What’s Your Go-To Item for 72-Hour Kits?

[ChrysanthiDream]

When putting together a 72-hour kit, I always struggle to pick just one “must-have” item. Lately, I’ve been leaning toward a compact water filtration straw, since clean water is so critical and heavy to carry. But I keep thinking about things like good old-fashioned wool socks or a sturdy multitool. What’s the single item you refuse to leave out of your kit, and why? Curious if anyone’s found something less obvious that’s proved a real lifesaver.

 

[GarnetDusk]

Ferro rod’s the one thing I won’t leave out, no matter what. Fire solves so many problems: warmth, safe water, morale. A sturdy striker and some practice, and you can get a fire going even if conditions are rough. Funny enough, I’ve found a big trash bag or two is surprisingly handy—groundsheet,