You never know when or what type of survival situation you'll find yourself in. If you keep a survival kit in your car or on you in the wilderness, you're more prepared should a situation arise.
Knife
A pocket knife or Swiss Army knife is probably one of the most important tools to carry in your survival gear. Use it to cut down small limbs and branches to make a shelter and to help prepare your next meal. Choose a knife with a quality blade and serrations on the blade for sawing. A multitool that provides a blade, saw, pliers, and other tools is also a good choice.
Fire
When you are in a survival situation, particularly in the wilderness, staying warm and dry is essential to staying alive. Carry multiple sources of fire-making tools with you. An ordinary cigarette lighter, waterproof matches, a flint and steel or magnesium striker and some tinder are just a few of the compact fire-starting tools you can carry in your kit
Flashlight
Always carry a flashlight and extra batteries. If you have to move at night, especially in the wilderness, you'll need light. A compact LED provides lots of light without draining the batteries quickly. A headlamp is also convenient as it leaves your hands free to build a fire or a shelter.
If you don't have a flashlight, improvise; some cell phones or key chains have a small light on them.
Compass or GPS
A GPS is more accurate and more reliable than a compass, especially if you are not skilled at using one, don't have a map or don't know your location. If you know how to use a compass and map, it can save you where technology fails you. In heavy tree cover your GPS may not get reception. With the exception of hand-held units designed for hiking, most GPS units do not display topography. This can be deceiving if you are trying to make a beeline to civilization. Learn to use and carry both if possible.
Cord or Rope
Carrying some type of cord, rope, or even string can be invaluable in a survival situation. Rope has a range of uses from lashing together branches for a shelte, to helping you ascend or descend difficult terrain. The most versatile cord you can carry is number 550 parachute cord. It is thin and lightweight, allowing you to carry an ample length without taking up a lot of space, and it supports 550 pounds.
Fishing Equipment
Where there is water, there are usually fish. All you need is about 100 feet of fishing line, three hooks and four to six small lead weights. A stick or branch serves as an improvised pole, and bait abounds in the forest. Fish on small still pools in mountain streams or shallow tidal pools near coastal areas.
First Aid Kit
Always a carry a first aid kit. The bigger the kit, the more emergencies you're prepared for. Smaller kits fit into a survival gear bag better, so balance your needs. Make sure you have the at least the essentials in your kit, like water purification tablets, disinfecting wipes, bandages, first aid tape, bee sting kit, snake bite kit, and some pain reliever/fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
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