Lighters and fire light kit might be "a given", but a fool proof method for lighingt fires in the cold and wet with less than dry fuel is an absolute priority..I've not tried them, but many folks swear by road flares..

As for carrying an axe, I would say it depends on your needs..if its bushcraft and extended living, I'd go for the axe..if you just want to be able to survive say a 72 hour emergency, I would rather use the weight for something else..

Last edited by Pete E; 12/10/12.