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hunting knife, bring a knife! A knife can gut fish, carve spears, chop down saplings (aided with a large rock or log), assist a fire starting, and help medically. Plus many other things, like coring the apple you brought with lunch. Bring a reliable knife and a day hiker has many more options if forced into survival mode.

4. Bring fire-starting materials

This may sound bulky and heavy, but all you need is a flint and a block of magnesium or some dryer lint covered in candle wax. That's about an ounce. Whether you're completely lost and need to warm up, or just need to cook that fish you caught, you'll want to bring something small to create a fire.

5. Bring adequate food

Bring lightweight, energy packed foods, such as GORP mix, jerky, peanuts, peanut butter (albeit a bit messy), dried fruit, homemade cheese coins, along with a small block or container of fat/oil. The fat can be used in many ways, from dressing food to creating a torch. Hard candies are lightweight and will raise blood sugar if you are feeling tired. Be sure to look up edible greens in the area if you want your vegetables at your lunch stop. Dandelion greens and thimbleberries are my favorites.

6. Bring water and water purification supplies

Bringing a small amount of water on the start of your hike will at the very least make one feel secure. Also, if the temperature is not what you expected, the water you bring will compensate in the short-term. In addition, bring a 3x3' sheet of very thin transparent plastic, iodine capsules, and a small metal can. The plastic can be made into a solar still, and the iodine can purify water. The small metal can will protect fragile material in your pack and will enable you to boil water. Remember, only boil or purify water that is moving or obviously filtered through moss or sand. Stagnant, murky water will not be safe even if boiled. To be safe, at any elevation, water will be sterile after 10 minutes of boiling.

7. Bring a small roll of duct tape and TP

Duct tape is multi-use, from patching clothes to aiding in medical splints or slings. Duct tape saved my fathers life by patching a crack in his canoe. It is worth the extra 4 ounces or so. And bring toilet paper or tissues. If nature is asking you to fertilize, you will be much happier. Plus, keeping your hands clean from food or scents will help prevent animal stalkers.

8. Bring extra clothing

If it's dry and cool, or windy and damp, you will need extra clothing. It depends on your climate. Bring extra socks, a tight,

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