Good 4-person tent, and excellent weight/packability for it's size. For the ultimate in portability and comfort, get the Clark Jungle Hammock "North American" or "NX-250" (both 4-season shelters) for each person. Nothing better - www.junglehammock.com

Use to reduce the size of sleeping bags and clothing in your pack. Very handy.

Excellent full-size backpack (about 5500 cubic inches) to carry your gear. Don't skimp on the backpack or you'll be miserable carrying your gear (50-75 pounds) for miles. This will hold a tent, 2 sleeping bags, and supplies for 2 people.

Keeps your pack dry in the rain.

A cheaper and very good (but not better) alternative to the Lifesaver 6000. Still a very good filter, I own one and have used it without a problem in several different climates.

Great survival knife, well made, corrosion resistant. Make sure to get the Kydex sheath along with it (already included in listing). Don't skimp on your knife -- one of your most important survival tools.

Excellent tool for field sharpening both your straight and serrated blades. Lightweight.

Hotter than Swedish firesteel -- better for rain, but not as long-lasting.

Good foraging book for the eastern woodlands. Goes into depth on fewer plants vs. some of the more encyclopedic alternatives.

1000 uses, packs light, lasts forever. Get at least 100 feet (I bought a 1000 ft. spool for $60).

A very well made machete and an excellent value. The "kukri" shape adds substantial chopping power, to the point where this unit is a close competitor to my Gerber camp axe. Got through a 4" limb in about 8 chops with this. Compact enough to make it a regular carry, and a well made blade that arrives razor sharp. Can be used as a traditional machete, wood chopping/splitting tool, or a draw knife.

Effective way to stay dry. Doubles as an improvised shelter or, in conjunction with the poncho liner, a sleeping bag.

A steal at this price. Excellent flashlight for the size, requires no batteries. 1 minute of hand-cranking gets you 45 minutes of light. It's also waterproof, so it won't crap out on you if you're using it in the rain.

Waterproof, scratch resistant, buoyant, with a viewfinder so you can be sure that your signal is reaching the intended target.

Best of the best. Dramatically stronger than the Coleman, which I have removed from the list because it bent too easily. Worth the extra money.

Good hand protection for the wilderness, also has self-defense application.