Mine has never failed me yet.

I find that the simplest tools that can do multiple things are the best. Sometimes it is just good, old fashioned technology that is the best.

My note book, fountain pen and a wooden pencil. Never runs out of batteries, never fails to boot. I keep a few post-it notes stuck to the inside of the cover if I need to give someone a note. The old ones sit on a shelf if I ever need to go back and find something. Eventually, I'll buy a fire safe just for my notebooks. My fountain pen is made out of hard plastic and carries its own resupply of ink if I run out at an inopportune time. A threaded cap seals it shut to keep it from leaking. The pencil is a pencil. I can sharpen it with my pocket knife or a piece of sand paper if I need to. Its relatively water proof and it will write much longer then any pen. They also come in any length I want (for a while at least). The graphite pencil was invented in the Tudor period and sparked a revolution in natural art because people could now take their art outside. They've also been to space.

My wool "watch cap". I do most of my camping during the Texas winters and this thing is perfect as a oven mitt, dehydrated food bag insulator, and head warmer. When the moon is exceptionally bright I unroll it down over my eyes. It has a permanent wood-smoke smell which just makes it all the better.

-Blast

Another vote for the SAK. I guess I will continue to use it for quite a long time. Maybe I will upgrade to one hand opening SAK in the near future though. But for now my Victorinox Atlas has its place secured as one of my important survival gear as well as EDC.

Svea-123 gas stove. It just keeps on cooking. The jet-like roar tells me hot coffee and food are on the way.

Tinker SAK. Solid and adaptable but not overly huge.

Old style Leatherman Wave. It won't replace my tool kit but if you take it a bit at a time you can get lot done with it. I think they made a mistake adding the 'universal bit holder' on the newer Wave.

Discount store poly fleece. $10 top and $15 pants, Target, make great around camp or at home lounge wear. Wear them under rain jacket and pants and I'm good for the cold.

USGI poncho. It isn't perfect in any role. But it is quite versatile and does a lot pretty well. Rain wear, shelter, sleeping bag, ground cloth, body bag, stretcher, float.

USGI tri-fold shovel. A little heavy for hiking but if your digging you can get a lot done with these solid units.

Flat bar 16" to 21". A pry bar made of spring steel. If your situation might involve rescue or escape from a wrecked house; or extracting someone from a car; or digging through rubble; one of these is mighty handy to have. Light, cheap and compact enough to fit unto a pack they are a bargain.

http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=HT+BARS&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=55-526&SDesc=21%26%2334%3B+Wonder+Bar%26%23174%3B+X21+Pry+Bar

My P38 can opener!I use it as a screw driver,box opener,nail cleaner,ferro scraper,etc.etc.
It has a thousand and one uses(whole web sites are dedicated to this)and so small there is no reason not to carry one.

Boatman
John

Yep. Another vote for the old Leatherman. Best father's day gift I ever received. Funny how the same people who wonder why I always have mine on my belt are the first one's to ask to use it.

My ancient Camp Trails 60/40 shell. Windproof, water resistant, tough fabric, and extremely soft and comfortable.

Kelty Trekker external frame backpack. I have a half-dozen packs, but this is the one I use from May to September to keep from drowning in sweat.

Campmor has them right now on clearance: $80 instead of the usual $140.

My Photon II on my keyring. I use it at least twice a day. If I forget my glasses, it allows me to read fine print. I've given one (or it's equal) to a bunch of family members - they all love 'em even though they don't even realize they're now better equipped to survive.