We start with essentials: a lightweight tarp, a firestarter kit, a compact knife, and a small first‑aid pouch. Use local materials for the tarp—heavy‑weight canvas from a spare sack, sealed with beeswax or melted paraffin for weather resistance. The firestarter can be a bundle of tinder made from dried bark, mixed with a bit of crushed limestone for flame retention. The knife should be a fixed‑blade with a carbon steel handle that can be field‑sharpened. Pack everything in a pack with modular compartments so you can rearrange based on priority. Weight is key, so choose the thinnest, most durable fabrics and avoid bulk. Plan for redundancy: include a small filter or a set of purification tablets, a solar charger for a basic radio, and a signal mirror. Keep the kit balanced; every item should have at least two uses or be easily improvable. Regularly test the kit in a simulated scenario, so you know exactly how much you’re carrying and where the weaknesses are. That’s how you hedge against risk while keeping the kit lean.