We’ve all heard the stories: people get lost while hiking and are either found way too late to help them or are never heard from again. However, that will not be the case on your trip if you take a few steps to ensure that you will make it back to civilization regardless of what happens.

Carrying enough food and water for a few extra days, having a communication device and letting people know where you are going can be critical measures you should always take to hedge your bets against a disaster happening to you. However, things can go wrong even then, and you need to be ready.

When disaster strikes, there are a few things that you need right away. Food and water are always first on people’s lists, but also as important is a shelter, night and signaling fires. You need the shelter to keep safe at night, and a fire can help you keep warm. The Dynamo Fire Starter from Mayday can really make a difference there.

This multi-purpose device is a lot more than just a lighter though. A two LED bulb flashlight and cell phone charger, this device can help you find your way at the same time as giving you the necessary means to contact the outside and summon help (providing of course that you have not lost your cell phone already). The whistle can help you signal to help search and rescue parties know where to look for you, and the compass can help you travel in the right direction and get your bearings back as you struggle back to civilization.