Imagine that you’ve been chosen as one of a small group of intrepid adventurers that will be the first to set foot on Mars.

Imagine that you’ve been chosen as one of a small group of intrepid adventurers that will be the first to set foot on Mars. You’ll be gone for a total of four years, between the trip there, living on Mars for a bit, and then the trip back. It’s very hard and expensive to take a lot of things to space in rockets, so you’re limited in what you could bring along. Supposing that you’ve got enough food, water, and air, what five items would you bring with you, and why (the items should be relatively portable)? Keep in mind that, while it’s always easy to try to say “I’d bring my phone,” would you have a charger? Is there a signal on Mars? Is this really the best use of one of your items? Really give this some thought!