Yep its been discussed before but thats okay. People's opinions change and research, science, etc changes over time too. One of the great things about the people on this board is they rarely hand out stock "Do a search" answers that we all know can be quite frustrating to a newcomer. I alot of the guys and gals here will often post links to other threads with helpful information. This is probably the friendliest board I have ever been a part of!

I'll keep it real simple. Note: this is just my opinion. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

#1. Knife -- Absolutely no question about this one being most important IMHO. With a good knife, proper knowledge and lots of hands-on (practice) experience, I can improvise anything else I need including #2 and #3 from this list.

#2. Fire -- Some method (there are many) of starting fire. Lighter, matches, flint, etc.

#3. Water -- Some method (there are many) of obtaining clean drinking water. Water is the next most important thing to fire IMHO. If you're not already familiar with it, see "The Rule of 3's" for details on why I feel this way. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> If you have trouble finding info on the Rule of 3's, post a reply and I will dig up more info on it that you ever wanted or needed. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

This Chris Kavanaugh chap - he knows a thing or two.... I don't care what people say... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Brian:

I disagree!

Number 1 is knowledge; without knowing what to do, all else, including a positive attitude is pointless.

Number 2 is mindset; you can have all the tools in the world available for survival, but if you curl up in a corner and consider yourself hopelessly lost or dead, you soon will be.

Bountyhunter

Joblot:

Why?, what do people say, we need a little gossip here to break up all these cold facts? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That would be true if he hadn't specifically stated "equipment" but he did so it isn't. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Very Good, now STOP calling me Mr.Kavanaugh PULEESE!!!! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Makes him feel old. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Brian:

Now for the lawyers routine.

First came the word. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Without the word, there can be no law which is the tool for "civilized" societies. And as the law is the tool for the "people", and the word is necessary for the law, so then the word is the tool for the people.

Without knowledge, there can be no tools or use of tools, and so therefore knowledge is a tool.

I got an A doing Pathagareoms theory but I'll be darned if I could remember the 100+ steps of proof today.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

...nyuck nyuck nyuck... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

An innovative mind, the ability to adapt and a positive outlook.

Pete