FIRESTARTERS Lighters, waterproof matches and other fire makers should be scattered throughout your equipment, and there should be at least 2 in your kit.
HEATABLE CONTAINER A metal cup, bowl or pot to boil water provides you a safe and unlimited water supply.
LIGHT Bring a light source like a flashlight or head lamp that is both rugged and waterproof.
SOUND Carry a whistle to signal for your buddies, or signal for help.
MIRROR Bring a signal mirror, which carries much further than the whistle.
WARMTH Stock an emergency shelter item like a space blanket or an emergency bivy.
KNIFE Carry a quality knife for dozens of obvious reasons.
COMPASS Bring a compass, so that you can navigate.
FIRST AID You’ll also need first aid supplies to treat wounds and prevent infection.
EMERGENCY FOOD An emergency food supply can give you energy to keep going, and you’ll sleep warmer at night with a little food in your belly. Fishing gear is a good back-up strategy for the time when the food runs out.
WATER SAFETY Water purification tablets and a container for water should be on your list, as these make water treatment much easier than boiling.
These tips, and many more survival skills, are in MacWelch’s books:
Prepare For Anything
Hunting and Gathering Survival Manual
How To Survive Anything
And if that’s not enough, you can:
Follow Tim on Twitter @timmacwelch
Take one of his survival classes at www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com and check out more of MacWelch’s outdoor skills and survival articles at Outdoor Life Magazine’s survival site, The Survivalist.