Alaska is an incredible place, and I think you should visit. And while bush flying has its risks, it is also by far the best way to get out and see and experience some of that amazing country. You won't regret it.

Regarding Jerry's, mine, and other's comments about gear, I don't think any of us were saying not to bring a larger knife, firearm, or other survival gear. No one is suggesting those things wouldn't be extremely useful in a survival situation. Rather it is a matter the best way to carry that stuff when flying.

Every situation is different, and one must do a careful risk/reward analysis of each situation. Flexible thinking is critical to any survival situation. The discussion was about balancing the reward of carrying a lot of stuff in/on your vest versus the risk of entrapment if you need to exit the plane quickly. When I fly in the bush, I keep a few small critical items in my pockets. The rest of my survival gear goes in a small day pack which I keep in the most accessible location feasible in whatever type aircraft I'm in.

In a worst case situation (the plane is sinking fast or on fire) my first priority is to be able to get out of the aircraft quick. I'm alive and I have enough stuff in my pockets to get a fire going and survive at least for awhile till rescued. If the wreckage remains afloat or isn't totally consumed by fire, I still have the chance to retrieve the rest of my gear.