Most basic survival item

I have just joined the community and I am wondering about your opinion. What do you consider to be the most basic item for survival? At the top of my head the first thing that crosses my head is obviously water... What is your opinion?

 

For water, I would bring along a canteen. A flashlight with new batteries, a hunting knife and/or machete , waterproof set of matches, a raincoat, an iron cast pan, a backpack with some clothes and bedroll, a shovel, alcohol or flammable oil flask.

 

I asked Mr. Cluckeyo if he could only bring one item, what would it be. He said a tent. I think I would probably vote for good shoes. If you understood about my feet you would understand why I said that.

 

Good question! While I think a lot of things are essential for survival, I'm also pretty sure my main concern during a time of crisis would be clean water and nutritious food. If I know that I can sustain my energy, then locating shelter or distancing myself from further danger wouldn't be much of a challenge.

 

If there were a catastrophe, I would get to the woods at fast as I could. And I would live off the land and drink from the streams. So there is no need for food and water, they are plentiful. But suppose I have 500 miles to travel, if I don't take care of my feet, I won't be going very far.

 

The most needed and basic supply for survival is water. You need to drink water daily to survive. You can survive longer without food than without water. As long as you can keep your body going, you can find the other materials you need in order to survive.

 

I have to concur with the OP that the most basic survival item is water. People have been known to fast for even 100 days. Without water, it would be a miracle if one lasts a week. The quality of life is measured first of all on the availability of water. I should also add that a packet of glucose would suffice. A person need not cook with it nearby since its ready made and generates instant energy in survival situations. One can then eat anything else which he deems safe to eat as a filler in the stomach.

 

You should always have a survival kit that will cater for all your basic needs.

What you'll need: a knife, first aid supplies, food + water, matches and extra clothing. These you could have in a backpack you have with you all the time. You must be expecting the worst all the time after all.