The heat shrink keeps the rod from clanking against the compass and whistle as I walk. The material is plastic and I have not seen any evidence of corrosion the way I use it. The beads separate and space the various items so they tend to flatten out as they hang in my pocket instead of clumping into a large mass.

When I venture into remote country, I also carry a larger stand-alone belt PSK where I have a Mora Clipper, Fiscars retractable saw, water filter, first aid, tinder, mirror, metal pot, orange double heat sheet and numerous other important survival items to supplement my standard pocket items (food bars, ammo, compass, whistle, lighter, bandana, belt knife, nylon poncho etc.

Everyones kit will be different based on geographic area, personal activities and their assessment of the associated risks. For example, the California contingent on this forum is constanly amazed that I dont carry water or a stove. As other Minnesotans will attest; I simply don't need to carry either for survival. This 'necklace' kit is the bare basics only and small enough that I always have it with me. On a day hike or hunting day trip, it is essential to dress/pack for 36 hours of expected weather(shelter). This might mean carrying an extra sweatshirt or a poncho in the game pouch to fend off frost or drizzle. I have a Leatherman Wave, and a mini cell phone (75% chance of coverage in my area) with me in less remote forest areas like the big 30,000 acre state parks or long forest trails that I am very familiar with. Because some of these trails are made by loggers and circle around, it is possible to get disoriented late in the day. I always mark the dirt or pile rocks at the beginning of loops, but it is still possible to run out of daylight in the fall, and have to hunker down in the woods overnight. I would not use the cell phone to call for rescue first night out unless I was injured. I would just call my wife to tell her not to worry, I will have my campfire to keep me warm that night.

My kit has two ways to make fire (lighter, ferro rod/carbon-steel striker), two ways to signal (whistle, LED light), one means of direction finding (compass), a little saw, a Vic Classic knife with scissors and tweezers etc, and between two and 16 feet of cordage for multiple uses (the paracord when stripped makes 7 two-foot cords plus the two foot nylon sheath).