Reminds me of when I was a Boy Scout. My dad and I used to canoe down the Au Sable River in Michigan once a year...It was pretty remote...3 days on the river to get to next populated area... Dad ALWAYS told me to remember to carry 3 things...My pocketknife, my compass and my whistle. It is indeed a VERY good idea, not only for women but for anyone! I still have mine with me at all times...I have a spare US Army Field Jacket in the trunk of the car. In every pocket is something important...Like light anywhere matches in foil to protect from weather, compass, flashlight, spare batteries, emergency rations, small foil of water...I forget what else..I stuffed it along with a paper in the upper pocket to tell me where everything is...