OK, with the water filter out, and assuming that I am on the proto-typical South Pacific deserted island, and that I am looking at staying on the island for a while,(not sailing off on the raft) my picks would be:


1. Tarp: a real multi-tasker: shelter, ground sheet, rain collection, hammock, etc:
2. Knife; another multi-tasker, if not the ultimate multi-tasker
3. Rope; another multi tasker; can unwind strands for fishing line etc; increases the uses and options for the tarp.

but number four is a hard choice between Matches and the Pot. They sort of go together. But since the matches will run out, and the pot is useful even without a fire, I'll go with that for number four.

That leaves the problem of making fire. . .oh boy, I'm Tom Hanks in Castaway!

In general, I prefer things that will last and not get used up. But if I got 6 choices, I would add the matches even though they will eventually get used up and the hand saw (not really much of a multi-tasker) which will be very useful in cutting wood and help take the load off the knife...