they have it around their neck or in their pockets. The best piece of survival gear is useless if it's not on them. I know of a hiker that went out well prepared with essentials in her backpack, took her backpack off and tripped and fell down a cliff. I always have my kids with whistles attached to lanyards around their neck with strict instructions not to blow them unless it's an emergency or I'm smearing their face with honey while they sleep.