A few necessities can mean the matter of life or death in an emergency. But basic east and west of the sun will work if you know the approximate time of day. Make sure you learn how to use a compass. A compass will be of no avail if you can't read a map. Water One canteen of water can last a couple days.
Water is more important than food during a time of survival.
A flashlight with a dead battery is worthless. Carry a small flashlight with a switch that cannot accidentally be turned on in your pack. Keep it lightweight. This can be used to wrap up in to stay warm and dry or to build a shelter for shade. There is a variety of books at your local library that show how to build shelters of any size for survival.