Altoids kits, revisited...

[Melvin-Purvis]

I searched the subject and while there are tons to choose from, none recent. It's been said that every bushacker, prepper, survivalist, outdoorsman starts with an Altoids can. Dunno how true that is, because I'm rather late to the game. A few days ago, taking with the GF about the topic, mocking it really, she suggested I put one together, being that she had the 'starter can', and so here we are. Most of the stuff contained herein came out of the odds n ends drawer.




Total time to build, about 30 minutes. From the top: Altoids can; bike inner tube cut into bands; three fishhooks on leaders, two safety pins, a paper clip, a button, and a zipper pull under duct tape on lid; latex gloves; water purification tabs; sand paper; water proof matches w/striker; zip ties; small flashlight; small multi tool; a larger paper clip; dental floss; two feet of duct tape on wax paper; carabineer type clip - sewing needle & thread, some band-aids, alcohol prep pads, a strip of blister pack pseudo-ephedrine; and a cord slide tensioner. So, that's mine. How about yours, what 'cha got?

 

[BladeScout]

Some of this stuff is old, cheap and from when I kept it in an actual tin.

Now use a waterproof box of app the same size.

I have spare sets - this is based on my first basic kit.

Used to wrap tape round the tin to keep moisture out - now I dont need to undo and wrap tape, if I want to open/close the can, as its relatively waterproof.

Tape, can opener, cheapo not-good-for-much tool with hex, bottle opener and mini saw etc. Also nails, which I often (re-)use, titanium tweezers, titanium tooth pick, 'ranger bands' i.e. cut up inner tube for use as elastic bands, for fire making in an emergency (of course dont use the rubber for a fire if not in dire (wet) straits).
Waterproof matches, water purifier tablets, candle, whistle, magnifying glass, fishing hooks and lead, wire, wire saw, pencil, solid fuel tablet, fire steel w scraper, needle n thread, micro compass and safety pins.

A length of paracord and zips held with bands to the outside of the box.

Might ditch the zips and fit a shorter length of cord inside the box

EDIT as I had the box open for pics, I decided to get rid off/exchange some of the old cheapo stuff in the can with better quality gear ASAP.

 

[Melvin-Purvis]

Nicely done! You've reminded me to dig out and add a P38 opener.

 

[BladeScout]

Yep, the P38 is a classic.

 

[leghog]

I just use zip lock bags.

 

[Uncle Timbo]

Great idea Melvin, guys, bring em on.

 

[Gaston444]

Rounder edged and quite a bit more compact than an Altoid tin is the snus can:

One thing that makes these better is they have a rubber sealed inner edge, which Altoids usually don't have. Altoids are slightly more rugged against denting, but they tend to make really tight bulky pouches, which is really noticeable and clunky looking, even on a large knife sheath. Snus cans are both better sealed and far less cumbersome for this application, and may be less hard on pockets due to their rounded edges. I found them a useful tip where space and bulk are at a premium, but of course capacity is about 1/3 less...

Gaston