Most of the survival gear I've carried for years and years has never been tested in survival situations.

In some respects this is a good thing because it means that my planning has always worked out to safety.

But recently I've begun making a point of practicing a skill or two on each outing just to learn. Things like making fire with just a firesteel and stringing up a poncho tarp arrangement have proven to me that you must practice using the items for them to be helpful when needed.

Things like my emergency matches and Personal Locator Beacon probably will not ever be tested - if my planning and execution skills remain good.