---
title: "TrendSegments: Panic! At the Deserted Island"
description: We asked Americans what they would need on a deserted island. Respondents prioritized a water purifier above all other survival gear.
image: https://i4.createsend1.com/ei/t/E9/BE7/B32/csimport/2022-11_md_genpop_plot_newsletter.082413.png
---

![](https://i4.createsend1.com/ei/t/E9/BE7/B32/csimport/2022-11_md_genpop_plot_newsletter.082413.png)

[Brendon Ellis](https://www.gradientmetrics.com/trendlines/author/brendon-ellis)2022/11/02< 1 min read

# TrendSegments: Panic! At the Deserted Island

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Imagine, for a moment, you are stranded on a remote deserted island—probably 20 feet in diameter with a single palm tree (or so comics would have you believe). What survival tools would you Amazon Prime *immediately*? We designed a [MaxDiff](https://email.gradientmetrics.com/t/t-l-akyhtjd-jldktdjrtu-x/) experiment to understand what Americans learned from *Castaway*.

 

First and foremost, clean drinking water is a must. **Respondents prioritized a water purifier above all other survival gear**. A fishing pole, tent, means for creating fire, and sharp-edged tools round out Americans’ deserted island wish list. Some Americans prefer to come armed with a rifle, ready for any polar bears roaming the island (it’s still unclear what, if anything, will ward off the resident smoke monster).

 

Evidently, Americans *aren’t* concerned about the harmful effects of UV light—**sunscreen and a hat fell to the bottom of their wish list, just barely edging out playing cards**. Gin rummy just doesn’t hold the same appeal when your challenger is an anthropomorphic volleyball.

 

![](https://i4.createsend1.com/ei/t/E9/BE7/B32/csimport/2022-11_md_genpop_plot_newsletter.082413.png)

![avatar](https://www.gradientmetrics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/team_photos/brendon_grayscale-1.png?width=290&name=brendon_grayscale-1.png)

[Brendon Ellis

](https://www.gradientmetrics.com/trendlines/author/brendon-ellis)Brendon earned his master’s degree in Positive Organizational Psychology & Evaluation from Claremont Graduate University and is currently pursuing his PhD in Positive Organizational Psychology. He applies his background in survey research methods on a daily basis to help clients develop instruments that measure anything from attitudes and preferences to intentions and behavior.

[mailto:brendon@gradientmetrics.com](mailto:brendon@gradientmetrics.com)

## RELATED ARTICLES

<https://www.gradientmetrics.com/trendlines/trendsegments-panic-at-the-deserted-island#>

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