ZenEngineer... I loved your No. 1 and No. 2:
1)A working brain with skills, knowledge, insight, and judgment to improvise, adapt and overcome the challenges faced each day.
2)A will to keep trying and never quit

Wow guys I didn't think I would get such a response with this first post. I guess my answer to that same question would be "it depends". Depending on where you live and what you do, etc. we would all have different preferences that could prove 'vital' to our own world.

Also, I probably should have narrowed down the question to TOOLS, asuming that we all carry our wallet, phone and keys (I actually don't carry keys).
Even with that... the tools I carry depend on where I am and what I'm doing.

Sometimes I will have a surefire/novatac flashlight in my left pocket (where they usually 'live') and a Hissatsu Folder in my right pocket. And sometimes I will add to that a Breath of Life Emergency Escape Mask in my jacket/suit pocket (when in cities like NYC or abroad)... if not it would usually 'live' in my briefcase.

When I go to the wilderness and run some nice paths it all changes... and so too when I'm doing some other things.

For me the important thing is to understand where I am and what I will be doing (that day/week) and match the tools I carry to this ever changing reality. By the way... the flashlight and the Breath of Life are usually always there.

Anyhow, sorry for posting such a broad question and thank you all for your great answers! This forum rocks!

NOTSOFAST!

Now you have to post your list! :-D

Three items.... Pick!

-john

Swiss Army knife- farmer, whistle, light,compass and firesteel on keyring.

A clear mind...

An accurate firearm...

Extra ammunition...

and some other stuff when I think of it...;^)

Apparently none of us ever needs water; we did not list a canteen. I think an interesting variation of this question would be to say, given a three pound limit on gear, what would you carry?

Assuming the average person already is smart enough to carry at least the following:
-wallet (with id, cash [not just a credit card], ect)
-car keys
-cell phone
-sturdy and appropriate clothing [including a belt]

My three additional items would then be:

1. A good pocket knife/multi-tool

2. A good lighter or fire starting method

3. A water bottle or flask that allows for water to be boiled inside (like a non-insulated Klean Kanteen).

first post.

That's because you asked a good question. compare with the fellow who recently wanted US to set the quiz for him and then give the answers in unrealistic conditions: '25 rapid fire answers'.
Incidentally don't be put off by us disliking your question if you are reading this streamside. I wish I had a pound for every time I'd regretted saying something on the net.
Come on back!

Of course we'd all have to REMOVE stuff we always have on us, to get down to 3 itemssmost people don't carry. (how i'm interpreting your question)
mine would be
1 torch
2 whistle
3 bivvy bag
The only reason a spare torch isn't number 2 is I wear a digital watch and carry a mobile phone, both give out light.
By the way how do you get into your house without keys?
The Sock.

I live in a semi-rural area with acreage. I almost always carry more than 3 items so this wouldn't be all that I carry.

at home:
flashlight
good locking muli tool
cell phone

walks or hikes with dogs:
keys
cell phone
extra leash

in town:
keys
handbag
cell phone

Ok I'll play . I live in the 'burbs and work in ( for) a city.

Three that I always have on me.

Knife xm-18 or Strider AR

Light quark 123 or Fenix pd3

Cell.

I don't carry a wallet at home or at work nor keys. At work they're in my locker home a desk . Most of my home time is in gym shorts as right now. Cell,Quark and XM-18.

Hey I'm now a Journeymen . I was the 50th one to join here in'01. Up to now I was a newbie......

Good question that made me think. I always have my wallet/ID and keys, though.

When in the "normal" urban mode:

1) Handgun
2) knife
3) cell phone

At night, I add one of my many flashlights.

Backpacking/camping:

1) Handgun and/or bear spray
2) Knife
3) Key ring containing a Micro LED light, whistle and Leatherman Squirt

I know I fudged on the numbers a little, but it is the truth.

ETA: the key ring also has a lighter on it