Altoids Survival Kit

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

I have been toying with the idea of making an Altoids Kit such as a Hunting/fishing, First Aid, Fire Starter, etc. After doing some research and watching some Youtube videos I put together my own little kit, taking ideas from here and there. I put this together mostly from what I had around the house. I made a kit yesterday but I felt it was missing some bits and pieces, the original candle was a tea light candle which was just too big. I also had wax soaked cotton pads for fire starters but these were very rigid and took up too much room also.

I purchased the hooks, lead weights and swivils for a couple of euros in the local angling shop, the light was the most expensive piece of kit at €10, the ferro rod I am looking at is about €14 on Amazon, I also bought an extra lighter as I made one for my OH too (she's starting to get into the whole survival thing )

My kit contains the following (most measurements are approximates);

1.5M Duct Tape (rolled on itself)
5M fishing line
2 Fishing Hooks
2 Swivels
2 Lead weights
1 Plaster (4cm X 2.5cm)
1 Alcohol pad for wound preperation
3 lenghts of sowing thread
1 Sowing needle
1 Safety pin
1 Bobby pin (hair pin)
1 Stanley blade with makeshift case
1 Bic lighter
2 Birthday cake candles
2 Cotton Pads (fire starter)
1 Condom
1 Super glue
1 Micro USB chargable light (48 hours of light at 1 lumens)
2 Cable ties
1 Lens cloth
Tin Foil (no idea of dimensions)
7.5 Micro cordage (100kg breaking point I believe. This is also wrapped around the outside of the Altoids tin)
2 Water purification tablets (these are left outside the kit for now as they are super corrosive)

Here's a picture;



I would really like to get some extra pieces in there such as 2 pain killers, fire steel with built in button compass and maybe a very small utility knife which contains scissors, tweezers etc. To do this I need to remove some items, I am thinking of the following.

The condom takes up a lot of room, but is really great for carrying water, is it possible to pierce one side of the package and let any excess air/liquid out and reseal it with duct tape?

I also wouldn't mind removing the cable ties as the cordage is enough, plus they are a pain in the arse to pack.

I think I will make up a second duct tape role and keep it to about .75 meters or so. Any suggestions here?

The kit is made to my needs as best as I can while also asking myself "do I really need a fishing kit?", "Do I really need the sterile plaster?" and "Should I take a couple more nails, or non at all".

What are your thoughts? What would you do differently? I would love to do a mini fishing/hunting kit next and also a mini first aid kit.

Tabnabs

First off, why not put the duct-tape on the outside instead?

What do you anticipate using the cable ties for? Very useful by themselves, but these ones seems a bit short to be included when space it at a premium?

my3cents

Everyone has their own ideas about Altoids Survival Tins, I think of them on the same lines as food that is sold for dieters - its only any good as part of a calorie controlled diet. If your on a calorie controlled diet then you are thinking about dieting. So for me an Altoids Survival Tin is also part of thinking about Survival.

The other end of the scale is that if you really are serious about survival then a small survival tin is a waste of time, but I don't agree.

Looking at the tin above I'd be thinking about how much use it would be on its own in an extreme situation. For example with recent weather I'd ask myself if it was dark pissing it down with rain cold and windy could I use the contents to start a fire and under those conditions are there any changes in the tin that might increase my chances. With the addition of a fire steel you have that covered as best you can but this is why I like these type of threads about small survival tins because they make you think. In this particular case I'm thinking I wonder if that alcohol wipe will light easily and double up as a fire lighter? Alternatively you might like to dump the cotton pads in favour of some fire straws (a quick google will explain).

Edit> To found these couple of links for fire straws https://survivalsherpa.wordpress.com/2013/02/12/diy-fire-starter-in-a-drinking-straw/ and http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fire-Starter-Using-a-Straw they differ only in the way they seal the straw. Then also found this thread on survivalistsboards.com http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=190123 which covers the same thing but post 14 uses the hot sealed straw method for holding pills, in your case maybe that would be a good way to store your water purification tablets.

While not rated as the best I like this little leatherman style http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003J37BLG for a small survival tin. The other well known more popular option is the Swiss Army SD http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorinox-Classic-Swiss-Army-Pocket/dp/B0013VAHIA

Personally I don't put pills and plasters in a survival tin, I double up on too many items already and always have a first aid kit with me (edc bag, bobs, car and home). With my edc bag I'd also have a few plasters stuck in an easily accessible organiser as well as a first aid kit. The first aid kits would also have items like small LED torches and lighters in them so you can see what I mean when I say I already double up on too many items.

Nearly forgot, I always try and find room for a soft lead pencil, handy for taking notes or writing a msg. I just buy a couple HB's (or softer) and cut them in half to fit in the tin.

Tactical

@OP, what's the Lens Cloth for?

Interesting conversation / topic. Will put my thoughts together over the weekend.

I suppose for me the ideal would be something with items to lend assistance in getting me to one of several locations, where in an ideal world I'd have stowed identical packs for longer term needs. The idea being that depending on the circumstances I could head to the most appropriate location without needing to worry that a different location would have different kit.

my3cents

I know the OP's title is Altoids Survival Kit but imo the size of the tin is important.

I think the larger traditional 2oz tobacco tin is much more suitable yet still small enough to always have with you.

The extra space doesn't just allow you to have more stuff but it also allows you to include better quality stuff that is more useful long term. Obvious examples being that you can include a slightly bigger knife, a larger fire steel and even quite a good small LED torch. Once you have what you consider are good basics you can then jam as much useful stuff in the gaps as you can.

If the tin is for regular use which I think is always more likely with decent contents then don't seal the tin but if you are happy that you have got it just right and want to keep a tin that won't have its contents raided store your duck tape around the tin to seal it. If you do seal up a tin for any reason I recommend making a list somewhere (computer txt file?) of the contents because I always forget what I have included after a while.

While you are at the computer you could always print out some useful info like emergency address, phone numbers and locations and include that in the tin. If you are on medication then even if you can't include the pills you can have a note of the exact prescription you are on and a list of other suitable alternatives just in case you to see a different doctor or need to help yourself in a pharmacy. I've found that laser printing lasts the longest and is waterproof.

lostboy75

Useful way for storing the duct tape is around a credit card style card. Spare Tesco card etc. Makes it easier to easy to use it without adding much extra size or weight.
Will come back to this again, find these things interesting.
I also have used the fire straw method.

Feisar

I'm in the "a few useful items" camp.

Mylar Blanket
Cordage
Zip Lock Bag
Water Puri Tabs
Swiss Army Farmer
Fire Steel

With these I can create a shelter, build a fire and purify some water. Also could collect run off water from the mylar blanket or at a push boil in the Altoids tin. (I must see how much water can be boiled, cooled and drank over a hours period.

Also an Altoids Tin fits nicely into a Leatherman Wave nylon sheath. Just an FYI, I've never seen it anywhere was fiddling around with different kit ideas and found it fits snugly.

I really like an Altoids Tin attached to a knife sheath with separate fire steel slot. Attached via 550 Firecord.

I'm looking at this from the point of view of having to spend a night or two outside for some reason. Getting stuck on Carrauntoohil for example. I don't go in for the desert island type scenario where one would need snares/fishing hooks. If I got stuck out I want the basics covered.

1. Hut
2. Heat
3. Hydration

The Three H's, brought to you by Feisar!

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Tactical wrote: »

@OP, what's the Lens Cloth for?

Interesting conversation / topic. Will put my thoughts together over the weekend.

I suppose for me the ideal would be something with items to lend assistance in getting me to one of several locations, where in an ideal world I'd have stowed identical packs for longer term needs. The idea being that depending on the circumstances I could head to the most appropriate location without needing to worry that a different location would have different kit.

The OH has glasses, so it went into her kit. It was a bit big so I stuck half into my kit too. It's primary purpose at the moment is to stop the smaller pieces from rattling :P. This is my first real attempt after several paper drafts. I will definitely revisit this tin and create something more practical for my needs.

Tabnabs wrote: »

First off, why not put the duct-tape on the outside instead?

What do you anticipate using the cable ties for? Very useful by themselves, but these ones seems a bit short to be included when space it at a premium?

It will keep the tin "locked". If I ever need to open it for just the lighter, the tape would be wasted. It's definitely an idea. At the moment I have 7.5 meters of cordage (2mm I think), wrapped around the tin. It's slim enough and can be put back on easily enough.

@lostboy I rolled the duct tape on itself, so there's no core. It gives you that much extra tape, or that much extra room, whichever way you want to look at it . I could try and roll it on itself in the shape of a credit card, it might fit the tin better. Will let you know how it goes

Tactical

Didn't get a chance to pop my own ideas down over the weekend but will definitely get them down shortly.

One thing I'll be including is cash. Various notes and coinage.

Mylar blanket would be incredibly useful for so many different applications. I'd try and get as large as I could in.

Definitely some duct tape. So useful and strong, providing you buy good quality to begin with.

I've also considered one of the prepacked ponchos.

This is bearing in mind that for me it would be about getting me to a location where a bug out bag could be grabbed.

For travel abroad it would be an entirely different set up depending on the area of travel.

my3cents

Tactical wrote: »

Didn't get a chance to pop my own ideas down over the weekend but will definitely get them down shortly.

One thing I'll be including is cash. Various notes and coinage.

This is bearing in mind that for me it would be about getting me to a location where a bug out bag could be grabbed.

For travel abroad it would be an entirely different set up depending on the area of travel.

I just can't manage to bring myself to include cash? I'd spend €20 on a gadget to go in a survival tin but I couldn't put €20 in cash in. Strange but true.

Tactical

my3cents wrote: »

I just can't manage to bring myself to include cash? I'd spend €20 on a gadget to go in a survival tin but I couldn't put €20 in cash in. Strange but true.

Think about the cash as a survival item itself.

I'm exploring the idea that one of the small Peli cases might be a nice option over a tin. Various colours and sizes available. In my experience, Peli cases are all but indestructible.

Tactical

Something like from the Pelicase Micro range of cases

http://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/watertight-protector-hard-cases/micro-case/standard/1020/

With a variety of sizes and colours available I think they are a good option. Now, having said that I must admit to being a Peli fan and enjoy rugged, over-engineered items... but hey, nobody's perfect...

Tabnabs

Tactical wrote: »

Something like from the Pelicase Micro range of cases

http://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/watertight-protector-hard-cases/micro-case/standard/1020/

With a variety of sizes and colours available I think they are a good option. Now, having said that I must admit to being a Peli fan and enjoy rugged, over-engineered items... but hey, nobody's perfect...

€50.21 including shipping and VAT :eek:

http://www.waterproof-cases.co.uk/product/peli-1020-micro-case/

You can't polish up that lid as a signalling mirror either

Tactical

http://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/remote-area-led-lighting-systems/remote-area-lighting-system/light-case/9000/

my3cents

Tactical wrote: »

Something like from the Pelicase Micro range of cases

http://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/watertight-protector-hard-cases/micro-case/standard/1020/

I took the thread slightly off topic by introducing the 2oz tobacco tin as a better alternative to an Altoids tin but I think cases like that don't belong in an Altoids survival kit (tin) thread.

I'm old fashioned but there is a certain philosophy to making a survival tin and the first commandment is Thou shalt use a free tin. The second commandment is Thou shalt not buy a ready made tin (if you do you have to pretend you made it yourself ).

Anyone should be able to make up a survival tin without having to spend a fortune on it.

my3cents

Found this Survival Cheat Sheet (pdf) here. Some may like to print it out for use in a survival tin. Thats a lot of info on two sides of A4 but anyone into bushcraft, hunting or camping should know most of it already.

Edit> And another the PSKSheet by William G. Vannerson.

Edit2> Just too keep them all in one place these are a couple of others that get mentioned by various survival tin makers The Universal Edibility Test, Ground/Air Signals and The Scouts Emergency Signals.