What One Item......

JK Knives

JK Knives

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Do you consider to be most important (besides your JK knife ;)) when you are out in the woods? For me (not being the greatest woodsman) it`s my lighter. I always carry two, you never know when the first one might run out of fuel. What`s your choice, and why?
 
The only thing I carry in my pockets, after my slippy in a belt pouch, is a bandana

The bandana beyond is regular function is a towel, bandage, splint, tornique, hat, and water filter
Did I forget something?
 
We spend most of our time primitive camping in the Big South Fork. The black bear population has really taken off there so I don't leave camp without a sidearm (usually a .357 or .45). I've had one come across my path before and stand up on her hind legs to give me a sniff. She didn't stay long but I gotta tell you, it's one of those moments when you know you're alive!
 
If it's the BIG WOODS then a compass. If it's little woods I don't sweat the compass so the traditional pocket knife becomes #2. If it's winter or cold weather, then my match box trumps all, otherwise it is #3.
 
I'd say a good water bottle. Even if I don't take a fixed blade with me, I will more than likely have a water bottle. If that doesn't count as an item, then I'd say my cell phone.

When I'm tinkering around the woods, I am generally only out for an hour or two, and never more than a mile from home so don't really need to start a fire most of the time.
 
I normally carry a SAK along with my JK but feel that my flashlight with spare batteries is just as important. Most of our hikes are short hikes in the evening after work so there are trips where it's dark before getting back to the truck. Since we normally don't hike established trails the light comes in handy very often. It also makes Pam feel a little better when the coyotes are singing:D
 
I don't think I can answer this question really. Too many important things. Firemaking, protection, prescriptions, water. I honestly think if I were gonna be dropped off in nowhere with nothing but my knife and one other item, the other item would have to be my meds, without them I'm not much of any good.
 
TP, or a small envelope of baby wipes. Even if you don't have to go, it provides a 'lil peace of mind.
 
Holy Cow! Totally forgot about TP! That's my number 1, 2 and 3 item (just check my pockets) I used to rely on oak leafs until I had quite the "argument" with chiggers many Squirrel seasons ago.
 
Depends on how far out I am. Given my location in suburbia, it's honestly probably my cell phone most of the time. For trips farther out beyond cell reception, I'd go without my knife before I'd go without appropriate footwear. I've hiked in crappy shoes one too many times and nothing turns a good time into misery faster.
 
I've been thinking about this one, don't know what my answer would be to be completely honest but so long as I'm dressed and going for a walk int he woods rather then a camp out, the (besides my Jk knife,) the other things I always have on me are my lighter and flashlight. i can say a flashlight is what I'd say is essential if taking no other things but a knife but ti is the other EDC item I've come to depend on carrying everyday besides a knife and lighter.

not a great or new answer but I wanted o post anyway :)
 
Since I always have some sort of knife and a flashlight on me at all times, I guess I would have to go with a water bottle. It gets so hot here in the summer, if you don't carry one you could get in serious trouble staying out for long.
 
My truck! I'm not that great a woodsman either and even worse backpacker so hopefully I've thought completely through what I might need for wherever I'm going and loaded the possibilities into the truck. Then if I remembered to throw in a pack of whatever form I've edited it for content and purpose so it's packable and not just another "suitcase".
 
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I like to take a headlamp. I have a Petzl led headlamp that has served me well for many years. Being alone in the woods when it gets dark without a light isn't ideal and I like having both of my hands available.
 
Since all my knives have a fire steel attached to the sheath I'd would say my stainless steel water bottle. If that doesn't count then my fire steel would come second.
 
While the smart choice would be a cell phone/two way radio, I'd choose my South American serape I've had since the early 1970s - its tight weave and material (llama?) makes it warm and damn near waterproof. Over the years, it's served as a blanket (saddle, regular, and signal fire), towel, tented shelter, rain poncho, sitting pillow (folded), signal flag, and yep, clothing. When it comes to survival, remember: shelter first, then water, then food (sounds like Suzie "Rambo" Orman).
 
if we're not counting clothing (including gloves and a hat), then water bottle or SAK would get my vote.
 
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