What would be considered the absolute mandatory items needed to be taken on a trip into the wilderness? Is there a list of the top five items most needed?

Light of some kind
Matches
knife
some kind of blanket
first aid kit
map & compass
I can't think of anything else right off hand. i know I would like to have a tent, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, makeup, LOL. But for the most needed these are what I came up with.

I guess the most important items would somewhat depend on your goal. Are you trying to find your way out or are you trying to sustain yourself until a rescue team finds you or gets to you (say if your injured). Though certain items are universal regardless of what option we are going with (like a knife, fire starter, water purification tablets, first aid kit).

If you are going with the first option, then items like a compass and topographical map are necessary. If you are going with the second option, then items like a signal mirror, whistle and surveyor's tape are the required items.

I think I would also be very concerned about wildlife and trying to keep it bay. Is there anything you can do about that out in the wilderness?

i would definitely add a gun to the list. you never know what you might encounter out there and i am not so sure a knife would be the best form of protection to have.

yep.. safety would be first concern..
so if possible , a gun or else a knife.
some sort of torch..
match stick.
warm clothes.
if lucky , a little food maybe..

these would be my top 5...
can do without the compass...

lite pack shelter for making and emergency lean-to
Knife (Bowie, Camelus, large blade is best)
waterproof matches. Nothing worse than trying to start kindling with wet matches.
Flashlight, Preferably one that has a hand crank for when batteries die. Yes they do make these for Orienteering.
energy food source. concentrated food source bars, at least two can last a few days, as does a plastic bubble(or purification straw) for collecting water if you are not brave enough to drink fresh water from a stream.
string for lashing and making fishing line
The are some great orienteering books out there that have some advice on doing just this sort of thing.

In my opinion most often when you are dealing with a wilderness situation it is often preplanned to some extent. So you first and foremost have to know your area know what is around- streams- wildlife- cliffs- bugs- plant life etc. If you are at least armed with that knowledge then you better pack the necessities and are more apt to survive if anything were to come up that was unexpected.

On any trip though I'd recommend a safe plant-life book (compact) so you know what is safe to be around or eat if necessary. Some even offer healing qualities that can assist you if you happen to become injured.

According to my opinion , the items that are most needed are:

1.Flashlight
2.matchstick
3.Knife
4.plenty of water
5.Gun( if you think it's needed)
6.woolen cloths

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One must have the following minimum requirements before he/she go out on a wilderness trip:

Matches
knife
first aid kit
compass
flashlights
water
non perishable foodstuff