The basic essentials of going on a hunt:

- Shelter for one night, in any conditions. At least a bivvy sack or tube tent.

- Warmth for one night, in any conditions. If you're not carrying something that will burn in the pouring rain, well that's just dumb. I carry a wallet full of starter fuels - solid hydrocarbons with the words "Visa" "American Express" and "Discover Card" on them. They burn REALLY WELL as a fire starter - slice them up and get them lit with some wetfire tinder and you can dry out lots of organics.

- Signal whistle.

- Basic (stop the bleeding) first aid kit (you don't need a tongue depressor with a hunting FAK)