When you are out and about, often the only tools you can rely upon are those you happen to have on your person. It is sometimes impractical to wear a utility vest or beltpack, so you must depend on the things found in the pockets of your trousers and jacket. We shall now focus on the benefits of various objects commonly found upon one’s person. This section has deliberately been kept brief.

This luxury item has been so drastically reduced in price over the past several years that now, practically anyone who wants one can afford it. Cellular phones give one the option of calling for emergency assistance (police, ambulance, towing, cab, home repairs, etc.).

Another luxury item which can play numerous important roles. Multi-Tools and Swiss Army Knives are the most commonly encountered (with dozens of variations of each), and literally put a toolbox in one’s pocket. If you carry one of these helpful devices, you will be prepared for nearly every eventuality. However, these items tend to be too bulky to carry regularly in one’s pocket, and are generally worn in a belt pouch.

A quality lockblade with a spring clip and a blade length between 2 1/2" and 4" can be used for hundreds of chores. If it is capable of being opened with one hand, it can also be used as a weapon. A blade is invaluable if you need to improvise repairs, build a shelter, or fashion crude tools.

WALLET:

Your wallet should contain: at least $20 cash, a credit card, a bank card, a phone card, and a list of emergency telephone numbers. These are all useful for obvious reasons.

You should always have a spare car key and house key on your person, in addition to your primary set of keys. This will prevent you from being locked out, no matter how sleepless or harried you might be. The keyring itself can be used as a connector or clip. Attached to a lanyard, they make an effective flail. A single key with multiple serrations can be used to cut light materials, like cordage.

Dozens of different miniaturized flashlights are currently on the market. The mini maglite, holding a pair of AA batteries, is the most common (along with copies), and various belt holsters are available. Single AAA lights can be attached to one’s keyring, as can LED "squeeze lights." Such lights are inexpensive, reliable, and far better than a cigarette lighter for illumination. They can also be used to signal with. Grasped in the fist, aluminum penlights can serve as yawara.

In addition to the obvious use (starting fires), lighters can be used to: sterilize needles and razor blades for minor surgery; melt wax and synthetic materials; and force ticks, leeches, and turtles to release their grip.

Individually wrapped toothpicks and flossers (as well as bobbie pins and similar items) can be used as hole-punches, probes, and scrapers.

Chewed gum can be used as putty to clog holes or lightly cement two surfaces together; it can also be stuck to the end of a stick and used to retrieve small items. The foil can be used to secure small items, reflect light, complete an electrical circuit, or seal a sucking chest wound.

Coins can be used in vending machines and payphones, used as scrapers, used as screwdrivers, or thrown as projectile weapons.

The miniature folding can opener — designated the "P-38" by the U.S. military, found with certain brands of tinned sardines, and sold for a quarter each at surplus stores — is highly portable and can be slipped in one’s wallet or affixed to a keychain. In addition to its intended purpose, it can be used as a tiny utility knife, a screwdriver, or a wire stripper.

Safety pins have hundreds of potential uses. They can be used to attach two pieces of material (including nylon and leather), to make minor repairs, to close wounds, to punch holes, to complete electrical circuits, to drain infections, and even to function as an improvised weapon (with effect dependent upon size and targeting). They can be affixed inside clothing rather than dropped in one’s pocket.

Not only can pens be used to write with, but they can also be: hole punches, scrapers, levers, plugs, handles, and tubes. They can be used to twist a tourniquet tightly and hold it fast. They can be used as an airway for a field improvised tracheotomy. They can be used to break glass or chip at hard objects. They can be used to keep a door from latching shut. They can be used as pipettes to transport small amounts of fluid. They also make fine improvised weapons.

In addition to being useful for measuring lengths and distances, a quality tape measure can be used as a hammer or fistload. If the metallic tape locks in place, a short length can be used as a probe or hook. If hand protection is utilized, a tape measure can also become a flimsy blackjack good for a wallop or two.

Tiny vials of super glue come in penlike containers for easy transport. Super glue can make repairs as well as construct new items. Unfortunately, it is not good for items that will be subject to the stress of pressure, vibration, moisture, or extreme temperatures.  In an emergency, superglue may be used as a temporary suture.

HANDKERCHIEF:

Handkerchiefs and bandannas have hundreds of uses. In addition to being offered to a blubberer, they can serve as a bandage, filter, wrapper, glove, or short rope. They can be used: for simple repairs, to wipe up spills, as a sanitary barrier for CPR, as a wick in a improvised lamp, to handle hot objects, or to wipe your bottom if there is no toilet paper. They can even be used as an improvised flail once a stone in placed inside.

A sock can be used much the same way as a handkerchief. Additionally, it forms a sack for carrying a handful of small items. If pursued by tracking dogs, one’s socks can be discarded to distract them from your trail.

One’s laces make excellent cordage for emergency repairs and fabrications. They can also be used as a tourniquet or a garrotte.

If one’s profession requires that a tie be worn, it may be used in a similar manner as one’s laces.

Lip balm can protect your face and hands from windburn. It can also be used as a lubricant or a paste.

Containing a high percentage of alcohol, breath spray can be used as an accelerant for tinder. Its fragrance also repels dogs, who are irritated by it.

A condom is a durable watertight expandable pouch which can be used to hold either liquids or gases. It can also be stretched over objects to protect, insulate, or bind them.

Eyeglasses, as well as the lenses from many optical instruments, may sometimes be used to concentrate sunlight for starting a fire, much like a magnifying glass.

A knit sweater, scarf, or cap can often be unraveled to obtain a long length of yarn. Thread can also be recovered from many clothing items.

One’s belt can be used for a variety of lashings, or as a tourniquet, grapnel, pole-climbing device, zipcord transport, or improvised weapon.

Gloves can protect one’s hands from: cold, heat, wind, friction, and contamination. Rubberized gloves can also offer limited protection from immersion, chemicals, and electricity. Heavy work gloves offer adequate protection versus knife cuts and dog bites.

Maxi-pads make excellent absorbent dressings for serious wounds.

A fish hook can fasten items together or serve as a light anchoring tool. With the barb removed, a fish hook may be sterilized and used as a field expedient suturing needle.

Makes excellent tinder.