More then a while back, I took a Sierra Club field course (Nature Knowledge or WBC) and they had invited a couple of SERE instructors to guest lecture/demonstrate. One of the things I remember from their lectures was the need for at least three cutting tools, three ways to make fire, and you can't have too much cordage.

The most reliable way I've found to make fire is synthetic tinder and windproof/water proof matches followed by ferrorod, followed by a flint (not piezo) Bic lighter.

EDIT: Back when I backpacked, I carries matches in a rigid case (crush resistant), SAK/MT, compass, whistle, pen light w/batteries, cordage, and space/all weather blanket for shelter in a 1L pouch. The pouch was either in an outside pocket of my main pack, clipped to my waist for river crossings in the event I had to ditch the main pack, or stuffed into a fanny pack for around camp and day hikes. I later added a 1/2L Platypus collapsible water bottle, potable Aqua tablets, and a mini-map to the pouch.