i always use a daypack, carry in it all the items i will need for the day and maybe even the night if i happen to get turned around or just get back in too far to make it out before dark. in the bottem of my pack is a drop cloth and a small roll of duct tape, with this i could make me a shelter. i have never had to open it, but is is nice to know it is there. my pack has plenty of outside pockets on it to carry items such as drag rope, knife, flashlight, batteries, extra matches or lighters, food for the day and some extra, drinks, etc. always nice to have to pack to carry items of clothing i am not going to wear while i am walking into the woods. carry a backpack if you are going out for the day, expecially if you are in strange territory.