My hearing aids. I can hear things in the woods that I haven't heard in years. I can hear when I've been still long enough for the birds and small animals to return to their normal activities. And, I can hear the noise that I make; I'm not as quiet as I once thought.
I need to get a pair of those. I have lost some of my hearing and I'm sure I make more noise than I think I do.
As far as gear goes my first thought would be a "strong back", but I have to say it's a toss up between a camera, boots and good maps.
