What things do you take hiking/backpacking..
 

to make life in the wild more liveable/safe?

For me the following:
GPS. I do not like getting lost.
Cell phone - coverage may not be there but turning it on in an emergency may help you be located.
Some duct tape - to fix boots, backpack etc.
A small flashlight.
Spare batteries for the above.
A few ounces of rum.
Bear spray.
Sharp hunting knife.

After backpack is packed with tent, sleeping bag,stove, food etc max weight is about 30lbs.

GPS and cell phone are nice to have. But dont ever depend on them. Never forget your outdoor basics.

Going light is the key to an enjoyable hike.

I never pulled it off but I used to BP before the Go-Lite craze. We used to carry 60-70lb packs back in our 20's.

Always liked Dana Design packs.

The good part was everyday the pack got a little lighter.

We ate like kings on the trail and each carried a big bag of wine.

The extra weight was worth it for a 3 star meal and a few too many cups of wine camping out under the Alaskan sky.

Depends on the duration.We usually go on day hikes with the dog's. Basic first aid kit,snake bite kit,small towel,some napkins in case nature calls,plenty of water(one camel pack for the dogs,and one for us) additional bottle of water,one sharp knife,wire cutters,multi tool,bug spray,sun block,couple packs of crackers,357 mag for self and 38spcl for wife.

Water, batteries, mortar rounds, ammo, maps, laser designator.

water purification tabs....ya never know.... rope/550 cord...

Start with the 10 Essentials, build frm there.

leatherman
plastic zip ties
crazy glue
neosporin or similar ointment
bug spray
sun screen