Fire Source
Matches (the best being windproof, waterproof, and stormproof), lighters, magnifying glasses (can be used to ignite dry leaves or paper in sunlight), flint, several matchbox striker papers, and a few small pieces of dry wood. Almost anything can be used as fuel, but ignition is the most critical step. Experts typically carry high-quality waxed long matches (with double plastic packaging), a box of match heads, and a stormproof lighter.
Light Source
A headlamp, equipped with at least one spare bulb, a fuse, and several sets of spare batteries, all stored in waterproof packaging. Normally, set the headlamp to the optimal battery usage mode. It’s recommended to also carry a small backup headlamp.
Multi-tool Knife
A standard 16-function Victorinox Swiss Army knife will help you handle nearly all emergencies. It also includes a mini screwdriver, tweezers, scissors, bottle opener, pen, and needle.
Rope
When you need it, rope can be a true lifeline. Carry a 5-meter-long, 6–8 mm thick rope—it can be used for bundling items or setting up a makeshift pulley system. A single rope has so many uses; the only limit is your imagination.
Prism Compass
A prism compass embedded with a scale is recommended—it helps you find the correct horizontal position in the wilderness. Of course, it won’t show you the nearest path, shelter, river, ridge, or other directional cues to safety in the conventional sense. In a dangerous situation, the priority is to return to a recognizable landmark within sight and make your way to safety.
Food Source
This is only for critical survival situations, not for regular meals during your trip. Include high-calorie foods that are easy to carry, require no preparation, and can sustain you for the first 48 hours. Nut and raisin chew bars, glucose tablets, butter cubes, cheese, peanuts, and dehydrated fruit bars are all suitable. Remember, don’t consume these under normal circumstances—if all is well, you should take them back home.
Polyethylene Bag
Buy a clean, sturdy, large polyethylene bag (with enough extra space even after filling both the top and bottom layers), at least 50 microns thick. Bring two or three such bags. Polyethylene bags have multiple uses—such as carrying water, collecting steam, or even melting snow, providing insulation, keeping off rain, and floating.
Whistle
A sturdy plastic whistle is better than a metal one. It’s best to thread your Swiss Army knife and whistle onto a string and wear it around your neck or tie it to your wrist. Get a high-pitched whistle, and it’s ideal if all team members carry the same type (if not, familiarize yourselves with the different sounds). The team can also design a whistle signaling system in case you need to call for help in an emergency.
Toilet Paper (Roll)
Although toilet paper isn’t very suitable for outdoor use—since even cold water is better than paper, and snow can be a decent alternative—it’s still a good idea to bring a roll just in case.
Small First Aid Kit
Basic medical supplies include a first aid belt, water purification tablets, medications for common illnesses (like stomach infections, fever, headaches, and body aches), clean cotton balls, gauze rolls, pain relief spray, and so on. That should be about it—these items are generally also part of team gear. In emergencies, it’s best to know instinctively which medicine to use when. You might never encounter such situations, but if you do, stay calm, enjoy the experience, trust your basic human instincts, and you’ll surely survive.