to have in your survival/hiking pack.

I am about to take a hiking trip in the Smokies and I bought a Maxpedition pack to take along...I am currently trying to figure out what I need to put into the pack. My thinking is that it needs to be sufficient for camping/hiking/survival instances. For example, hiking, get lost and need to spend a few days in the woods, etc. We plan on doing lots of hiking and some will be all day hikes.

Rather than ask for what others would include in their packs...I thought it would be more interesting to see what others considered the 7 most important things to take with you. So, if you could only pack 7 things in your pack - what would they be? If you like, you can list what 8 through 10 would be if it was for the 10 most important things.

Thanks for your help! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

A small fire kit- Ferro rod,windproof matches,mini Bic, PJB's etc !

A small first aid kit....don't go overboard here cos if it's small enough to cover with a bandaid then it ain't worth worrying about and if it's too large for a bandaid then your in the sh*t anyway !

Emergency blanket or bag.

Whistle.

Signal Mirror.

Iodine.

stainless bowl or single wall mug for boiling water.

Plenty of cordage.

I'm assuming your fixed blade knife is already on your belt !!!!!!

Good thread buddy ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I won't assume anything, so I'll say...

1. Fixed blade, 5 inch blade (DMDC would be my choice!)
2. Strikeforce firesteel (has tinder in the case!)
3. Bandanna (or Shemagh).
4. Water filter bottle, like this one.
5. 100 ft. of paracord.
6. My 3m by 3m DD Hammocks tarp.
7. Head lamp (Black Diamond).

That's tough, I usually bring 20 lbs of gear on a day hike! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I have an old cell phone.
Doesnt have a subscription any more.
battery does hold a charge for a long time.
I use it for camping.
it is OFF all the time,
powered down to OFF.
If I am in an emergency,those phones
WILL be able to dial 911 IF you have some kind of
cell service in the area.
Light,little space,and possibly a bigtime life saver.
(just remember to power it OFF,otherwise it uses
battery power for nothing)

you should include items for the following uses:
* Fire and Light
* Signaling
* Navigation
* Water and Food Collection
* Shelter and Personal Protection
* Medical
* Knives and Tools
not my list.....Build The Perfect Survival Kit....By John D. McCann

You need the following:

A detailed Map
GPS unit
Preferred sidearm/firearm
Water
some food - whatever you want to carry

JIC you get lost...

Sweetwater Water Filter Pump
1 - 1L Nalgene Water Bottle
A couple energy bars (just in case)
emergency blanket

More likely than not, you will not use your knife in the woods during day hikes, unless you want to just screw around and chop stuff up and take pictures...

That's been my experience.

Doesn't mean I'm not taking one (or three!)

- medium fixed blade knife
- whistle (fox 40 etc)
- first aid kit
- energy dense food
- water/water purification system
- tarp/poncho/large garbage bag (shelter)
- spare clothes (fleece jacket, hat, socks etc)
- fire kit (fire steel + lighter, vasiline cotton balls for tinder)
- map and compass

TRIP PLAN! tell others where your going what you have on you, you skill level, and when you expect to be back.

1.Water purification unit
2.Water container
3.Fire starters – a variety
4.Survival blanket
5.Camp knife
6.Snares – wire and filament
7.Survival rations

Water should be number 1 on your list since you can only go like 3 days without water, especially in the summer months.

Great responses guys. I think so far, I have everything covered...

Obviously, there is much more but these are the 7 most important. Like, I would imagine a flashlight or some type of light is necessary in case you get stuck out in the dark.

Can anyone recommend a good food product for taking with me? I was thinking beef jerky and nutrition bars for the most part. I've heard mention of pemmican...How is it? I've never had it before.

Thanks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

True, but only three HOURS in extreme cold or heat...

Fire/shelter should be your first priority.

Where I go hiking there is tons of water, rivers and streams that are formed from glacial run-off. All the way to the ranger station at the mouth of the canyon. So a small water purifier and a bottle would do you in that area.