What couldn't you live without?

[sunrain]

Some sort of way of artistic expression for sure, even a pad of paper and a pencil would be fine.
But preferable some drumsticks or something.
And some means to defend myself, too, like a knife or stick or something.
And a way of communicating unmonitored with other people.
Viva la revolution, baby.   

[Korax]

Leave me an Axe, my Wife, a towel, and a chunk of Flint. I can quite literally make everything else I need. (I spend a lot of time looking at survival sites, plus I spent years learning to do so while growing up in Alaska.)

If you made me the tools, I could make you the towel. Even in Alaska, I do believe. *Salutes* There are some very informative books rolling about that describe native ways of manufacturing goodies like that, along with diapers, large watertight cooking vessels, and some terrifyingly efficient fishing operations. You're on your own as far as brass-smelting operations go, however.

As for me... I would be very sad if I had to give up toilet paper. As far necessities... in the ultimate survival situation, I would like a sturdy steel knife with a blade of about 6 inches and a large piece of waterproof material. Over that, a fire kit, a few saw blades, an adze. Steel! Makes life so much easier! And some sort of weatherproof container to keep the books in. I've got to have my books.

Lucky lass that I am, I live in a landscape that is remarkably well-equipped, subsistence-wise. There is actually a local native tradition that if you starve, you are obviously a complete and utter idiot and would have been a waste of air in the first place. Rather a comforting thought.  (They are a tad more diplomatic about how they say it...)

[Prof Marvel]

Lucky lass that I am, I live in a landscape that is remarkably well-equipped, subsistence-wise. There is actually a local native tradition that if you starve, you are obviously a complete and utter idiot and would have been a waste of air in the first place. Rather a comforting thought.  (They are a tad more diplomatic about how they say it...)

Indeed! While much is made of the accomplishments of Lewis and Clark, they and their crew were so utterly stupid they nearly starved, (and would have were it not for their Native American guide) . A French Voyageur (Trader) who was in a village visited by them wrote that the Chief of that tribe said "they are all fools, there is not one brain amongst them, except for the worker of metal" (they had brought a blacksmith with them!)

In fact as Lewis and Clark approached the Pacific Northwest, they were starving whilst hiking right next to rivers filled with Salmon.

yhs
prof Marvel

[SirValdemar]

Well most importantly I couldn't live without my freedom if it was just myself otherwise as it stands my daughter is the most important treasure that I have so life without her is not an option.

Onto the material things.

Books, I could not live without books for the information and knowledge held within them that will stand the test of time should the aether ever fail us but also because it allows me and others I assume the opportunity to travel to distant lands and times gone by or futures yet experienced and realms only imagined that even a television cant fully give you.

A basic but complete wardrobe of clothes for all seasons because the misery of trying to stay warm in the bitter cold of winter in northern climes is just that a misery.

Tools because I can fix most anything and they can be useful in a rebellion when one needs to repair his or her hidden stash of discomboobulators.

Watch because knowing time and date gives a sense of balance and being on the ground.

Quill and paper for writing down ones thoughts and communicating with others.

Fruit and vegetable seeds to feed a few or many.