Bring a simple survivor kit cross-country 
Carry a simple survival kit on every cross-country flight; better to have it and not need it than the other way around! A kit is easy to assemble, and you probably have most of the components readily available.
The first element is the container. Make it brightly colored, so you can find it in dim or smoky conditions, and easy to grab. Then place it within reach of the pilot. Many folks use a small backpack with several straps and handles.
Next, decide what to carry. Bear in mind the Rule of Threes: A human being can survive 3 weeks without food and 3 days without water, but only 3 hours without protection from hostile weather. So concentrate on what will be most important in the area you�ll be flying�sun protection in the desert, heat conservation in the snow. A few quarts of water can be crucial, as can a first aid packet.
A handheld radio or cell phone goes a long way toward getting help for you.
Your survival kit should be a dynamic tool, changing with the seasons and varying in its composition from trip to trip.
Rusty Sachs is a Master Instructor and the director of the National Association of Flight Instructors.