[Joe 6-pack]

"That basic boy scout knife, a firestarter, signal mirror, a ziplock bag to use as a canteen with some water purification pills, and a space blanket would nearly fit in the space of a pack of playing cards and weigh nothing."

Throw in a cheap, decent orienteering compass (or a military lensatic if you're ok with a little more bulk) as well. Then you have directional awareness as well as a fire starting magnifying lens. But as this story reinforces, and others have noted, the most important piece of survival gear is the right mental state.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

.. the most important piece of survival gear is the right mental state

And a good sense of when "Don't do this...too many things can go wrong" should warn you off. Heading into the deep woods at 4 pm in early May is not a good idea. He should have listened to the little voice saying "don't go."