1. Suunto KB-20 Vista Handbearing Compass (above right)
The durable, floatable Vista is a very easy to use (and very cool) compass. Hold it up to your eye, set your target in the sight at the top, and look through the viewing lens. The hairline will indicate your bearing (accurate to a half degree). Then just hold the device in your hand, keeping the pointer on that bearing as you make your way._ $70; 800-543-9124; www.suunto.com_

**2. Leatherman Juice KF4 **
You never know what you'll have to do in a survival situation, and what tools you might need to help save yourself. An updated Leatherman edition, the Juice, gives you a variety of capabilities in a small, lightweight package. Cut, pry, bend, grip, saw, punch holes-your essential range of tasks is covered. $76; 800-847-8665; www.leatherman.com

** 3. Streamlight Survivor Flashlight**
Designed to withstand a 30-foot drop, the Streamlight is lightweight and small enough for a coat pocket. O-ring-sealed openings protect against moisture. The battery is rechargeable and can be easily changed even in wet, dirty, stressful situations. The Streamlight comes in two models, with a variety of accessories; one features a 25,000-candlepower bulb, and the other offers four and a quarter hours of continuous use. _$170; $200; 800-523-7488; www.streamlight.com _

4. ACR GyPSI Personal Locator Beacon
This device-just approved by the FCC-is a major breakthrough: Each beacon is programmed with an individual, unique code that throws a signal to both GEOSAR stationary satellites and a polar-orbiting satellite system, which relay the information to regional search-and-rescue organizations and the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center in Virginia. It locates you accurately to half a mile, or you can connect it to a GPS for even greater precision. The waterproof, buoyant unit is powered by a five-year lithium battery and can transmit for over 24 hours. It works down to minus 40 degrees. $625; $725 for GPS-compatible unit; 954-981-3333; www.acrelectronics.com

**5. Windmill Delta Shockproof Lighter **
Carry waterproof matches, carry a candle and steel wool-and definitely carry this. Rated to ignite in 75-mile-per-hour winds, the Delta is a must-have fire-starter. It burns odorless butane at 2,000 degrees, which is enough to set just about anything ablaze. And it will ignite at any angle, even upside down, so getting tinder and kindling lit is easy. It comes in black, green, and blinding hunter orange. _$60; 800-582-3861; www.essentialgear.com _

6. MSR Miox Purifier
Add water to the Miox, shake it, and press a button-the unit adds salt and then passes electricity through the water (via lithium camera batteries) to create a purifying solution. Pour that into the water you want to drink, anywhere from 1/2 to 4 liters, and wait for it to kill the invisible bugs that can give you beaver fever. No iodine is used. $130; 800-531-9531; www.miox.com

Scott Bowen