I approach all scenarios as if they were real situations, those that are plausible at least. As far as a paracord snare, no, but you can make a net or net trap with the cord which is much more effecient than spearing. As far as the axe goes, my multi tool will have a metal grinding file, problem solved.

-Olaf

Well, so far, something has been terribly amiss from the listed items. If you only get to take six items, then you obviously don't want to stay on the island forever. You almost certainly have to make one of the items a PLB, or short that, a signal mirror.

The other five should spread through the standard necessities of survival: water, shelter, fire, food, tools, etc. Keep in mind that some categories can be improvised from others (i.e., build a shelter using tools).

PLB or sat phone.

Barring that, a tarp might not be bad, nor would a good coil of rope. Or a canoe- you can do a lot better fishing if you can get a hundred yards off shore, from what I've read.

Although a real pot wouldn't be bad either.

fishing net
signal mirror
tarp....us army survival manual would be handy too tho

This is always the problem I find with things like this... Is the island the cartoon one palm island, something more realistic like Castaways' Island or something more substantial like Gilligans Island, or much bigger like Carusos' Island.
I think that if its a smaller island with no or limited resources your list would be a lot different then if you have a larger island with some or great resources.
For instance if you had Gilligans' or Carusos' Island there are enough resources that you might drop the cordage for another item and get to work makeing your own cordage from things found on the island.
On the other hand if you find your on the other two islands it might be better to have three or four items to cover food/water/shelter then have a solar panel with a PLB and/or satphone.
But then if they are going to be less then specific about what they are going to drop you on, you can be less then realistic about what 'things' you want with you.. Ask for a nuclear sub and a desalination plant... other then food, your set.

You make a very good point, I was thinking of a Caruso type island myself, wishfull thinking I guess.

I'll be making room in my kit soon! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

For the purpose of winning the contest we need to think like the person judging the contest. I sincerely doubt they would prioritize the same way people on this board prioritize.

Who is judging the contest? Do you have any personal knowledge of them?

Cameron

How about just one item: a cruise ship!

Satt phone. Make a phone call and get rescued.

A GPIRB (or EPIRB) would work too..