-Blade kit items: I always carry a neck knife (usually my Izula) , a folder, a 4-6" fixed blade-RC-3-6 would suffice, a Green River dadley or ripper, or a Mora, I have a vintage norse king that is just a bit of grand. Rat should make something in a scandi grind. I also bring an axe or large survival knive based on the season (winter=GB scandi forest axe. summer=kabar havy bowie, BK9, or RC10 when it comes out)
-Fire kit, including at least 2 methods plus accelerator material (fatwood, wetfire, magnesium, or my personal favorite, esbit fuel brick plus Mg ribbon paired with firesteel and high altitude lighter (Colorado mountains here)
-First aid items, such as a few different size bandages, tape, acetaminophen, benadryl, tick tweezers, and moleskin to prevent blisters from forming, etc
-Water and or water purification method-I like benzo-chlor tabs they don't have as strong of a taste as iodine. If I will be near water, i need only bring 1 pint bottle. Also, I have a canteen cup integrated into my PSK container, so i can boil if needed.
-Sunglasses or goggles: snow-blindness and sun/windburned eyes really, really make life unpleasant, really.
-Shelter/clothes: a good hat is worth its weight in RC-6's. A poncho keeps the rain out and serves as a shelter or blanket if need be. BDU pants, and a wicking tee for the top. Also layering clothes, they get a plus if they fit into the BDU cargo pockets. Nothing but wool and earth touch my feet, leave any cotton socks at home. In the winter, I wear foul weather gear pants and a waxed cotton parka (small pieces of which may be made into char-cloth if needed). Nothing else has seemed to keep the snow out when moving through the forest and gore-tex just doesn't turn me on. I have never been cold in my alpaca sweater, so it comes when it could get to 0 or below.
-Really good boots are key: brand or stye doesn't matter, as long as they are well broken in and won't give you blisters. I have had my 3/4 shank Scarpas for 10 years (and 3 soles). I like to use ten feet of 550 cord for each lace then breakage is never a problem, plus its there if its needed and one boot has enough for both feet.
-High calorie foods, and only high calorie foods. Sodium is both your friend and your enemy. Lately I have been taking 100 calorie cliff bars all mashed up in a bag with trail mix, it gives a lot of bang for your buck.
-compass? I have one in my kit, but have yet to loose my way, even when bush-whacking for hours on end. Orienteering is fun though. I think I'm due to get lost.
-Signaling devices: whistle (painfully shrill is painfully effective), mirror, flare-pen (if you should be so lucky), gun, ???, or some combination thereof (at least fire+2,)
-Gun: those of us that live in the free states of the US have no excuse for being killed by bears, mountain lions, mentally challenged lunatics, or zombies. Take what you can carry. I like my 1873 single action army in .38+p with 10 or so on the belt (gun is 1.83# loaded+10). I can also keep a snake shot or two in the gun for those ratlin' pests.
I fit everything in a Swedish gas mask bag, or on my person (the poncho rolls around the strap). This is of course in addition to my EDC equipment: Keys,RAT-1, Izula, $, compact flashlight, sharpening stone, fire-steel, SAK camper, 25' para-cord, lint. Subject to change or addition based on terrain, length, season, weather, mood, or cosmic influence.
Some of you may have noticed that a camera is not on the list, I have ruined 4 digital cameras this year (water, sand, snow, foot). I think its a lost cause, but I'll get some photos if I can.
) But it pays to be covered for any eventuality.
