Never leave home without a whistle. Your whistle is used in case you are lost in the wilderness and by blowing it loudly three times this will signify distress. Every backpacker and hiker knows this as a universal distress signal and by using this method whoever is in the area will come to your aid. Carrying matches are of the utmost importance. The waterproof variety is best, although you can purchase a waterproof match case that will provide you with assurance that your matches will always be ready to light.
Matches are essential for lighting fires whether the fire is lit to keep warm or to signal with.
Another suggestion is to take matches and also a lighter. You can find small compact barbeque lighter is available at most stores and they always light and are very lightweight and compact. These are handy for a quick firestarter and usually have a larger flame that will stay on even suring a slight wind. A firestarter is also a good thing to have. Firestarter is a chemical or candle for emergency firestarting with wet wood that will not easily burn under normal circumstances.