What's your favorite piece of gear you have in your kit?

[codger]

This really should be a top 5...

machined aluminum waterproof match safe

Shrade Walden - era sheath knife for longer trips ($8 at flea market in the 1970's) OR

Shrade folding lockback pocket knife for overnights

microlight nylon hammock

candle lantern 

lightweight nylon fly or tarp - 8' by 8' 

With those items plus some kind of food, I am good indefinitely

[fred8033]

#1  Deck of cards

#2  Cribbage board

[Buggie]

Old, mostly useless tarp, which covers the seats or floor or both for scouts returning from camping. And a few extra trash sacks for the front seats.