NECKLIST

          I have a “necklist”. This is a list of things I wear on a very special paracord “necklace” under my shirt. Why? Because, if you don’t have it with you then you can’t use it! I have worn my necklace so long I feel naked without it. Once you get used to it, you never forget it. A necklace won’t fall out of your pocket. It won’t get lost during a fall from a height, a tumble on a slope, or a swim/slip in the water. A necklace is easily reached with either hand if you are injured; and, by someone else if you are incapacitated.

My “necklist” is a small, lock-back, half-serrated, knife on a mini carabineer, a combo light unit that has a white LED, a UV LED, and a laser - on a mini carabineer, a small liquid filled compass on a mini carabineer, a fire starter/striker, and two mini waterproof metal pill containers - one with water purification tablets and one with prescription pain meds (I also always carry a midsized pocket knife and often a high quality multi-tool).

Granted not everyone needs all these items. I live rural and travel a lot in a remote and unique area - I live along a creek at a cusp area in Arizona where the high desert and the mountains meet along the Mogollon Rim. Many urban folks could go miles and miles and know North by street signs. I would still recommend a compass (and map and the knowledge to use them) but it may suffice to have them in a B.O.B. (Bug Out Bag). Your B.O.B. compass should be higher quality.

The mini carabineers aren’t necessary but I like being able to remove some items quickly and easily while on the move without removing the whole necklace. They could also be handy later.

Many folks may not have prescription medications; but, having pain meds handy is a good precaution for everybody. Pain is a great distraction to sound judgment and can inhibit peak performance. If pain meds are not on your necklist then at least put them in your B.O.B.

          Any small light will work but my light combo is the same size and weight as the average mini LED light and I got a batch of them dirt cheap. The white LED is good for exactly what it is - a small flashlight. Don’t forget that a white light is also good for attracting emergency survival foods - i.e. fish and moths. I like having the UV for many reasons - easy to see at night and still keep your night vision (especially blood wounds), mineral ID, find scorpions (they glow at night), etc. I also like having the laser light. It is good for aiming, pointing, signaling, leveling, etc. It also has a psychological effect on people who are familiar with laser sights for firearms. It could even be used as a weapon if you zapped someone in the eyes. Although I have yet to come up with a humane way test my theory, I also think it would work well as a predator deterrent if you lazed their eyes from a distance.

          The paracord is short but still ample for many things - i.e. repair a broken boot lace, make a tourniquet, lash a lean-to shelter, secure a threat (prisoner) or take out a threat (garrote), etc. The inner cords are long enough for sutures, sewing thread, etc.

          A fire starter/striker and a knife should be givens. A quality fire starter/striker will last longer than a butane lighter and it actually throws a hotter spark. Between the knife itself and the tools you can make with it, the uses for surthrival are endless. Both smooth and serrated portions have their own best applications.

          So give it some thought and give it a try. Don’t just survive - thrive.

 

PS - I try to update my free prepper library each time I post a new article here.