Ill collapse it into 3 critical failures:

1) Improper/Lack of training and experience
2) Going unprepared
3) Panic

If a rookie wants to go in the woods, find a mentor. Cant find a mentor? Camp and/or get "lost" in your back yard, where your safe and secure. It might sound silly, but going primitive in your back yard is zero risk.. Doing it miles into the wood line with no experience is STUPID.

Even a day hike I hump a backpack with at least some essential gear: Fire, Signal, Cordage, First Aid, Water Purification, Shelter Building stuff .

BTW, with not much weight... a PACK AXE is a great take along! Its a lot lighter, but works very very well!
http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/s...3363/cat100820

I also like a pruning saw:
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-7-Inch...rs+pruning+saw

Sometimes I carry both, but always at least one... I really like the Fiskers saw's locking system, its very safe and the whole thing is very durable.

100' of 550 cord and a spool of floral wire, I can build an apartment complex.

Oh, dont forget to take a pair of gloves... A cheap pair of Mechanix type just MIGHT keep you from getting stitches!

EB