So, here's a little exercise for you. When you get a moment (presumably now is best since you're visiting this website), empty out the contents of the pockets of your favourite jacket or that bag that you carry with you on a daily basis onto a table or your bed. 

It's highly likely that you will be carrying a purse/wallet, phone, and keys as your main items and perhaps a lighter if you smoke or perhaps reading glasses should your eyesight be failing you. You may even wear a watch. (as pictured above)

I want you to closely examine every little item you carry and ask yourself... "How can I use this in a survival situation?" Remember, you may need to be able to access one or all of the following in a survival situation:

• water,
• fire,
• first aid,
• emergency services 
• a sharp tool
• navigation aid
• cordage
• shelter
• food

After you have given it some thought, how confident do you feel about your chances of survival?

This exercise is not meant to catch you out; it's purely intended to get you thinking outside the box and also about your OWN safety and maybe others around you should the occasion arise. Your ego and pride will not save you in a crisis; only a calm and methodical one will.

After you have finished with this exercise, you will then need to consider what to add to your daily gear. It doesn't have to be large and flashy; it just needs to work and meet your most basic but vital needs.

Don't go buying any fancy equipment; just keep it as simple and minimalistic as possible. Maybe something that combines many of the vital elements into one tool?

As you work your way through this website, your need to carry items will decrease as your knowledge and understanding of bushcraft and survival increase. As we say in bushcraft ^{"THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE LESS YOU CARRY,"} but as the scouts always say "be prepared"