vector<item_comp> selections )
+item::item( const recipe *rec, int qty, item_components items, std::vector<item_comp> selections )
     : item( "craft", calendar::turn )
 {
     craft_data_ = cata::make_value<craft_data>();
@@ -481,15 +495,17 @@ item::item( const recipe *rec, int qty, std::list<item> items, std::vector<item_
         }
     }
 
-    for( item &component : components ) {
-        for( const flag_id &f : component.get_flags() ) {
-            if( f->craft_inherit() ) {
-                set_flag( f );
+    for( item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+        for( item &component : tvp.second ) {
+            for( const flag_id &f : component.get_flags() ) {
+                if( f->craft_inherit() ) {
+                    set_flag( f );
+                }
             }
-        }
-        for( const flag_id &f : component.type->get_flags() ) {
-            if( f->craft_inherit() ) {
-                set_flag( f );
+            for( const flag_id &f : component.type->get_flags() ) {
+                if( f->craft_inherit() ) {
+                    set_flag( f );
+                }
             }
         }
     }
@@ -502,7 +518,8 @@ item::item( const recipe *rec, int qty, item &component )
     craft_data_->making = rec;
     craft_data_->disassembly = true;
     craft_data_->batch_size = qty;
-    std::list<item>items( { component } );
+    item_components items;
+    items.add( component );
     components = items;
 
     if( has_temperature() ) {
@@ -513,15 +530,17 @@ item::item( const recipe *rec, int qty, item &component )
         }
     }
 
-    for( item &comp : components ) {
-        for( const flag_id &f : comp.get_flags() ) {
-            if( f->craft_inherit() ) {
-                set_flag( f );
+    for( item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+        for( item &comp : tvp.second ) {
+            for( const flag_id &f : comp.get_flags() ) {
+                if( f->craft_inherit() ) {
+                    set_flag( f );
+                }
             }
-        }
-        for( const flag_id &f : comp.type->get_flags() ) {
-            if( f->craft_inherit() ) {
-                set_flag( f );
+            for( const flag_id &f : comp.type->get_flags() ) {
+                if( f->craft_inherit() ) {
+                    set_flag( f );
+                }
             }
         }
     }
@@ -6860,8 +6879,10 @@ units::mass item::weight( bool include_contents, bool integral ) const
     if( is_craft() ) {
         if( !craft_data_->cached_weight ) {
             units::mass ret = 0_gram;
-            for( const item &it : components ) {
-                ret += it.weight();
+            for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+                for( const item &it : tvp.second ) {
+                    ret += it.weight();
+                }
             }
             craft_data_->cached_weight = ret;
         }
@@ -7074,8 +7095,10 @@ units::volume item::base_volume() const
 
     if( is_craft() ) {
         units::volume ret = 0_ml;
-        for( const item &it : components ) {
-            ret += it.base_volume();
+        for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+            for( const item &it : tvp.second ) {
+                ret += it.base_volume();
+            }
         }
         return ret;
     }
@@ -7105,8 +7128,10 @@ units::volume item::volume( bool integral, bool ignore_contents, int charges_in_
     if( is_craft() ) {
         if( !craft_data_->cached_volume ) {
             units::volume ret = 0_ml;
-            for( const item &it : components ) {
-                ret += it.volume();
+            for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+                for( const item &it : tvp.second ) {
+                    ret += it.volume();
+                }
             }
             // 1 mL minimum craft volume to avoid 0 volume errors from practices or hammerspace
             craft_data_->cached_volume = std::max( ret, 1_ml );
@@ -7358,8 +7383,10 @@ item &item::unset_flag( const flag_id &flag )
 item &item::set_flag_recursive( const flag_id &flag )
 {
     set_flag( flag );
-    for( item &comp : components ) {
-        comp.set_flag_recursive( flag );
+    for( item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+        for( item &it : tvp.second ) {
+            it.set_flag_recursive( flag );
+        }
     }
     return *this;
 }
@@ -11946,10 +11973,12 @@ std::string item::components_to_string() const
 {
     using t_count_map = std::map<std::string, int>;
     t_count_map counts;
-    for( const item &elem : components ) {
-        if( !elem.has_flag( flag_BYPRODUCT ) ) {
-            const std::string name = elem.display_name();
-            counts[name]++;
+    for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+        for( const item &it : tvp.second ) {
+            if( !it.has_flag( flag_BYPRODUCT ) ) {
+                const std::string name = it.display_name();
+                counts[name]++;
+            }
         }
     }
     return enumerate_as_string( counts.begin(), counts.end(),
@@ -11966,15 +11995,11 @@ std::string item::components_to_string() const
 
 uint64_t item::make_component_hash() const
 {
-    // First we need to sort the IDs so that identical ingredients give identical hashes.
-    std::multiset<std::string> id_set;
-    for( const item &it : components ) {
-        id_set.insert( it.typeId().str() );
-    }
-
     std::string concatenated_ids;
-    for( const std::string &id : id_set ) {
-        concatenated_ids += id;
+    for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+        for( size_t i = 0; i < tvp.second.size(); ++i ) {
+            concatenated_ids += tvp.first.str();
+        }
     }
 
     std::hash<std::string> hasher;
@@ -13261,22 +13286,26 @@ std::string item::type_name( unsigned int quantity ) const
     // Apply conditional names, in order.
     for( const conditional_name &cname : type->conditional_names ) {
         // Lambda for searching for a item ID among all components.
-        std::function<bool( std::list<item> )> component_id_equals =
-        [&]( const std::list<item> &components ) {
-            for( const item &component : components ) {
-                if( component.typeId().str() == cname.condition ) {
-                    return true;
+        std::function<bool( item_components )> component_id_equals =
+        [&]( const item_components & components ) {
+            for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+                for( const item &component : tvp.second ) {
+                    if( component.typeId().str() == cname.condition ) {
+                        return true;
+                    }
                 }
             }
             return false;
         };
         // Lambda for recursively searching for a item ID substring among all components.
-        std::function<bool ( std::list<item> )> component_id_contains =
-        [&]( const std::list<item> &components ) {
-            for( const item &component : components ) {
-                if( component.typeId().str().find( cname.condition ) != std::string::npos ||
-                    component_id_contains( component.components ) ) {
-                    return true;
+        std::function<bool ( item_components )> component_id_contains =
+        [&]( const item_components & components ) {
+            for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+                for( const item &component : tvp.second ) {
+                    if( component.typeId().str().find( cname.condition ) != std::string::npos ||
+                        component_id_contains( component.components ) ) {
+                        return true;
+                    }
                 }
             }
             return false;
@@ -13486,15 +13515,17 @@ std::vector<item_comp> item::get_uncraft_components() const
         }
     } else {
         //Make a new vector of components from the registered components
-        for( const item &component : components ) {
-            auto iter = std::find_if( ret.begin(), ret.end(), [component]( item_comp & obj ) {
-                return obj.type == component.typeId();
-            } );
+        for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : components ) {
+            for( const item &component : tvp.second ) {
+                auto iter = std::find_if( ret.begin(), ret.end(), [component]( item_comp & obj ) {
+                    return obj.type == component.typeId();
+                } );
 
-            if( iter != ret.end() ) {
-                iter->count += component.count();
-            } else {
-                ret.emplace_back( component.typeId(), component.count() );
+                if( iter != ret.end() ) {
+                    iter->count += component.count();
+                } else {
+                    ret.emplace_back( component.typeId(), component.count() );
+                }
             }
         }
     }
diff --git a/src/item.h b/src/item.h
index 2ca90916b9197..e0129bbf7dd01 100644
--- a/src/item.h
+++ b/src/item.h
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 #include "enums.h"
 #include "gun_mode.h"
 #include "io_tags.h"
+#include "item_components.h"
 #include "item_contents.h"
 #include "item_location.h"
 #include "item_pocket.h"
@@ -205,7 +206,7 @@ class item : public visitable
         item( const itype *type, time_point turn, solitary_tag );
 
         /** For constructing in-progress crafts */
-        item( const recipe *rec, int qty, std::list<item> items, std::vector<item_comp> selections );
+        item( const recipe *rec, int qty, item_components items, std::vector<item_comp> selections );
 
         /** For constructing in-progress disassemblies */
         item( const recipe *rec, int qty, item &component );
@@ -2695,7 +2696,7 @@ class item : public visitable
          *
          * @param parents Items to inherit from
          */
-        void inherit_flags( const std::list<item> &parents, const recipe &making );
+        void inherit_flags( const item_components &parents, const recipe &making );
 
         void set_tools_to_continue( bool value );
         bool has_tools_to_continue() const;
@@ -2868,7 +2869,7 @@ class item : public visitable
         static const int INFINITE_CHARGES;
 
         const itype *type;
-        std::list<item> components;
+        item_components components;
         /** What faults (if any) currently apply to this item */
         std::set<fault_id> faults;
 
diff --git a/src/item_components.cpp b/src/item_components.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000..454120c968436
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/item_components.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,162 @@
+#include "item_components.h"
+
+#include "item.h"
+#include "itype.h"
+#include "type_id.h"
+
+std::vector<item> item_components::operator[]( const itype_id it_id )
+{
+    return comps[it_id];
+}
+
+item_components::comp_iterator item_components::begin()
+{
+    return comps.begin();
+}
+item_components::comp_iterator item_components::end()
+{
+    return comps.end();
+}
+item_components::const_comp_iterator item_components::begin() const
+{
+    return comps.begin();
+}
+item_components::const_comp_iterator item_components::end() const
+{
+    return comps.end();
+}
+
+bool item_components::empty()
+{
+    return comps.empty();
+}
+
+bool item_components::empty() const
+{
+    return comps.empty();
+}
+
+void item_components::clear()
+{
+    comps.clear();
+}
+
+item item_components::only_item()
+{
+    if( comps.size() != 1 || comps.begin()->second.size() != 1 ) {
+        debugmsg( "item_components::only_item called but components don't contain exactly one item" );
+        return item();
+    }
+    return *comps.begin()->second.begin();
+}
+
+item item_components::only_item() const
+{
+    if( comps.size() != 1 || comps.begin()->second.size() != 1 ) {
+        debugmsg( "item_components::only_item called but components don't contain exactly one item" );
+        return item();
+    }
+    return *comps.begin()->second.begin();
+}
+
+size_t item_components::size() const
+{
+    size_t ret = 0;
+    for( const type_vector_pair &tvp : comps ) {
+        ret += tvp.second.size();
+    }
+    return ret;
+}
+
+void item_components::add( item &new_it )
+{
+    comp_iterator it = comps.find( new_it.typeId() );
+    if( it != comps.end() ) {
+        if( it->first->count_by_charges() ) {
+            it->second.front().charges += new_it.charges;
+        } else {
+            it->second.push_back( new_it );
+        }
+    } else {
+        comps[new_it.typeId()] = { new_it };
+    }
+}
+
+ret_val<item> item_components::remove( itype_id it_id )
+{
+    comp_iterator it = comps.find( it_id );
+    if( it == comps.end() ) {
+        return ret_val<item>::make_failure( item() );
+    }
+    item itm = *it->second.begin();
+    it->second.erase( it->second.begin() );
+    if( it->second.empty() ) {
+        comps.erase( it );
+    }
+    return ret_val<item>::make_success( itm );
+}
+
+item item_components::get_and_remove_random_entry()
+{
+    comp_iterator iter = comps.begin();
+    std::advance( iter, rng( 0, comps.size() - 1 ) );
+    item ret = random_entry_removed( iter->second );
+    if( iter->second.empty() ) {
+        comps.erase( iter );
+    }
+    return ret;
+}
+
+item_components item_components::split( const int batch_size, const size_t offset )
+{
+    item_components ret;
+
+    for( item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : comps ) {
+        if( tvp.first->count_by_charges() ) {
+            if( tvp.second.size() != 1 ) {
+                debugmsg( "count by charges component %s wasn't merged properly, can't distribute components to resulting items",
+                          tvp.first.str() );
+                return item_components();
+            }
+            item new_comp( tvp.second.front() );
+            if( new_comp.charges % batch_size != 0 ) {
+                debugmsg( "component %s can't be evenly distributed to resulting items", tvp.first.str() );
+                return item_components();
+            }
+            new_comp.charges /= batch_size;
+            ret.add( new_comp );
+        } else {
+
+            if( tvp.second.size() % batch_size != 0 ) {
+                debugmsg( "component %s can't be evenly distributed to resulting items", tvp.first.str() );
+                return item_components();
+            }
+
+            for( size_t i = offset; i < tvp.second.size(); i += batch_size ) {
+                ret.add( tvp.second[i] );
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    return ret;
+}
+
+void item_components::serialize( JsonOut &jsout ) const
+{
+    jsout.write( comps );
+}
+
+void item_components::deserialize( const JsonValue &jv )
+{
+    comps.clear();
+    // read legacy arrays
+    if( jv.test_array() ) {
+        std::list<item> temp;
+        jv.read( temp );
+        for( item &it : temp ) {
+            add( it );
+        }
+    } else {
+        jv.read( comps );
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/item_components.h b/src/item_components.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000..e3e96af42fa65
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/item_components.h
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+#pragma once
+#ifndef CATA_SRC_ITEM_COMPONENTS_H
+#define CATA_SRC_ITEM_COMPONENTS_H
+
+#include <map>
+#include <vector>
+#include <iterator>
+
+#include "type_id.h"
+
+class item;
+class JsonOut;
+class JsonValue;
+template<typename T>
+class ret_val;
+
+class item_components
+{
+    private:
+        std::map<itype_id, std::vector<item>> comps;
+        using comp_iterator = std::map<itype_id, std::vector<item>>::iterator;
+        using const_comp_iterator = std::map<itype_id, std::vector<item>>::const_iterator;
+
+    public:
+        using type_vector_pair = std::pair<const itype_id, std::vector<item>>;
+
+        comp_iterator begin();
+        comp_iterator end();
+        const_comp_iterator begin() const;
+        const_comp_iterator end() const;
+        bool empty();
+        bool empty() const;
+        void clear();
+
+        std::vector<item> operator[]( itype_id it_id );
+
+        // needed for disassembly items
+        // todo: better way to handle that
+        item only_item();
+        item only_item() const;
+
+        // total number of items in components
+        size_t size() const;
+        void add( item &new_it );
+        ret_val<item> remove( itype_id it_id );
+        // components must not be empty!
+        item get_and_remove_random_entry();
+
+        // used to distribute the components of a finished craft to the resulting items
+        item_components split( int batch_size, size_t offset );
+
+        void serialize( JsonOut &jsout ) const;
+        void deserialize( const JsonValue &jv );
+};
+
+#endif // CATA_SRC_ITEM_COMPONENTS_H
diff --git a/src/iuse_actor.cpp b/src/iuse_actor.cpp
index 67a16c9abb563..e3aacf772966f 100644
--- a/src/iuse_actor.cpp
+++ b/src/iuse_actor.cpp
@@ -1607,8 +1607,10 @@ void salvage_actor::cut_up( Character &p, item_location &cut ) const
         // All intact components are also cut up and destroyed
         if( !curr.components.empty() )
         {
-            for( const item &iter : curr.components ) {
-                cut_up_component( iter, num_adjusted );
+            for( const item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : curr.components ) {
+                for( const item &iter : tvp.second ) {
+                    cut_up_component( iter, num_adjusted );
+                }
             }
             return;
         }
diff --git a/src/melee.cpp b/src/melee.cpp
index fc22ecde06fd7..4c7e98ad7ce5a 100644
--- a/src/melee.cpp
+++ b/src/melee.cpp
@@ -234,16 +234,19 @@ bool Character::handle_melee_wear( item_location shield, float wear_multiplier )
         // Items that should have no bearing on durability
         const std::set<itype_id> blacklist = { itype_rag, itype_leather, itype_fur };
 
-        for( item &comp : shield->components ) {
-            if( blacklist.count( comp.typeId() ) <= 0 ) {
+        for( item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : shield->components ) {
+            if( blacklist.count( tvp.first ) > 0 ) {
+                continue;
+            }
+            for( item &comp : tvp.second ) {
                 if( weak_chip > comp.chip_resistance() ) {
                     weak_chip = comp.chip_resistance();
                     weak_comp = comp.typeId();
                 }
-            }
-            if( comp.volume() > big_vol ) {
-                big_vol = comp.volume();
-                big_comp = comp.typeId();
+                if( comp.volume() > big_vol ) {
+                    big_vol = comp.volume();
+                    big_comp = comp.typeId();
+                }
             }
         }
         material_factor = ( weak_chip < INT_MAX ? weak_chip : shield->chip_resistance() ) / fragile_factor;
@@ -292,18 +295,20 @@ bool Character::handle_melee_wear( item_location shield, float wear_multiplier )
                                _( "<npcname>'s %s breaks apart!" ),
                                str );
 
-        for( item &comp : temp.components ) {
-            int break_chance = comp.typeId() == weak_comp ? 2 : 8;
+        for( item_components::type_vector_pair &tvp : temp.components ) {
+            for( item &comp : tvp.second ) {
+                int break_chance = comp.typeId() == weak_comp ? 2 : 8;
 
-            if( one_in( break_chance ) ) {
-                add_msg_if_player( m_bad, _( "The %s is destroyed!" ), comp.tname() );
-                continue;
-            }
+                if( one_in( break_chance ) ) {
+                    add_msg_if_player( m_bad, _( "The %s is destroyed!" ), comp.tname() );
+                    continue;
+                }
 
-            if( comp.typeId() == big_comp && !has_wield_conflicts( comp ) ) {
-                wield( comp );
-            } else {
-                get_map().add_item_or_charges( pos(), comp );
+                if( comp.typeId() == big_comp && !has_wield_conflicts( comp ) ) {
+                    wield( comp );
+                } else {
+                    get_map().add_item_or_charges( pos(), comp );
+                }
             }
         }
     } else {
diff --git a/src/requirements.cpp b/src/requirements.cpp
index f6f185a78e092..3ae3fec130cab 100644
--- a/src/requirements.cpp
+++ b/src/requirements.cpp
@@ -1287,7 +1287,7 @@ requirement_data requirement_data::disassembly_requirements() const
 }
 
 requirement_data requirement_data::continue_requirements( const std::vector<item_comp>
-        &required_comps, const std::list<item> &remaining_comps )
+        &required_comps, const item_components &remaining_comps )
 {
     // Create an empty requirement_data
     requirement_data ret;
diff --git a/src/requirements.h b/src/requirements.h
index c07aef3aa656e..a9df36f3a3a8d 100644
--- a/src/requirements.h
+++ b/src/requirements.h
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ class JsonObject;
 class JsonOut;
 class JsonValue;
 class item;
+class item_components;
 class nc_color;
 class read_only_visitable;
 template <typename E> struct enum_traits;
@@ -365,7 +366,7 @@ struct requirement_data {
          * Returned requirement_data is for *all* batches at once.
          */
         static requirement_data continue_requirements( const std::vector<item_comp> &required_comps,
-                const std::list<item> &remaining_comps );
+                const item_components &remaining_comps );
 
         /**
          * Merge similar quality/tool/component lists.
diff --git a/tests/crafting_test.cpp b/tests/crafting_test.cpp
index 6fff7ed154e1e..4e23cf4cdad5d 100644
--- a/tests/crafting_test.cpp
+++ b/tests/crafting_test.cpp
@@ -2062,21 +2062,11 @@ TEST_CASE( "tools with charges as components", "[crafting]" )
             THEN( "craft uses the free thread instead of tool ammo as component" ) {
                 CHECK( !res.is_null() );
                 CHECK( res.is_craft() );
+                CHECK( res.components[itype_sheet_cotton].size() == cotton_sheets_in_recipe );
+                // when threads aren't count by charges anymore, see line above
+                CHECK( res.components[itype_thread].front().count() == threads_in_recipe );
                 int cotton_sheets = 0;
                 int threads = 0;
-                for( const item &comp : res.components ) {
-                    if( comp.typeId() == itype_sheet_cotton ) {
-                        cotton_sheets += comp.count_by_charges() ? comp.charges : 1;
-                    } else if( comp.typeId() == itype_thread ) {
-                        threads += comp.count_by_charges() ? comp.charges : 1;
-                    } else {
-                        FAIL( "found unexpected component " << comp.typeId().str() );
-                    }
-                }
-                CHECK( cotton_sheets == cotton_sheets_in_recipe );
-                CHECK( threads == threads_in_recipe );
-                cotton_sheets = 0;
-                threads = 0;
                 int threads_in_tool = 0;
                 for( const item &i : m.i_at( c.pos() ) ) {
                     if( i.typeId() == itype_sheet_cotton ) {
@@ -2109,21 +2099,11 @@ TEST_CASE( "tools with charges as components", "[crafting]" )
             THEN( "craft uses the free thread instead of tool ammo as component" ) {
                 CHECK( !res.is_null() );
                 CHECK( res.is_craft() );
+                CHECK( res.components[itype_sheet_cotton].size() == cotton_sheets_in_recipe );
+                // when threads aren't count by charges anymore, see line above
+                CHECK( res.components[itype_thread].front().count() == threads_in_recipe );
                 int cotton_sheets = 0;
                 int threads = 0;
-                for( const item &comp : res.components ) {
-                    if( comp.typeId() == itype_sheet_cotton ) {
-                        cotton_sheets += comp.count_by_charges() ? comp.charges : 1;
-                    } else if( comp.typeId() == itype_thread ) {
-                        threads += comp.count_by_charges() ? comp.charges : 1;
-                    } else {
-                        FAIL( "found unexpected component " << comp.typeId().str() );
-                    }
-                }
-                CHECK( cotton_sheets == cotton_sheets_in_recipe );
-                CHECK( threads == threads_in_recipe );
-                cotton_sheets = 0;
-                threads = 0;
                 int threads_in_tool = 0;
                 for( const item *i : pack_loc->all_items_top() ) {
                     if( i->typeId() == itype_sheet_cotton ) {
diff --git a/tests/invlet_test.cpp b/tests/invlet_test.cpp
index 3a44116c5d73f..4da5c1bcf69df 100644
--- a/tests/invlet_test.cpp
+++ b/tests/invlet_test.cpp
@@ -50,23 +50,18 @@ enum test_action {
     TEST_ACTION_NUM,
 };
 
-// This is a massive hack that makes this test work without totally rewriting it after #31406
-// The number of null items in item.components is used as a unique id for the purposes of this test
-//
-// The reason components is used instead of some other property of items is that this isn't checked
-// when determining if two items stack and therefore has no side effects.
-static void set_id( item &it, int id )
+static void set_id( item &it, const std::string &id )
 {
-    it.components = std::list<item>( static_cast<size_t>( id ), item() );
+    it.set_var( "id", id );
 }
 
-static int get_id( const item &it )
+static std::string get_id( const item &it )
 {
-    return static_cast<int>( it.components.size() );
+    return it.get_var( "id" );
 }
 
 template <typename T>
-static item *retrieve_item( const T &sel, int id )
+static item *retrieve_item( const T &sel, const std::string &id )
 {
     item *obj = nullptr;
     sel.visit_items( [&id, &obj]( const item * e, item * ) {
@@ -239,7 +234,7 @@ static invlet_state check_invlet( Character &you, item &it, const char invlet )
     return UNEXPECTED;
 }
 
-static void drop_at_feet( Character &you, const int id )
+static void drop_at_feet( Character &you, const std::string &id )
 {
     size_t size_before = get_map().i_at( you.pos() ).size();
 
@@ -253,7 +248,7 @@ static void drop_at_feet( Character &you, const int id )
     REQUIRE( get_map().i_at( you.pos() ).size() == size_before + 1 );
 }
 
-static void pick_up_from_feet( Character &you, int id )
+static void pick_up_from_feet( Character &you, const std::string &id )
 {
     map_stack items = get_map().i_at( you.pos() );
     size_t size_before = items.size();
@@ -269,7 +264,7 @@ static void pick_up_from_feet( Character &you, int id )
     REQUIRE( items.size() == size_before - 1 );
 }
 
-static void wear_from_feet( Character &you, int id )
+static void wear_from_feet( Character &you, const std::string &id )
 {
     map_stack items = get_map().i_at( you.pos() );
     size_t size_before = items.size();
@@ -283,7 +278,7 @@ static void wear_from_feet( Character &you, int id )
     REQUIRE( items.size() == size_before - 1 );
 }
 
-static void wield_from_feet( Character &you, int id )
+static void wield_from_feet( Character &you, const std::string &id )
 {
     map_stack items = get_map().i_at( you.pos() );
     size_t size_before = items.size();
@@ -323,7 +318,7 @@ static void add_item( Character &you, item &it, const inventory_location loc )
     }
 }
 
-static item &item_at( Character &you, const int id, const inventory_location loc )
+static item &item_at( Character &you, const std::string &id, const inventory_location loc )
 {
     switch( loc ) {
         case GROUND: {
@@ -345,7 +340,7 @@ static item &item_at( Character &you, const int id, const inventory_location loc
     return null_item_reference();
 }
 
-static void move_item( Character &you, const int id, const inventory_location from,
+static void move_item( Character &you, const std::string &id, const inventory_location from,
                        const inventory_location to )
 {
     switch( from ) {
@@ -472,43 +467,43 @@ static void invlet_test( avatar &dummy, const inventory_location from, const inv
         item tshirt( "tshirt" );
         item jeans( "jeans" );
 
-        set_id( tshirt, 1 );
-        set_id( jeans, 2 );
+        set_id( tshirt, "1" );
+        set_id( jeans, "2" );
 
         // add the items to the starting position
         add_item( dummy, tshirt, to );
         add_item( dummy, jeans, to );
 
         // assign invlet to the first item
-        assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 1, to ), invlet, first_invlet_state );
+        assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "1", to ), invlet, first_invlet_state );
 
         // remove the first item
-        move_item( dummy, 1, to, from );
+        move_item( dummy, "1", to, from );
 
         // assign invlet to the second item
-        assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 2, to ), invlet, second_invlet_state );
+        assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "2", to ), invlet, second_invlet_state );
 
         item *final_first = nullptr;
         item *final_second = nullptr;
         switch( action ) {
             case REMOVE_1ST_REMOVE_2ND_ADD_1ST_ADD_2ND:
-                move_item( dummy, 2, to, from );
-                move_item( dummy, 1, from, to );
-                move_item( dummy, 2, from, to );
-                final_first = &item_at( dummy, 1, to );
-                final_second = &item_at( dummy, 2, to );
+                move_item( dummy, "2", to, from );
+                move_item( dummy, "1", from, to );
+                move_item( dummy, "2", from, to );
+                final_first = &item_at( dummy, "1", to );
+                final_second = &item_at( dummy, "2", to );
                 break;
             case REMOVE_1ST_REMOVE_2ND_ADD_2ND_ADD_1ST:
-                move_item( dummy, 2, to, from );
-                move_item( dummy, 2, from, to );
-                move_item( dummy, 1, from, to );
-                final_first = &item_at( dummy, 1, to );
-                final_second = &item_at( dummy, 2, to );
+                move_item( dummy, "2", to, from );
+                move_item( dummy, "2", from, to );
+                move_item( dummy, "1", from, to );
+                final_first = &item_at( dummy, "1", to );
+                final_second = &item_at( dummy, "2", to );
                 break;
             case REMOVE_1ST_ADD_1ST:
-                move_item( dummy, 1, from, to );
-                final_first = &item_at( dummy, 1, to );
-                final_second = &item_at( dummy, 2, to );
+                move_item( dummy, "1", from, to );
+                final_first = &item_at( dummy, "1", to );
+                final_second = &item_at( dummy, "2", to );
                 break;
             default:
                 FAIL( "unimplemented" );
@@ -554,18 +549,18 @@ static void stack_invlet_test( avatar &dummy, inventory_location from, inventory
     item tshirt1( "tshirt" );
     item tshirt2( "tshirt" );
 
-    set_id( tshirt1, 1 );
-    set_id( tshirt2, 2 );
+    set_id( tshirt1, "1" );
+    set_id( tshirt2, "2" );
 
     // add two such items to the starting position
     add_item( dummy, tshirt1, from );
     add_item( dummy, tshirt2, from );
 
     // assign the stack with invlet
-    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 1, from ), invlet, CACHED );
+    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "1", from ), invlet, CACHED );
 
     // wield or wear the first item
-    move_item( dummy, 1, from, to );
+    move_item( dummy, "1", from, to );
 
     std::stringstream ss;
     ss << "1. add a stack of two same items to " << location_desc( from ) << std::endl;
@@ -573,17 +568,18 @@ static void stack_invlet_test( avatar &dummy, inventory_location from, inventory
     ss << "3. " << move_action_desc( 0, from, to ) << std::endl;
     ss << "expect the two items to have different invlets" << std::endl;
     ss << "actually the two items have " <<
-       ( item_at( dummy, 1, to ).invlet != item_at( dummy, 2, from ).invlet ? "different" : "the same" ) <<
+       ( item_at( dummy, "1", to ).invlet != item_at( dummy, "2",
+               from ).invlet ? "different" : "the same" ) <<
        " invlets" << std::endl;
     INFO( ss.str() );
-    REQUIRE( item_at( dummy, 1, to ).typeId() == tshirt1.typeId() );
-    REQUIRE( item_at( dummy, 2, from ).typeId() == tshirt2.typeId() );
+    REQUIRE( item_at( dummy, "1", to ).typeId() == tshirt1.typeId() );
+    REQUIRE( item_at( dummy, "2", from ).typeId() == tshirt2.typeId() );
     // the wielded/worn item should have different invlet from the remaining item
-    CHECK( item_at( dummy, 1, to ).invlet != item_at( dummy, 2, from ).invlet );
+    CHECK( item_at( dummy, "1", to ).invlet != item_at( dummy, "2", from ).invlet );
 
     // clear invlets
-    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 1, to ), invlet, NONE );
-    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 2, from ), invlet, NONE );
+    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "1", to ), invlet, NONE );
+    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "2", from ), invlet, NONE );
 }
 
 static void swap_invlet_test( avatar &dummy, inventory_location loc )
@@ -606,28 +602,28 @@ static void swap_invlet_test( avatar &dummy, inventory_location loc )
     item tshirt2( "tshirt" );
     tshirt2.mod_damage( -1 );
 
-    set_id( tshirt1, 1 );
-    set_id( tshirt2, 2 );
+    set_id( tshirt1, "1" );
+    set_id( tshirt2, "2" );
 
     // add the items
     add_item( dummy, tshirt1, loc );
     add_item( dummy, tshirt2, loc );
 
     // assign the items with invlets
-    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 1, loc ), invlet_1, CACHED );
-    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 2, loc ), invlet_2, CACHED );
+    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "1", loc ), invlet_1, CACHED );
+    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "2", loc ), invlet_2, CACHED );
 
     // swap the invlets (invoking twice to make the invlet non-player-assigned)
-    dummy.reassign_item( item_at( dummy, 1, loc ), invlet_2 );
-    dummy.reassign_item( item_at( dummy, 1, loc ), invlet_2 );
+    dummy.reassign_item( item_at( dummy, "1", loc ), invlet_2 );
+    dummy.reassign_item( item_at( dummy, "1", loc ), invlet_2 );
 
     // drop the items
-    move_item( dummy, 1, loc, GROUND );
-    move_item( dummy, 2, loc, GROUND );
+    move_item( dummy, "1", loc, GROUND );
+    move_item( dummy, "2", loc, GROUND );
 
     // get them again
-    move_item( dummy, 1, GROUND, loc );
-    move_item( dummy, 2, GROUND, loc );
+    move_item( dummy, "1", GROUND, loc );
+    move_item( dummy, "2", GROUND, loc );
 
     std::stringstream ss;
     ss << "1. add two items of the same type to " << location_desc( loc ) <<
@@ -638,23 +634,24 @@ static void swap_invlet_test( avatar &dummy, inventory_location loc )
     ss << "4. move the items to " << location_desc( GROUND ) << std::endl;
     ss << "5. move the items to " << location_desc( loc ) << " again" << std::endl;
     ss << "expect the items to keep their swapped invlets" << std::endl;
-    if( item_at( dummy, 1, loc ).invlet == invlet_2 && item_at( dummy, 2, loc ).invlet == invlet_1 ) {
+    if( item_at( dummy, "1", loc ).invlet == invlet_2 &&
+        item_at( dummy, "2", loc ).invlet == invlet_1 ) {
         ss << "the items actually keep their swapped invlets" << std::endl;
     } else {
         ss << "the items actually does not keep their swapped invlets" << std::endl;
     }
     INFO( ss.str() );
-    REQUIRE( item_at( dummy, 1, loc ).typeId() == tshirt1.typeId() );
-    REQUIRE( item_at( dummy, 2, loc ).typeId() == tshirt2.typeId() );
+    REQUIRE( item_at( dummy, "1", loc ).typeId() == tshirt1.typeId() );
+    REQUIRE( item_at( dummy, "2", loc ).typeId() == tshirt2.typeId() );
     // invlets should not disappear and should still be swapped
-    CHECK( item_at( dummy, 1, loc ).invlet == invlet_2 );
-    CHECK( item_at( dummy, 2, loc ).invlet == invlet_1 );
-    CHECK( check_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 1, loc ), invlet_2 ) == CACHED );
-    CHECK( check_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 2, loc ), invlet_1 ) == CACHED );
+    CHECK( item_at( dummy, "1", loc ).invlet == invlet_2 );
+    CHECK( item_at( dummy, "2", loc ).invlet == invlet_1 );
+    CHECK( check_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "1", loc ), invlet_2 ) == CACHED );
+    CHECK( check_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "2", loc ), invlet_1 ) == CACHED );
 
     // clear invlets
-    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 1, loc ), invlet_2, NONE );
-    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 2, loc ), invlet_1, NONE );
+    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "1", loc ), invlet_2, NONE );
+    assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "2", loc ), invlet_1, NONE );
 }
 
 static void merge_invlet_test( avatar &dummy, inventory_location from )
@@ -690,21 +687,21 @@ static void merge_invlet_test( avatar &dummy, inventory_location from )
         item tshirt1( "tshirt" );
         item tshirt2( "tshirt" );
 
-        set_id( tshirt1, 1 );
-        set_id( tshirt2, 2 );
+        set_id( tshirt1, "1" );
+        set_id( tshirt2, "2" );
 
         // add the item
         add_item( dummy, tshirt1, INVENTORY );
         add_item( dummy, tshirt2, from );
 
         // assign the items with invlets
-        assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 1, INVENTORY ), invlet_1, first_invlet_state );
-        assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, 2, from ), invlet_2, second_invlet_state );
+        assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "1", INVENTORY ), invlet_1, first_invlet_state );
+        assign_invlet( dummy, item_at( dummy, "2", from ), invlet_2, second_invlet_state );
 
         // merge the second item into inventory
-        move_item( dummy, 2, from, INVENTORY );
+        move_item( dummy, "2", from, INVENTORY );
 
-        item &merged_item = item_at( dummy, 1, INVENTORY );
+        item &merged_item = item_at( dummy, "1", INVENTORY );
         invlet_state merged_invlet_state = check_invlet( dummy, merged_item, expected_merged_invlet );
         char merged_invlet = merged_item.invlet;