Here are some of the most significant tools:
From the plane:
* Hatchet: This is the most obvious tool, given the book's title. The hatchet is essential for Brian's survival, allowing him to chop wood, build shelter, and hunt.
* Mirror: Brian discovers a small, metal mirror in the plane wreckage. This proves to be crucial in starting fires by focusing sunlight.
* Signal flares: Brian uses these to call for help, though they are short-lived and eventually run out.
* Matches: He finds a few matches in the plane.
* Pocketknife: Brian initially uses a pocketknife from the plane, but it breaks early on.
Found in the wilderness:
* Rocks: Brian uses rocks to hammer, sharpen tools, and even as weapons.
* Sticks: Sticks serve as tools for digging, fishing, and building structures.
* Bones: Brian finds and uses animal bones as tools, particularly for scraping and cutting.
* Sharpened stones: Brian discovers how to create sharp tools by finding suitable stones and sharpening them.
Brian also utilizes his own body as a tool:
* Hands: He uses his hands to dig, build, and gather resources.
* Feet: Brian uses his feet to kick down trees and clear areas.
It's important to note that Brian's survival depends more on his resourcefulness and ingenuity than on having the "right" tools. He constantly adapts, improvises, and learns to utilize whatever he can find to survive.