Stranded on a desert island: Which 4 would you choose?

[Scootaloo]

6. Knife, matches, tarp, flare gun

Knife - sheer utility

matches - gottahave fire.

Tarp - shelter and utility

flare gun - best chance of getting off the island.

Why no water purifier? Well, assuming that we're talking an island like "castaway", then the primary source of water will be rain. Possibly coconuts or fish blood. The purifier can't clear salt or urine toxins, so is basically wasted luggage. If on the otherh nad hte island's main source of water is still lakes or ponds, then it's in.

Why no first-aid kit? Look at the first-aid kit you have lying around. It's first aid to provide immediate treatment before getting to someone who can do better. if you're alone, then a first aid kit, while better than nothing, isn't going ot do a world of good. However, it's "iffy" purely because there's no beating antiseptics - but you'll run out eventually. better to use hte flare gun to get off the island!