Small, cheap, indispensable
- Duct tape (flat “card” wrap) – repairs, blister care, waterproofing.
- Safety pins – clothing fixes, splints, improvisation.
- Spare socks – wet/cold feet kill mobility.
- Paper map + contact list – navigation/comms without phones.
- Emergency whistle – long-range signal, minimal effort.
- Storm matches/lighter – fire in all conditions; carry duplicates.
- Paracord – shelter, repairs, slings, drying lines.
- Multitool – cut, snip, screw; high utility per gram.
- Pen + notebook – plans, coordinates, lists, SOS.
- Zip bags – waterproof packing, portioning, waste separation.
Bundle small items in a clear pouch; review and top up yearly.