What should I put into an emergency pack?

Water bottles, a purifier, tent, flashlight, batteries, compass, de-hydrated food, normal fruit and veggies (change frequently), bandages, alcohol pads, soothing ointment, blanket, and ice packs that activate when you shake them.

In addition to @blueberry_kid‘s suggestions, heat packs to go with the ice packs, waterproof matches and one other ignition source to start fires, relief map of the area, monofilament fishing line and hooks, sewing needle or suture kit, signal mirror. Don’t forget the TP, it can be used as tinder to start fires as well as its intended purpose.

If it is a day trip you don’t need the tent, but you should always have 2–3 days worth of high energy food. Maybe some panchos to put on if the weather changes.

I can’t add too much on top of what’s already been said but at least of knife of some kind, preferably some kind multi-tool like a Leatherman. I would want to have one with me.

Quart or more of back-up water, energy bars, fruit snacks, first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellant, pocket sized emergency solar blanket, 25’ of 100 – 200 lb. test cord, safety signal whistle, Ibuprofen, benedryl or epi-pen if you are allergic to stuff, put about 10 feet of Duct tape on a wood dowel.

People have named good things. I would also add rope. I have absolutely no idea why, but you always need rope. It has many uses.

@Symbeline Absolutely. You can never have enough rope.

I definitely second the rope…

oops, just noticed @Cruiser already mention cord

but at this point, rereading all the answers, I think @Brenna_o and her fiance are going to need a mule to haul this emergency pack around if they ever want to take it out of the trunk of their car.

@lillycoyote Lulz, yeah, I was about to suggest a Uhaul truck, myself…XD

@Symbeline If they go with the Uhaul they can pack a portable solar generator and a mini-fridge. Those would be handy. :-)

@lillycoyote Except for the water, everything I listed would fit in a fanny pack and maybe weighs 2 lbs max. In Boy Scouts those items were all the boys were allowed to bring for their survival camp out and it all had to fit in a Kleenex box. I have one for all my day trips. Don’t forget to pack a few doggy treats if you have one!

I will definately try to fit all into my backpack I can lol maybe no tent lol but always water first aid kit flashlight matches TP energy bars rope and ponchos and whatever else fits haha

@Cruiser I know. I was looking at all the items suggested by everyone, as whole. little joke

Look up the 10 Essentials of Hiking. Since you will be near water, a filter would be good. Once I hiked in Yosemite and ran out of water. Not 10 ft away was the river with thousands of gallons of clear, cool running water (giardia risk). The next day I brought my filter. That water tasted exquisite!

Duct tape
Plastic wrap
Roll of foil
Superglue
Hatchet/small axe
Aspirin tablets
Neosporin
Band Aid type bandages
Ace bandage wraps with safety pins
Sunblock, the warpaint kind
Packets of salt

What I suggest for people taking my survival courses are along the following lines for a day pack:

Knife (“no knife, no life”), being sure it’s either fixed blade or has a good lock. Folding knives with bad or no locks are not worth it.
Multitool.
Mylar emergency blanket and/or tarp.
Extra socks and hats.
Water bottles that are stainless steel, especially if you don’t also bring a small cooking pot.
Collapsible or otherwise quite small cook set.
Basic first aid kit.
550 paracord.
Some sort of firestarter that you’re comfortable with. Then, two more.
Medication, if you require any.
Spare glasses, if you require any.
Flashlight.
Poncho.

Backup food isn’t essential, but quite helpful, particularly if you’re not used to going without. I think there is more danger from people getting irritable and not thinking clearly than there is of actual starvation.

Less essential suggestions:

Mylar “bivvy” bag.
Small hatchet or machete.
Folding saw.
Trowel or small shovel.
Wool blanket.
U.S. Army survival guide, or something similar.
Chapstick.
Small gauge steel wire, preferably dull green craft wire (for making snares).
Fish hooks and line.
Duct tape.
Radio.
Compass.
Ceramic water filter.
Scarf.