Finding yourself alone and trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic, zombie infested world can be a tricky situation. As we have seen in several zombie texts, including Maureen F McHugh's The Naturalist and Courtney Summer's This Is Not A Test, being able to scavenge for supplies effectively is a skill that is crucial to survival. The following is a compilation of the top ten things I would like to stumble upon in such circumstances.
10. Matches/Lighter Fluid
The ability to start a fire is a key to survival. Warmth, light, protection and smoke signals are things people in any survival situation value.
9. Booze
Beyond being a great way to relax, cure boredom, and even make friends in some situations, alcohol can be put to good use. As seen in The Naturalist molotov cocktails can be an effective zombie deterrent. It can also be used to start controlled fires if matches or lighter fluid is hard to come by or even disinfect wounds or sanitize certain items. 
8. Rope, Duct Tape, Fishing LineWhile it may seem a bit tedious to grab such basic things, items like these can be used to repair basic tools, make a quick escape or even rig a trap or alarm system. While I wouldn't recommend stashing such random items to the migrant zombie survivor, those who have established shelters should consider stocking up on such materials when available.
7. Vision Complements
This category includes binoculars, flashlights, or even night vision goggles if your the luckiest scavenger in the history of the world. Anything that gives you the ability to scout your surroundings from a safe distance can be extremely beneficial under the circumstances.
6. Communication & Information
Portable radios, cell phones, or even walkie talkies are worth a look at if found. Chances are most will be broken or out of batteries, but anything that can potentially give you information about potential safe zones, zombie weaknesses or survival tips is worth tinkering with.
5. Clothing & Bedding
Slaying zombies can be a messy business. Having clean clothes to change into can be essential to mental and physical health given the limited hygienic opportunities in a post-apocalyptic environment. Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags can also be good finds if you have the proper shelter to utilize them.
4. Medical Supplies
Basic medical supplies such as bandages, medical tape, pain killers, anti-bacterial solution for cleaning wounds, and gauze can be critical in life threatening situations. Whats the point of protecting yourself from zombie attacks if your going to die from infection the next time your hand slips trying to open a can of food.
3. Weapons
2. Food & Water
This one is pretty obvious. Canned or dehydrated foods (a can opener would also be something to hold onto if found) and bottled water are the best things to find of course. A healthy stockpile of food and clean water is the basis of long-term survival in any situation.
1. Long-Term Shelter
While all of the items above would be very valuable to a survivor, many of them can be cumbersome and difficult to travel with. A long-term, well protected home base enables the individual to stock pile each days loot and create a solid nest-egg to sit on while waiting for help to arrive. In the end the mental comfort of having a safe place to hang your hat in dangerous environment can be more valuable than anything.
Such a clutch idea with the binoculars. It is not something I ever considered taking with me before but the benefits would be so worth it.
Never would have thought to add booze to the list, but you make a good point. So far it's played a role in a surprising amount of the literature we've read/things we've seen. I think it's mostly used to raise morale, which is important. Nothing like getting drunk to remind you of the pre-apocalyptic world.
Just to spark a little discussion here, do you think other survivors/community should be added to the list as well? There are a lot of pros and cons as we seen so far in class...
Good question. Definitely a subjective one, but a good one nonetheless - are fellow humans a necessary element to survival? Certainly given how many stories we see in which others become a burden (or even the very cause of a community members' death), keeping yourself in good company comes at no small cost. Not only to you have to share your resources, but you actually have to deal with them - as people, who may or may not be like you, and who may or may not do or think as you do. On the other hand, medical, psychological, and all other kinds of evidence abound concerning our need as humans for social interaction. Beyond that, within the zombie genre itself alienation seems to be an ever-present theme, whether its the loneliness of living in a world where technology is rapidly standing in for "real life" interactions or as a substantial obstacle to be grappled with in the apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic zombie world. While it's obviously not as much an immediate need, like food or water, I think the company of fellow humans could definitely have a place on a survivor's wish list if we're thinking long term survival.