You’re digging through your luggage looking for the one thing you know you should have packed, but didn’t, and are kicking yourself for not throwing it in at the last minute. Wouldn’t that Swiss Army Knife have come in handy, right now?

Whether you’re planning a weekend in the country or a month in the outback, making sure you pack what you need for emergencies of all sizes is essential. We’ve learned from experience and have developed these packing lists of small but important items that will eliminate that "I wish I had that!" feeling.

WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY or things you should always bring
Swiss Army Knife or multi-use tool
First Aid Kit
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Compass
Water bottle
Ziploc or plastic bags
Safety pins
A small roll of duct tape or waterproof tape
A few wet wipes and/or waterless antibacterial soap
A roll of toilet paper or tissues
An emergency blanket

ROAD TRIP
Swiss Army Knife or multi-use tool
First Aid Kit
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Wet wipes
Compass
Duct tape and electrical tape
Jumper cables
Spare tire
Extra water (several gallons)
Extra windshield wiper fluid
Engine oil
Paper towels
A roll of toilet paper or tissues
An emergency blanket
Ziploc or plastic bags
Bungee cords
A length of rope
Clothespins
Emergency repair tools
Maps
Insurance and Registration Cards

HIKING/CAMPING TRIP
Swiss Army Knife or multi-use tool
First Aid Kit, with insect sting relief and moleskin for blisters
Compass
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Water bottle
Water purifier
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Hat
Ziploc or plastic bags
Small bag for taking garbage out
A roll of toilet paper or tissues
Waterproof tape or duct tape
An emergency blanket
Safety pins
Clothespins
Wet wipes or waterless anti-bacterial soap
Tent Repair Kit with patches
Lightweight tarp or ground cover
Rain Gear
Extra matches or lighter in a waterproof bag
One more pair of socks than you think you’ll need
A length of rope and a length of thin wire
Bungee cords

BEACH OR WATER TRIP
Swiss Army Knife or multi-use tool
First Aid Kit
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Water bottle
Waterproof tape or duct tape
Ziploc or sealing plastic bags
Plastic bag for taking garbage out
Wet wipes
A roll of toilet paper or tissues
Clothespins for hanging items to dry
An emergency blanket
Water purifier
Insect repellent
Meat Tenderizer (for jellyfish stings and barnacle cuts)
Sunscreen
Sunburn Relief Lotion
Hat
Beach blanket or collapsible chairs
Umbrella or tarp for shade

EXTENDED TRAVEL
Swiss Army Knife or multi-use tool
Compass
First Aid Kit, including a supply of antibiotics, a pair of disposable latex gloves, a mercury-free thermometer and a sterile syringe.
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Film
Water bottle
A small roll of waterproof or duct tape
Ziploc or sealing plastic bags
Wet wipes and waterless anti-bacterial soap
A roll of toilet paper or tissues
Emergency blanket
Rubber bands
Clothespins or safety pins
Water purifier
Sunscreen
Electrical converters (if using electrical equipment)
Hot water heating coil
Sleep sack
Travel Insurance Kit (see GoNOMAD MINI GUIDE: Travel Insurance Kit)
Small sewing kit
Luggage repair kit with vinyl patches
At least three padlocks