first survival thing you would make

[texascarl]

I always say to sit down and lay out a game of solitaire. Within minutes someone will show up and urge you to play the red 8 on the black 9.

 

[Qew71]

I didn't think of the tangible reasons when I picked FIRE. Personally, fire has a fantastic psycholigical boost for me. Most of my camping/hiking is conducted in tropical climes so shelter isn't all that big a deal. In the middle of a forest, you're damp most of the time and at night it can get pretty chilly, especially after rain.

The moisture just wicks the heat from you incredibly fast and before long you're wondering how absurb it is to be squatting in the middle of a tropical rainforest, with your teeth chattering. And wondering how in hell can your breath be misting when you're practically at sea level and just about smack on the equator. hehehe it's a fire for me guys. Shelter is easy in a forest... but a fire can keep your morale up and keep you sane.

 

[Warriorsociologist]

regarding your list....fire, then shelter (as most of you also suggested). However, if it were me, before even those two (assuming it was not readily avalible) would be water.