All good posts above as to equipment. I dont think you ever have enough if your stuck in the Big bathtub. Some things I was taught in selection that make sense, is that you may only have whats hanging on your body when the Aircraft meets the water. Raft and all that other stuff may go down to the bottom.....I always hang a bare minimum around my neck while flying (besides the vest) That is Mirror, Serrated Knife(Spyderco) and strobe. All the other stuff is great, but if your in a bind those are best for the first 24 hours. After that your in major trouble anyway....
Personally I would love to have a company supply me with a huge raft, all the other goodies such as Sat Phone w/GPS, Encoded EPRIB etc.... So I can yell come get my ass. In the Helicopter world I have worked most Companies dont have enough in the bank for the next spare parts.....
Plan your flight like your goin swimin and it will help. Good Luck out there.
Also forgot to mention. A couple bottles of drinkable water would be nice....
Last edited by B Sousa; 16th Nov 2003 at 09:22.