I've been planning a series of solo hiking adventures by myself. I know that I'm breaking the golden rule of never hiking alone, but sue me—vacation allowances with friends don't always overlap and plans sometimes don't pan out. That's just life. With that in mind, I made myself a survival kit—an essential packet of goodies meant to aid me in the unlikely event of a dangerous situation while I'm all by my lonesome.

These are the items I personally deem as important, after much research, personal experience, and the recommendations of others:

1. Navigation tools. I carry a small compass (which works best when you have a map or already know which direction you are and need to travel).

2. Emergency shelter/insulation. I carry a space blanket or an emergency bivvy. These can be turned into an improvised shelter. I can wrap them around me or use as a reflector by a fire for additional body heat. (They general reflect upwards of 90% of the heat radiated from your body/heat source). They're not that heavy, so don't skimp.

3. Knife. I carry a tiny Swiss army knife.

4. Illumination. I carry a tiny headlamp, too—the Petzl E+lite. It even has a whistle on it, which is extremely useful, as it can be heard from much farther away than your voice can.

5. Signaling devices. I already mentioned the whistle, but I also carry a beefier one, just in case. Someone recommended that I wear one around my neck and I think the accessibility is worth it to have it as soon as I need it.  A mirror is also a super handy tool if trying to signal rescuers in the air or from long distances.

6. Fire. I carry waterproof matches and a lighter.

7. Purification. I like the water purification tablets and usually carry a bunch with me, because you can go weeks without eating, but only a few days without drinking water. (My kit contains no food.)

8. First aid. I only carry painkillers and anti-diarrheal pills. The first, in case I'm hurt and need to punch through soreness to get to safety. The second, because diarrhea can severely dehydrate the body and is a serious sickness when you're outside in a remote setting. (I also usually carry a small medical kit.)

9. Repair. I take a small amount of duct tape, fishing line, and cordage. Duct tape is always handy, and rope can be key in situations when you need help constructing a shelter, carrying water, etc. 

10. Money. I bring a few small bills in case I need to pay for a lift to get to civilization or buy nourishment that I wouldn't otherwise get for free. 

All these things I carry in a 4L ultralight sil nylon dry sack (roll top) which is also multi-functional and can be used to carry water if I needed to. 

I never hike without my rain jacket, sun protection, a smal pack, an insulated jacket, a few ultralight collapsable water bottles, a small first aid kit, and—of course—my survival kit. If it ever came down to it, I know those items could save my life or help save someone else's. For me, carrying them will always be worth the weight.

Note: If you don't feel like you're up to making your own kit, there are some awesome brands like SOL that have gone ahead and designed some for you.