Everybody plays or works in different areas/situations, and has their own experiences/opinions, and preferences. What works for me, may or probably won't work for you. That's why I didn't want to get into equipment.
I'm trying to keep to the spirit of this thread, carry what you choose to carry, what you like, what works for you, just make sure it will work to save your life if it should come to that, and that your practiced enough with it so you can save your own life. Don't assume, don't trust the hype, prove it to yourselves.
Based on the number of hunters and hikers that get found dead every year, I tend to think that perhaps a lack of preparation and forethought might be contributory. Just humbly trying to plant a seed.
