I am starting to pull together some items to try making my own custom Altoids tin survival kit. There is no shortage of ideas online, so if anything, information overload is setting in. The challenge of fitting as much as possible in such a small space is the real draw. Of course, this tiny container would not be ideal as a complete survival kit, but something that fits in a pocket and has a supply of useful items could still come in handy.
One set of guidelines I have seen suggests ten 'Cs' of survival:
- Cutting tool
- Combustion
- Container
- Cordage
- Candling (a light source)
- Cover
- Compass
- Cotton bandana
- Cargo tape
- Canvas needle
How many of these can I fit in this space? What else might I need if I had to forage with just this kit?
For C-1, I have this extra-slim folding knife made with a single scale of sheet metal that just rolls over enough to protect the cutting edge. A small Swiss Army Knife might be better, of course, but I am assuming I will have my EDC Leatherman I wear on my belt, too. Sure, it has a knife and a saw, but a backup knife still seems too essential to leave out.
C-2 is a small Bic lighter. I may also see if I can find a matchbook as backup. A magnesium block and ferro rod might be nice, too, but they are also bulky.
C-3 is the Altoids tin itself. It's not much, but it might count.
C-4 is not pictured, but I have a length of cord just out of frame. It's about 10 feet, or 3 meters, and far less substantial than paracord, but better than boot laces.
C-5 is actually a flashlight I wear on my belt, but I do have a literal candle in the kit as pictured. That tea light is more to help start a fire (C-2) than to illuminate, although it could serve both purposes.
C-6 through C-9 are not incorporated at all, at least not yet. I do plan to add a needle and some thread to cover C-10, though.
What else might I add to fill out those missing Cs, or add more versatility?
I should add a P38 can opener.
Instead of thread, I could add fishing line and some hooks and sinkers.
I might also fit one of those almost-worthless space blankets, but the cheapest and thinnest still have too much volume to fit, I think.
The tiny compasses I have seen are generally not very good at all. Do you know of any worth actually including? Share a link in the comments!
A bandana might fit, although yet again, I try to carry one in a pocket when out and about anyway, too.
As for tape, I am not sure whether I need it or how to pack it.
Have you built such a kit? What do you suggest including or omitting? And don't tell me I just need a bigger kit. I have a "bug-out bag" of sorts already, too. My idea is more like a core kit for the direst of emergencies that can also be stashed inside a mess kit or backpack pouch for a bigger kit.