Emergency Altoids Tin
During my injured time in late 2014, I finally took on a project I have long procrastinated on; to compile emergency kits in varying size and capabilities. I skipped a 72-hour bag as I had long considered my van as my go-to survival bag. It would keep me alove much longer than a backpack, and was always with me.
The next level down was my “every day carry” bag. What a purse is to a woman, an EDC is to a man. Instead of carrying makeup and what-nots, it carries my laptop, gun (at times), extra ammunition, a fair amount of first aide things, flashlight, extra glasses, identification, multipurpose tools, and more… but I digress.
Today is about the third level of kit that I put together – my Altoids Tin. It was intended to be put in my pocket no matter where I was going. Be it a short hike in the park or a longer day-hike in the woods, the Altoids Tin is my first line of survival if the “S” hits the fan. It weighs next to nothing, so the burden to carry it is minimal.
In it is the following: (starting at top-left, working down in 3 columns)
- Multiple butterfly bandages
- Water purification tablets
- Extra strength pain killers
- Multiple cotton swabs (great fire starters)
- Two moist towelette wipes
- Rubber band
- Black thread (can be used as stitches too)
- Floss (can be used in many ways)
- Superglue (glue or liquid stitches)
- 3 X 5 index card
- 2 sewing needles
- A small pencil tip
- 2 safety pins
- A micro multipurpose tool (scissors, knife, can opener, etc)
- Razor blade
- Piece of black plastic tube (straw)
- Match striking pad
- 4 water proof matches
- Small candle
- Small butane lighter
- Tinfoil
- Paperclip
- and lastly, the tin itself
From this tin I can patch myself up from most minor injuries, stay clean, prepare a fire to stay warm, cook something on that fire, repair clothing, purify water, signal for help, and even leave a note behind for rescuers who may be looking for me. Basically, it is to help get me through a single night, not necessarily in comfort, still alive.
You can find more of my opinions on van essentials here.
Very nice kit. I have two suggestions that may already be on your keyring or such.
One: a tiny LED flashlight. It might help you get home if you lose light before your return. And it can be used to signal or find the needle you dropped in the dark.
Two: a small but very loud emergency whistle. Helps a hiking partner locate you if separated or a rescue team find you. Goes farther and lasts longer than your voice.
Thanks CJ. That is great advice
Wow, pretty impressive what you got in there.
Where is the candle? I’m curious about it’s size but my eyes aren’t seeing it.
Candle wax is good for starting fires too and dental floss is a great heavy duty thread stand by, I use it now on a couple of heavy duty items, waxed.
Thanks for sharing, I think the whistle is a great addition too.
The candle is of the small twisty kind (red, between matches and bic lighter). One you might find on a birthday cake. I doubt it will burn for long, but it is the wax I want more than anything as you mention.
Now I see it. I read on an Alaska forum to take cotton balls coated in Vaseline to start fires too.
Small, lightweight and I guess very flammable.
Might test it out if CA wasn’t about to go up in flames.
Was wondering if you had seen these uses for drinking straws for packing in a survival kit:
http://prepforshtf.com/awesome-drinking-straws/#.VXiIo-8w99C
Interesting, thanks Betty