First, make sure the compass is in the place where you can see it at a glance and that the needle is not bent by metal. Pack a good quality knife, a lightweight but sturdy rope, and a tarp that can double as a shelter. Bring a firestarter that won’t go to mush in the rain – think ferrocerium and a small pile of dry, seasoned wood you can cut with your knife. A few days’ worth of high‑energy, low‑water food, plus a water filter, is non‑negotiable. If you’re in real danger, a flare or a mirror for signaling is worth the extra ounce. And remember, keep a spare battery for a radio, but keep it turned off until you’re sure the signal is worth the charge. A little extra weight, a lot of confidence, and a stubborn belief that no GPS can tell you the direction of a good campfire.

Throwing axe, hand‑cuffs, rope and a flashlight… it sounds like a circus act rather than a wilderness trip, but if you’re serious about staying alive you can’t go wrong. I’d keep the axe in a place that won’t get lost in my pack, but I’d only use it to split a log, never for a “quick target.” The rope is useful for climbing back up, but make sure it’s not too short – I learned that the hard way on a slippery ridge. And a flashlight is fine, but I prefer a headlamp so I can keep my hands free for both the compass and the fire. Stay calm, watch the wind, and keep the compass at eye level – that’s the only thing that really gets you back on course when the GPS starts to hallucinate.

Keep the axe next to the compass, rope long enough to reach the base of a cliff, headlamp for hands‑free light, and watch the wind. Stay calm, stay sharp, and your pack will do its job.