What is the best wilderness survival tool?

I am wondering what you guys think is the best tool for surviving in the wilderness (mountains-forest-ect.) best all around tool to always take with you....What is the best wilderness survival tool?
brain



ability to make fire



knife
Survival skills perfected before you go.

With that you can survive with nothing else. Try to learn them in an emergency out there and your dead meat. Study all you can and practice the skills before you go. Building a fire without matches and lighter, building shelters, how to navigate use a compass and map, what plants are edible. Etc etc.



As for actual things its more than one.

Quality knives; yes more than one and sharpening stone.

Firearm/ammo and being a marksman

Good boots socks

A container to carry water and another to boil water and cook in.

A small tarp or tent

Some cordage

Sleeping bag or wool blanket

Magnesium fire starter

Quality back pack

GPS or compass and map



Those are the basics

But I have to say the most important thing is good boots and a good knife, don’t skimp on those. You cant walk with bloody feet.

But for gods sake and your tail don’t try to “live off the land” bring dehydrated food and let people know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. And do not go alone. I have seen the results of people going alone. And sometimes it was just recovery of body parts. I have known expert wilderness survivalists with 40 years under their belt who died from going alone. Its not like TV if your alone and have a fall you might just lay there and die with no one to help.



There are many web sites and books on wilderness survival. Study them and learn the skills. Invest in quality gear.What is the best wilderness survival tool?
I never thought much of Swiss Army knives until I received one as a gift as a teenager. Let me tell you, they can really help you to survive in the wilderness. Be sure to get one with as many functions as possible...and stick with either Wenger or Vicktorninox brands.



Another thing. You can make a very nice compact survival kit from a metal band aid box or an Altoid's mint box.
1) Common sense

2) a quality knife
Your brain.



That is the absolute best thing you can bring to the table during a survival or SHTF situation.
1. common sense...sadly this isn't so common anymore

2. a good kukri

3. a satphone could really come in handy also
A good, stout knife. One that feels kinda heavy for it's size, has a full tang, and can hold an edge nicely.
A windproof lighter.
A sharp 6 inch knife and sharpner and a good pair of boots. The wilderness can turn bare feet into hamburger fast.
Your head.
your brain, and using it wisely is your best tool
gun or knife(obviously)
A good multi tool like the leatherman wave.
A friend. Friends can go for help.



If you mean an actual tool, then a knife is best.
a good knife obviously



i think its obvious enough that i don't have to explain why
a walmart and a credit card!



but if that isent an option then a good knife