The following list of items are considered a minimum for the 21st Century outdoorsman. You may wish to add items but don't go out into the field without the minimum. Always dress for the occasion: You want clothing to live in, not to be found dead in.
        Knife: Big enough to do the job safely.
        Matches: Kitchen type in a waterproof container, such as a film canister.
        Plastic Whistle: Short range signaling.
        Signal Mirror: Signaling search aircraft.
        Fire Starter: Make them yourself by rubbing candle wax into patches of cotton.
        Aluminum Foil: 18" x 18" forming a cooking utensil.
        Cordage or String: Securing shelters, setting gill nets and snares.
        Snare Wire: Brass annealed for animal snares and repairs.
        Fish Tackle
        Hooks
        Line
        Sinkers
        Leader and/or 1" Gill Net.
        Map and Compass: Know how to use.
        Plastic Sheet, Rescue Blanket or Large Plastic Leaf Bag.
        Food: High energy.