This thread is prompted by the current discussion of knives regularly carried. Realistically, I can't recall an occasion where employing a knife was crucial. i use knives fairly regularly, but usually for fairly mundane tasks (cleaning finger nails, etc).

OTOH, there have been several times where the ability to make a fire was critical and I was very fortunate to have either a lighter, waterproof matches, and/or some type of stove made a real difference.

FAKs, though not used regularly, have been very useful a few times.

More than once, I have been glad to have a jacket or sweater tuck in the pack when the weather turned cold and windy.

What has worked for you when things went sooth?