Water

Find it, filter it, boil it.

You can go three weeks without food and three days without water. Find it first, then make it safe — always filter and boil if you're not sure.

The order

find    moving water beats standing water
filter   cloth, then a real filter if you have one
boil    a rolling boil, one minute minimum
carry    two liters on you, always

The rule

Never drink untreated water because it looks clean. Giardia is invisible and unforgettable.