When I go on walkabout I carry a tiny survival kit that fits neatly in my vest. If I ever get lost they will find me, possibly hungry but very much alive, warm, hydrated and comfortable.
The same kit, minus the tube tent, is in my medium size Ameribag which is always with me. You really don't need much stuff to survive but you do need the right stuff.
“Don’t forget to take a towel. You guys wanna get high?”
Agreed.
Living and spending most of my time in politically correct environments in a so-pc state, I don’t carry one with me, but I could always get to one in a pinch.
Lighter. Basic pocket knife which won’t get you fired or arrested anywhere. Emergency blanket. Couple garbage bags. And something to somehow boil water in.
Then a freeze-dried backpack meal or two. And enough ready cash to fill your gas tank to at least the next state.
If you have those, 99.9% of the time you’ll have enough time to figure out the rest.
Recently picked up some “emergency water” - though that sounds darn silly, it’s good for 10 years, and packaged in the same sort of package as those juice bags - apparently you can leave a couple in your vehicle in (any) weather - down to 40 below, and it won’t burst even if it freezes, that seemed like a good thing to have around just to keep and forget about for a couple years, just in case.
Please give us the list.
Yes. Appropriate clothing, some food, water container, lighter, knife or better yet multi tool and let someone know where the hell you are going before embarking and always take a buddy.