Shelter: Yes, it's important. Generally, unless the plane burns, it will provide pretty decent shelter, unless, of course, you chose to land in a lake.... .

I carry a space blanket type "tarp", which is generally going to be okay, even if the plane isn't usable. And, that lives in my gear bag in the back of the plane, not on my person.

Someone earlier mentioned they keep a sleeping bag in the plane in winter..... Depending on where you fly, you probably should carry some kind of sleeping bag with you ALL year. I've camped in the mountains (at not really high elevation) in mid July, and slept in a winter sleeping bag, and was very comfortable. And, I'm a warm sleeper.

I totally agree with Hammer reference lifeboat matches....they work when wet, and they burn with a great flame for a long time. I carry at least one tube of them on my person, and two packets of the BIG ones in my gear pack in the baggage.

I also carry a butane lighter on my person....and a Blast Match (look it up--great tool) as well.

MTV

From a real world crash experience, I did not need any of my gear but I will say do not store it in a pelican case. I had a pelican case full of tools and gear and it flew out the window when I crashed. Could have hit me in the head but it didn't thankfully. If you do keep anything in your plane either make sure it is secured, use a net of sort or have a softer cased bag for your emergency equipment.

I would swap the case for a backpack, lighter and easier to carry. Make sure you carry a survival kit for your plane also. Good tie down ropes and anchors. You might have a engine issue and make it to a runway but without a way to tie down the plane you could loose it to weather.

Great thread. I'm in your 'survival kit is what you have on the person' club...everything else is camping gear.

I prefer a survival vest for float flying - Mustang makes an excellent, inflatable multi-pocketed survival vest marketed to fly fishers that works great in an aircraft. Google the "MIV10 Inflatable Fishing Vest". Just enough room for the essentials (primarily a mirror, space blanket, lifeboat matches, bugspray, a little first aid, a high-calorie snack and an Inreach) if you need to swim for it. In the winter, i keep the same basics (dropping the bug spray in favour of a few packs of activated carbon hand warmers) in my parka pockets.

Other recommendations - a Mora fixed blade knife is excellent, but consider an upgrade to the Swedish air force survival knife (F1 made by Fallkniven) - it'll take a beating in real bush use, and keeps an edge for days.

Definitely backpack > hard case for the rest of your kit. I use an 30 litre orange dry bag with pack straps. It's soft, floats, easy to see, and holds everything you reasonably need in a pinch.

Finally, consider what's on your feet. Footwear appropriate for the environment will make all the difference.

Play safe out there!