It seems like the real deal, but until you destroy it and use all the items it's hard to fully evaluate. It feels sturdy, the compass works, as does the whistle. The sharp teeth of the connecting metal ring look solid enough to rip into the binding of the inner packaging. While the bracelet is too bulky for a fashion item, it is comforting to know that all those items are contained within and in an emergency, you could be effortlessly carrying so much around your wrist. For that alone, it's worth getting. Why 4 stars and not 5? Well ... I don't want to have to use it but I would like to be able to check it out so this is an odd one to judge. But that's the catch, isn't it, if you could easily access it all you wouldn't be able to pack it so tightly into a cord. I guess I wish I could at least wear it on a regular non-emergency day...