This presents an interesting question regarding survival training and being at least minimally equipped.

I am a former combat aircrewman and went thru all the USAF aircrew survival schools. Water survival, jungle survival, escape and evasion school, arctic survival and others. The parachute most of us wore had a minimal survival kit within and we wore vests with a rather substantial amount of gear, radio, medical kit, signal panels, flares, knife, gun and the like. A SPOT, a space blanket, firestarter and a few other items would make sense to have and not add much weight. Strong Parachute makes a pocket for my 303 back which can be used to carry a few necessary survival items. It's not what you have in the glider but what you have with you when you hit the ground that counts. You might be able to have a few more items in a pouch in the plane but if you bail that stuff won't be of much use.

Regarding the parachute, I wince when I see most people put on their chute. There have been some good articles in the SSA magazine about proper fit and usage, these deserve to be read and reread. Getting out of a glider out of control would be difficult at best, it's something that needs to be practiced on the ground. Canopy, belts, butt.

Even with the SPOT they might not be able to get to you right away due to weather, etc. We spend lots of time learning to fly, navigate and the like. Perhaps those among us who are serious about flying might consider attending a survival course of some type. Knowledge is the greatest asset when the ship hits the sand.

Walt