Five-minutes to improve a neglected commercial survival tin...

[Phil Elmore]

I've been making some new survival kits recently and thought I might see if I could improve the contents of an already open "survival tin" that was purchased commercially. Most of the items sold in the tin were still there, but there were some things I had space to add, and one critical item I wanted the tin to include: a bandanna. As anyone reading this probably already knows, square of cloth is one of the most versatile multipurpose items you can carry. There was no convenient way to squeeze one into the tin, though.

I ended up with the following items in the tin's inventory:

• SOG Fusion knife
• Bullion Cubes
• Pen
• String
• Thread
• Razor
• Twist Ties
• Safety Pins
• Matches
• Nail
• Needle
• Button compass
• Wire
• Carabiner
• Fish hook
• Split Ring
• LED Light
• Duct Tape
• Survival Tips
• Note Paper
• Bandanna

Then I wrapped it all in a plastic bag...

...and sealed it with painter's tape (because it won't produce as much nasty, sticky residue -- and because it was what I had available). Then I labeled the tin with its contents, so I wouldn't have to guess what was available to me.

 

[powernoodle]

Nice. Those little survival kits are fun, and might actually be helpful someday. Though we hope not.

One consideration: if you open it, the contents may no longer be secure in the can without a lid. Maybe consider an Altoids can, held with a rubber band or so-called ranger band. Just a thought.

:thumbup:

I have not made a full-fledged mini-kit, though have stuck a few items in an Altoid can for giggles.

SAK Farmer, Fox whistle, AAA light, mag block, pry thing.

 

[Phil Elmore]

I have other tins designed to be opened and closed -- this is one of those leftover items that I thought I might pack away for an emergency, since I had the things on hand to get it ready.

 

[kgd]

Good stuff Phil, aside from a knife, I agree that a bandanna has great uses:

Trauma bandage, sling, hat, water filter, peace flag (hey, I'm a Canadian), strips for cordage, sweat towel, used to make a torch, make shift (and poor one) breathing mask and of course last but not least, GIMP gag

I find having multiple little PSKs stuffed all over the place a good idea. I also like your labeling the contents of the PSK on the package. That makes immediate sense!

To your little kit I'd try to add: water purification tablets and a ziplock sandwhich bag or condom for water & purification. Does chlorine eat condoms???? I don't know

 

[theonew]

Nice kit Phil. I'm also a big bandanna fan, it's one of the three items I always bring with me when I walk my dog at night, other two being a flashlight and pocket knife. How were the sardines?

 

[jw2n]

I once knew a girl named chlorine.......never mind.