Great suggestions for a survival ditch kit. Although I always have survival items, I usually have them in a handy day back for easy access.  I will plan to wear one next trip.  

Since I normally go on October trips, cold and hypothermia are main items to consider.  I wouldn't want to spend much time in the water and then freezing temperatures.  I've always brought a space blanket, but I like the suggestions listed here for the sleeping bag if it fits in the ditch kit.  After recently reading three books on people stuck in cold survival scenarios  it reinforces my obsession for being able to stay warm.  With cold, freezing hands I always bring some hand warmers.  I always have several methods to start a fire; the normal lighter and matches, I always bring parafin fire starters, and finally I bring a flint lantern starter for emergenies.

In addition, I have a signal mirror for signaling airplanes   (You need to Login or Register; which would be the most likely way to attact attention if everyone was looking for you.  The mirrow allows you to aim the reflection in the direction of the airplane.

starwatcher