EAA has a great article on what to carry for those emergency landings over inhospitable terrain.
See April 2006 issue of "sport aviation"
One thing they mention is mental preparedness and it reminded me of this story.
I was canoeing with friends in the boundary waters canoe area, when the wind came up unexpectedly while crossing a large lake. Our PFDs were in their usual place, strapped to the outside of the packs that held our camping gear and food.
Our camp was on the far shore, so we kept up the pace, and made it there. Later, around the fire, I thought it would be a good idea (though a little late) to discuss the "what if..." scenarios.
So I said: "what if we tipped over out there in the middle of the lake. What would we do?" Another woman on the trip got that wide eyed, scared shitless look and said in a grave, low voice:
"WE would have died!!!"
Well, that was NOT the answer I was looking for...
So... my point is... you need to discuss these things BEFORE you get into a bad place, so that you can make a plan of action to SAVE yourself, and so that your mental attitude will help you in an emergency, and not drag you down into despair.
AW