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re items – never leave without:
Cutting Tools
- Fixed-blade knife: 4″ carbon steel (Mora Companion, similar)
- Folding saw: Silky Pocketboy or Bahco Laplander
Fire
- Primary: Ferro rod + striker
- Backup: BIC lighter (waterproof container)
- Tinder: Fatwood splinters, cotton balls + petroleum jelly
Navigation
- Map: OS 1:25,000 of area (waterproof case)
- Compass: Baseplate orienteering compass
- Backup: Phone with offline maps (battery reserve, not primary)
First Aid
- Plasters, antiseptic wipes
- Triangular bandage, gauze
- Tweezers, safety pins
- Personal medications
Hydration/Purification
- Water bottle: 1L stainless steel (can boil in if needed)
- Purification tablets (backup to boiling)
Shelter/Warmth
- Emergency blanket (mylar space blanket)
- Waterproof jacket
- Insulating layer (fleece/synthetic)
Miscellaneous
- Paracord: 10m minimum
- Duct tape: Wrapped around water bottle
- Headlamp: LED + spare batteries
- Whistle: Emergency signaling
- Notebook + pencil: Observations, notes
Pack weight: ~5-7kg
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