I use the following paradigm (Three Concentric Circles of Safety) for hiking, climbing, kayaking and camping. This model is easy to remember and apply. The circles do overlap at times, but the idea is stay in the inner circle of safety. If you're forced to use your survival or rescue gear, it means things are starting to deteriorate. In brief, survival in the wilderness has everything to do with your equipment, your knowledge of conditions and your decisions.
The Inner Circle of Safety
The inner circle of safety represents decision-making. If you're making good decisions, you will reduce your reliance on safety equipment. There is a general correlation: As risk increases, so does the need for survival equipment. Good decisions are more important than gear.
The Middle Circle of Safety
The middle circle of safety represents necessary survival equipment. Generally speaking, your gear is the fall back net for failed decisions. It is wilderness risk-management and the hardware of contingency planning.
The Outer Circle of Safety
The outer circle of safety refers to rescue devices (e.g. strobes, flares, etc.). Rescue devices are your last resort.
